Gazelle Edge This instant

I took the gamble (aren't all infomercial products a gamble?) and the following are my results and impressions:

Packaging/Shipping: From time of order (over the internet), it took a little over a week to receive the Gazelle, which came in a damaged box with a deep slice (hole) right where the shipping label was located. Opening the box brought to light that the equipment itself was left unharmed (except for a couple of minor abrasions and a tiny gouge). I received the workout DVDs (three of them for an extra $30) two "shipping" days later.

Assembly: The instructions are adequate and assembly was straightforward, plus this unit is partial assembled to begin with. Although they provided a wrench (actually, they provided two same-size wrenches and extra hardware if needed) to finish assembling the unit, I'd recommend that you use a socket wrench. I was in no particular hurry and was looking over the exercise booklet while putting the Gazelle together, so it took me perhaps an hour and a half. I suspect most could assemble the Edge in less than 45 minutes.

Design: I was surprised how solid this design was for $99. The steel tubing is 1 1/2 inches in diameter and looks and feels very sturdy (on carpet -- not sure how it would feel on tile) even for a 210 pound guy like myself (maximum allowable load is rated at 250 pounds). Although it isn't what I would call light, one can fold the unit up for storage without much effort (snap the foot platforms onto the swing arms before sliding the frames together). The axle tube was well lubricated and I have no squeaks in that area at present. However, about two weeks into using this machine, it suddenly became noisy. The noise was more of a sandy, grinding sound and seemed to come from cable holders located at the foot platforms. I lubricated the cable and the bolts at both cable housings at the bottom (as well as the two at the top) with the recommended DW-40. The noise disappeared almost immediately. I suspect this may be a fairly constant maintenance practice (although I haven't had to repeat it), but it's easy and simple to perform. If the axle tube assembly begins to squeak, it won't be nearly as easy nor as convenient to take care of because one has to disassemble that part along with the two corner covers to add the lubricant (a clear household grease such as petroleum jelly is recommended). This is not a task I want to mess with more than once a year.

Use: There is fairly good documentation, even on how to mount and dismount the machine, and I suggest everyone read the documentation carefully before using. There is no need to fall if one takes their time and follows directions. Take a week or two and get use to the unit before going on to the recommended workout programs outlined in the booklet. I found it easy and safe to mount and dismount, and surprise, surprise, it works as advertised. The Edge is a beginner's unit (no pistons or heart monitor), but that's why I purchased it -- I'm a beginner, retired, overweight, out of shape, and have back problems (age can be a b*tch).

Simply put, it's up to the individual to exercise. If you do not commit to it, no exercise machine/program will work. Fortunately, the Gazelle is fun to use, so that may help. There are several different Gazelles and prices range from $99 (for the non-piston Edge reviewed here) all the way up to their newest "super-duper" unit at over $500. It's up to you, your level of fitness, and your pocketbook on which machine is best for you.

Extras: It comes with a battery-operated (two AAA batteries included) "computer" to register speed, distance, time, and estimated calories burnt (I have doubts about its accuracy). Even though it may, or may not be accurate (who knows?), it's pretty good to have in order to regiment or time your workouts.

The Bottom Line: Again, it's up to the individual on how well this unit performs and whether or not you are going to use it regularly and gain any benefit. For me (and those who are out of shape and want a decent cardiovascular workout), I'm pleasantly surprised with this product, it was shipped for free, it's been fun to use (a key factor in my opinion), and it probably holds the most value per buck in the Gazelle lineup. However, once a person gets into better shape, a different type of machine may be in order. Between 1 and 10, I rate the Edge a marginal 7 (as long as the axle tube assembly holds it lubricant for a decent amount of time).Get more detail about Gazelle Edge.