Gazelle Supreme

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Fitness meter	Warranty
Gazelle Supreme Check Discounted Price	L:44" W:31" H:55"	300 lbs	Hydraulic	Pulse, time, distance, speed, calories	1 year limited

The Gazelle Supreme shares many similarities with the basic Gazelle glider, the Edge model. However, there are several differences between the two. First of all, this particular model costs about $100 more. But there are two major features reflected by its higher price. The Supreme model features a resistance system, and integrates pulse sensors, while the Edge model does not.

Nonetheless, even though it’s a pretty basic fitness machine, there’s still a lot to be said about its features, and about what it can offer. Therefore, in this review we’ll try to cover each and every aspect.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 44L x 31W x 55H inches (112L x 79W x 140H cm)
• Assembled weight: 57 lbs (26 kg)
• Weight limit: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Stride: Full range
• Resistance: Hydraulic
• Fitness meter: Included
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction

One of the most important aspects regarding the frame of this Gazelle glider model is its foldability. It has an “X” design, and its two main parts fold together at the middle. Also, the footrests fold up, giving the machine a folded depth of 13″ (33 cm). Now, in case you’re wondering, you may or may not store it under your bed, as the bed should have a clearance of at least 13″ (33 cm) underneath, in order for the folded machine to fit. But on the other hand, the machine can still be stored in a narrow place, or against a wall, in folded position.

Its fully assembled and unfolded footprint is 44″L x 31″W (112 x 79 cm). That may not seem very large, but in order to undertake workouts that involve your maximum stride, you will need at least 3′ (92 cm) of clearance at the rear and at the front of the machine. That’s because the footrest bars will extend forward and backward quite a bit, as the machine promotes an extensive stride.

The Gazelle Supreme glider features slightly thicker tubing in its frame construction than the Edge model. It’s made of 2″ steel tubes, coated in silver, anti-corrosive paint. It’s not an extremely heavy machine. Considering that it weighs only 57 lbs (26 kg), just about anyone should be able to move, fold it and store it without too much hassle. However, the rear base integrates caster wheels which ease the transport.

The machine’s footrests are made of durable polyurethane, padded with non-slip material, in order to provide superior foot stability. The bars on which the footpads are attached connect to the rear-top of the frame via steel cables. Overall, the machine is pretty well engineered, featuring a durable and sturdy construction, even though it doesn’t weigh that much, being able to hold up to 300 lbs (136 kg) of user weight.

A bit of a downside regarding this machine is that it doesn’t have adjustable stabilizers. The front bars rest on plastic caps, while the rear curved bar rests on the square bases of the wheel supports. Therefore, in order to achieve maximum stability with this machine, it’s best to place it on a rubberized mat or on a rug.

Last but not least, the upright mobile arms of the machine are coated with rubber-foam material, in order to offer a comfortable and firm grip. The top of the grips integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. Therefore, in case you want to maintain a specific heart rate interval, or simply track your pulse during the workout, the fitness meter unit has you covered.

Stride

The main difference between a glider and an elliptical trainer is the stride motion. An elliptical, as terminology suggests, offers a complete elliptical motion, the feet of the user describing a complete ellipse during the workout. On a glider, the foot motion covers only the lower part of the ellipse. But on the other hand, the stride basically has no limit.

These being said, a glider does not offer an extremely consistent workout for leg muscles such as calves, for example. But does offer higher cardio workout possibilities, involving a maximum stride of the user. There’s virtually no user height limit for this machine, since just about any user can take their stride to maximum. On most elliptical machines, stride is fixed, and taller users may consider the elliptical motion restrictive.

Also, in case you’re wondering, the machine’s step-up height is 6″ (15 cm).

Drive and resistance

As we’ve mentioned within the introduction part of this post, the Gazelle Supreme does offer a resistance system, as opposed to the Edge model. It consists on two hydraulic cylinders which connect to the machine’s mobile arms, adding quite a bit of resistance to the motion. Therefore, you can choose to workout with the cylinders attached, in order to benefit from increased resistance and a more consistent workouts, or with the cylinders disconnected, for lighter workouts. Differently put, there are two resistance settings.

Along with the resistance supplied by the cylinders, you can still add intensity to your workouts by leaning forward or backward, thus putting more emphasis on certain groups of muscles. For example, if you lean backward during your workout, you’ll benefit from a better burn in the arm and back muscles.

One last aspect to be mentioned here regards the machine’s drive system. Even though it doesn’t feature a flywheel, crank or transmission such as an elliptical machine, the machine’s “drive” involves several elements. For example, all joints integrate high-grade ball bearings, made to last and to provide a quiet and smooth motion. This being said, the Gazelle Supreme is a great choice for a cardio training machine, in case you live in an apartment building. Its operation is quiet, and most definitely won’t bother the neighbors.

Fitness meter and other accessories

The fitness meter unit supplied with this glider machine offers a bit more than the basic meters. Along with speed, distance, time and calories burned, it can also track pulse. Evidently, in order to monitor your pulse during your workout, you will have to hold onto the sensors integrated in the machine’s grips.

The unit uses 2 AAA type batteries, which are included. It’s quite easy to operate as it features only one button which covers all the functions. It has a SCAN function which rotates the values, bringing each one on screen for several seconds, then moving to the next. The unit is powered on when it detects movement or by pressing the button. All values are reset by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds.

When it comes to other accessories, there are two to be mentioned. First of all, the unit comes with a bottle holder and plastic water bottle. Also, 3 DVDs covering all the workouts that you can carry out on this machine are supplied.

Assembly and Maintenance

This Gazelle elliptical glider is fairly easy to assemble, operation which shouldn’t take more than 30 min. A manual which will guide you through the assembly, and the tools required come with the box.

The two main frame pieces come already connected together at the middle, and the foot bar cables are also connected to the rear-top part of the frame. You will have to connect the base bars, the stabilizers and wheels, the main axle, the resistance cylinders, and finally the fitness meter with its magnetic sensors.

Maintenance requires the periodic check of the machine’s joints and re-tightening the screws if it’s the case. Also, if the joints develop squeaks, lubrication should solve the problem.

The Pros

• Solid, thick steel frame;
• Folding frame, space saving design;
• Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
• Variable stride, easy to adapt to the user’s motion;
• Resistance system, involving two hydraulic cylinders;
• Extra-wide, non-slip footrests;
• Excellent machine for cardio workouts;
• Pulse sensors integrated in handlebars;
• Fitness meter that can track speed, distance, time, calories and pulse;
• Batteries for the meter are included;
• Bottle holder with bottle;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• Lack of adjustable stabilizers;
• Joints may begin to squeak after a while, but the problem is easily solved by lubricating them.

Final Word

The Gazelle Supreme is an excellent alternative for an elliptical trainer. Even though it’s a glider and does not cover the full elliptical motion, it does offer a lot of movement freedom, as opposed to ellipticals. It offers multiple workout possibilities, and also integrates a resistance system powered by two hydraulic cylinders. It’s an excellent machine for small apartments as it has a folding frame, fitting in small, narrow places. It’s definitely a machine that can help you maintain a healthy cardiovascular shape, tone muscles, build stamina and lose weight. All in all, it offers excellent value for the price.