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The 8 Best Air Walker and Air Glider Exercise Machines

The Gazelle Edge Glider folds for easy storage in between uses

Best Air Walker and Air Gilder Exercise Machines

Verywell / Amelia Manley

Looking for a space-efficient way to get a low-impact workout? It might be worth investing in a glider. Also known as “air walkers,” gliders are conceptually similar to ellipticals, but their pedals aren’t anchored in a bulky base—they glide seamlessly through the air. This spatially economic design also results in a more challenging workout, as the more compact frame requires optimal core recruitment to maintain balance.

This combination of space efficiency and a low-impact, total-body challenge makes the glider a worthwhile addition to many at-home fitness routines. When considering different models, it’s important to keep elements like weight capacity, unfolded dimensions, and folded dimensions in mind. We evaluated air gliders for these features and price, design, added resistance, and fitness level.

Here are the best air walker and air glider exercise machines on the market.

Pros
  • Classic design

  • Foldable

  • Built-in workout computer

  • Comes with a workout DVD

Cons
  • No added resistance

  • Only one plane of motion


For a reliable low-impact workout, the Gazelle Edge Glider is our top overall pick. The classic air walker is crafted from durable steel, and since it folds up between uses, it won’t demand a ton of space in your home.

The glider’s extra-wide, non-slip foot pedals will make it easy for you to stay comfortable and balanced during your workouts. And its high-density foam handlebars will give you plenty of grip as you stride back and forth.

Key Specs:
Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Unfolded Dimensions: 43 x 29.25 x 53.75 inches | Folded Dimensions: 66x 29.25 x 8.5 inches

Best Overall Runner-Up

Gazelle Freestyle Glider

Gazelle Freestyle Glider

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros
  • Classic design

  • Foldable

  • Built-in workout computer

  • Comes with two workout DVDs

Cons
  • No added resistance

  • Only one plane of motion

The Gazelle Freestyle Glider is a classic air walker that boasts a few extra features, making it a great pick for those who want to upgrade. Like the Gazelle Edge Glider, the Gazelle Freestyle Glider boasts extra-wide pedals, high-density foam handlebars, and a built-in computer that will help you track your workouts. But it also comes with a thumb press monitor you can use to track your heart rate, as well as a removable water bottle holder you can use to stay hydrated during your workouts.

Best for Beginners

Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer

Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer

Amazon

Pros
  • Classic design

  • Shorter stride pattern is great for beginners

  • Foldable

  • Built-in workout computer

Cons
  • No added resistance

  • Only one plane of motion

Most gliders are beginner-friendly. But because the Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer feels more controlled (and less unwieldy) than some other options, it’s a particularly great pick for beginners. Whereas other gliders make it easy to lean forward and back, the Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer boasts a slightly constrained stride pattern, which helps you stay upright and in control.

The machine also comes equipped with a built-in ab rest you can lean on any time you need to steady yourself during a workout. 

Key Specs:
Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Unfolded Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 57 inches | Folded Dimensions: 15 x 19 x 61.5 inches

Best with Resistance

Gazelle Supreme Glider

Gazelle Supreme Glider

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros
  • Classic design

  • Intermediate-friendly

  • Foldable

  • Built-in workout computer

  • Comes with three workout DVDs

  • Allows you to add resistance

Cons
  • Only one plane of motion

The Gazelle Supreme Glider is a classic air walker that offers a more challenging experience than most. At first glance, the glider looks like any other. It boasts a durable steel frame, non-slip pedals, foam handlebars, and a built-in workout computer.

But what sets this machine apart is the fact that it comes equipped with Power Pistons, which allow you to add hydraulic resistance to your workouts. This feature makes it easy to scale up the intensity of your workouts—but without disrupting the smooth, low-impact experience you expect from a glider. 

Key Specs:
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Unfolded Dimensions: 44 x 31.5 x 55 inches | Folded Dimensions: 65 x 29.5 x 13 inches

Best for Range of Motion

Hammacher Schlemmer Foldaway Full Motion Hip and Leg Exerciser

The Foldaway Full Motion Hip And Leg Exerciser

Courtesy of Hammacher Schlemmer

Pros
  • Classic design

  • Intermediate-friendly

  • Foldable

  • Built-in workout computer

  • 360-degree range of motion

  • Higher weight capacity

Cons
  • No added resistance

Most gliders allow you to move your legs forward and back—just like you would on an elliptical. But the Foldaway Full Motion Exerciser also allows you to move your legs out to the sides, giving you a fuller range of motion than you’d find on most gliders.

The sturdy steel glider boasts a higher weight capacity than many others, and its wide, textured pedals will help you balance as you tackle a range of dynamic exercises, great for those who work out on equipment like balance boards and like exercises that build flexibility, stability, and core strength. Experiment with sliding your legs forward and back, side to side, and any other direction you can think of. The diversity will help you score a well-rounded workout, and you can always stick to a more standard stride if you feel overwhelmed. 

