Ask Gilad

Bone Building Exercises

Question: Do you have any exercises that you can recommend for bone building?

Answer: The best exercises you can do for bone building are resistance exercises with weights. Outside of some of my DVD's such as 'sculpt and tone' 'cuts and curves' I would highly recommend getting into the gym and incorporate free weights into your regiment.

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Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Cross-Training

Question: I have been doing your aerobic workouts (the TV shows) for about 3 months now and like the results. However, I think I am ready for the next step. What do you suggest?

Answer: I suggest you mix it up a little. Jog, ride a bicycle, even start doing some weight training. This is what is referred to as cross-training. I find that cross-training is the best way to balance a good workout program. It eliminates the typical 'burnout' or 'boredom' syndrome of doing one single activity over and over. It is also more versatile and therefore easier for anyone with a busy schedule. It keeps your fitness activities more healthy, fun and alive. It also allows your body more rest between repetitions of the same activity.

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Cravings

Question: Why do we crave foods that aren't good for us?

Answer: That is a complex question with many different answers based on each individual. Let's just look at one all encompassing answer for now...advertising. We have been exposed to advertising our entire lives. We have seen so many commercials and print ads that advertise fast foods, sugar, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages that they have to affect us. They show beautiful people with beautiful bodies photographed in exotic locations holding in their hands cans of...you know the rest. 

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Is Steak Bad For You?

Question: I love meat....but I love fruits and vegetables too. I trim as much fat as I can from my steak whenever I eat it. If you make an effort to eat your steak as lean as possible, is it still bad for you?

Answer: You have probably heard that all calories are not created equal. It's true. Calories from fat are actually more fattening than calories from other sources. Carbohydrates and proteins (including fat-free steak) both weigh in at only 4 calories per gram while fats weigh in at a whopping 9 to 11 calories per gram! (Please note that it is impossible to trim ALL of the fat off of steak.) This means that you are getting 2 ½ times more calories from fat than from equal amounts of carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables) or protein. As you can see, it is a lot smarter to get your calories from carbohydrates. Not only can you eat more with less calories to worry about, but the calories you get from carbohydrates are a lot more efficient and easily used by the body. 

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Avoiding Sugar

Question: I am making a concerted effort to avoid sugar. I have quit drinking soda and I avoid ice cream, candy, cookies and all other pastries. Are there any other sources I should be aware of?

Answer: First of all, good job! You seem to be avoiding the main culprits. But most people don't realize how much sugar they are getting from other sources. Sugar is the number one additive in processed foods. It is used in bread, catsup, crackers, cereals, spaghetti sauce, bouillon cubes, non-dairy creamers, cured meats....you name it. AND, it goes by many hidden names such as fructose, dextrose, honey, maple or corn syrup, molasses, etc....  Watch for these names on ingredient lists.

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Running For Exercise

Question: I want to start running to lose weight. My knees and joints are in good shape but I am uncomfortably overweight. Any suggestions?

Answer: If you are a beginner to exercising, or if you are more than 15 pounds overweight, you do not want to go outside and just start running. In fact, I would suggest that you go outside and start walking instead. Walking and running can produce the exact same cardiovascular benefits and will burn the same number of calories. The only difference is that with walking, you have to be out there longer. Runners can have a great workout in half an hour, while walkers would probably have to walk briskly for about an hour to get the same results.

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Cool Down Versus Aerobic Cool Down

Question: What is the difference (if any) between an aerobic cool-down and a general cool-down?

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Sweet Tooth

Question:  I have a major sweet tooth. How does a person with a sweet tooth avoid sweets?

Answer: If you are craving something sweet, try a piece of fresh fruit and see if that curbs your appetite.  Fruit is just like dessert, but with all those extra vitamins and minerals along for the ride.

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Swimming for Exercise

Question: Hi Gilad, I have been doing your workouts since my early 20s. Started with your show on TV, then many of your exercise videos. I am now close to 50 and would like to ask you what the best combination for a woman of my age. Strength, cardio, Pilates or yoga in order to stay fit. Cardio has become tough as I seem to feel it in my joints. I was thinking I should stick to swimming.
I would like to tell you that of all the exercise trainers that have offered exercise videos over the years, none have been as motivating as you are. Your form, cueing and your personality are perfect (I still do your step aerobic workout with a bit more difficulty now and I keep it low impact).  All the best and hope to hear from you. Jennifer

Answer: Aloha Jennifer, I would highly recommend a weekly fitness program that include all the disciplines you mentioned, they are all equally important!
Swimming is one of the best overall exercises you could do since there is little impact on the joints.
Swimming is very effective for overall conditioning since it develops your cardiovascular system as well as improve your strength and flexibility.
For best results I would recommend doing each of the activities you mention including swimming on a regular basis.
Another Idea would be to each week alternate between 2-3 activities, focusing one week more on strength, second week more on swimming, third week more on yoga etc. The more you mix it up the better for your body and the more fun you'll have!
Gilad  

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Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

Diet or Exercise?

Question: The main reason I exercise regularly is so I can eat whatever I feel like eating. Sometimes it works OK but I find myself having to increase the amount I exercise and sometimes I can't keep up. What do you suggest?

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.