Key Specs:
Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Unfolded Dimensions: 28 x 19.5 x 48 inches | Folded Dimensions: Not disclosed

Best Foldable

Hammacher Schlemmer Low-Impact Foldaway Strider

Hammacher Schlemmer foldaway
Pros
  • Classic design

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Particularly small space-friendly

  • Foldable

  • Built-in workout computer

Cons
  • No added resistance

  • Only one plane of motion

Many gliders are small space-friendly. But the Low Impact Foldaway Strider is smaller than most—and folds up even smaller—making it a great pick if you’re hoping to save space. If you're looking to incorporate some more activity at work in addition to using a standing desk, this foldable strider is a nice option. Of course, the Low Impact Foldaway Strider’s small size isn’t the only thing it has to offer.

The glider is also sturdy and comfortable to use. Its textured wide pedals offer plenty of traction, its foam handlebars are comfortable to grip, and its built-in ab rest will keep you upright and in control throughout your workouts. 

Key Specs:
Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Unfolded Dimensions: 26.5 x 20.5 x 58 inches | Folded Dimensions: 17 x 16.5 x 48 inches

Best for Outdoors

Hammacher Schlemmer Outdoor Strider

The Outdoor Strider

Courtesy of Hammacher Schlemmer

Pros
  • Classic design

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Weather-resistant

Cons
  • No added resistance

  • Only one plane of motion

  • Does not fold

The Outdoor Strider is a classic glider designed with outdoor workouts in mind. The air walker is crafted from durable stainless steel, and it’s finished with a protective coating that cuts down on rusting, chipping, and discoloration. Its pedals are wide and textured for traction. And while its handlebars aren’t padded with foam, they are thick enough to grip comfortably.

Set the glider up in your backyard, on your patio, or on some other flat surface, and use it to log a quick outdoor workout any time you’re in the mood to. 

Key Specs:
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Unfolded Dimensions: 46 x 24.25 x 66 inches | Folded Dimensions: does not fold

Best Under-Desk

Carepeutic BetaFlex Sit and Swing Exerciser

Carepeutic KH525 BetaFlex Sit and Swing Exerciser

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros
  • A great under-desk solution

  • Small space-friendly

  • Two tension-controlled resistance settings

Cons
  • Only one plane of motion

  • Not as challenging as a full glider

If you love gliding so much you wish you could do it all day long, the Carepeutic Sit and Swing Exerciser might be just the thing you need. The glider is designed with just two pedals, so it’s small enough to slide under your desk. And since it comes with a built-in LCD monitor, you can easily track your workout time, your stride count, and more.

Since you won’t be standing while striding, the under-desk glider won’t give you the same full-body workout you’d get from a more traditional glider. But it still offers an easy way to stay active while sitting at your desk or on your couch, as well as round out your fitness routine on other compact fitness equipment like an under desk bike.

Key Specs:
Weight Capacity: none listed | Unfolded Dimensions: 21.38 x 15.3 x 17 inches | Folded Dimensions: does not fold

Final Verdict

If you’re interested in buying a glider, you can’t go wrong with the Gazelle Edge Glider. The machine promises a smooth, low-impact, and reliable workout. While it doesn’t boast some of the higher-tech features you may find on other machines, it gives you everything you need to get some solid exercise. Plus, this lack of fancy features makes the Gazelle Edge Glider more affordable than many other air walkers. If you want to invest in a more premium option, spring for the Gazelle Supreme Glider. Since the machine comes equipped with hydraulic resistance, it promises a more challenging workout than most. (But rest assured knowing you can still use it to get that smooth, low-impact workout you’re looking for).

What to Look for in a Glider

Weight Capacity:

Before using any machine, you should double-check its weight capacity (sometimes called its “maximum training load”). Different machines can accommodate different weight capacities, and many gliders can support maximum training loads between 220 and 330 pounds.

Unfolded Dimensions:

Gliders offer a space-efficient way to get a good workout. But before bringing one into your space, you’ll want to be sure it’s as small as you need it to be. Take a look at the length, width, and height before buying—just in case the glider happens to be bigger than you were expecting. 

Folded Dimensions:

Many gliders fold in half, making them particularly easy to store between workouts. The only downside? Some gliders get taller when folded in half. So if you’re interested in a folding glider, double-check its folded dimensions (just to avoid any surprises).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is an air walker good for losing weight?

    Though air walkers promise a low-impact workout, they can help you work up a sweat—which, in turn, can help you burn calories and lose weight. Over time, you may need to increase your speed to keep your air walker workouts challenging. (You can also invest in an option with added resistance if you’d like to make your workouts more intense.)

  • What is the difference between an air walker and an elliptical cross-trainer?

    Air walkers and elliptical cross trainers are very similar. Both involve a cyclical stride, where you press your feet forward and back. And both (typically) include moving handlebars you can grip to move your upper body, too. 

    That said, ellipticals tend to be larger and bulkier than air walkers. Ellipticals come attached to sturdy bases that ground the machine, helping you stay balanced. And since these bases often come equipped with electronic technology, you can use them to scale your machine’s resistance level up and down. Air walkers tend to be much lower-profile. Their pedals aren't attached to bases, which means you may have to do more work to stay balanced. (This also means you can rarely scale the resistance of your glider workouts up or down.) 

    Finally, some air walkers are designed to let you move your feet out to the sides—in addition to sliding them forward and back. Since ellipticals are attached to firm bases, they don’t offer this 360-degree range of motion. (It’s worth noting that many gliders don’t offer this range of motion, either. So if you’re interested in this, you’ll have to seek out a very specific style of air walker.)

Why Trust Verywell Fit? 

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.