Ask Gilad

Ask Gilad: Today's Fitness Industry

Gilad: If you could change 1 thing about today's fitness industry, what would you change or like to see changed? 

Answer:
I think the fitness industry has succumbed to "extreme fitness" which in the long run is way too intense for most people and in my opinion dangerous. Most of these exercises pay little attention to form and correct posture which are key for long term health and injury free fitness. This intense style of exercise you see is geared for the very young and would be very hard to maintain past your 40's, if you get there in one piece that is....  

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

This Week's Ask Gilad: Proper Dimensions for a Step Aerobic Platform

Question: Hi, can you please tell me what are the proper dimensions for a step aerobic platform?

Answer: Most steps are around 30"L x 15" W x 4" H. Get one that is adjustable so you can add height as you improve your cardiovascular fitness. Many seem to like these: HomGarden Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper & The Step Original Aerobic Platform - Circuit Size.

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Ask Gilad: Staying Committed

Question: I started the year great. I was motivated and eager to achieve my goals. Now I am having a hard time staying committed since I do not see the results I was hoping for. Any suggestions to get me back on track?

Answer:

The number one thing I see is that people are setting unrealistic goals. Not reaching your goal is one of the most demotivating factors that can cause commitment issues. 

Try this: Set one small goal that you can achieve, then do that again. Achieving a goal small or large is evenly satisfying and gets you motivated to keep going.

Selecting activities you enjoy is also important for motivation. 

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.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Jumping Jacks Replacement

Question: What exercise can I do instead of jumping jacks or such when watching the videos? I have had two knee injuries and doctor said to avoid those exercises.

Answer:

My best advice is to walk in place instead. You will still burn calories. 

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.

Ask Gilad: What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Extra Belly Fat?

Question: I'm struggling with extra belly fat, what is the best way to get rid of it?  

Answer:

I believe interval training and cross training are the most effective ways to lose belly fat. Why? With each interval you're increasing intensity. When you work out at a higher intensity level you start burning fat not just calories. That makes a difference compared to a regular cardio workout. Cross training works the entire body and that helps burn fat everywhere.  

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.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Advice On Starting Your 2020 Fitness Program

Question: What is one mistake people make when they start on a fitness program? I'm getting ready to start my 2020 fitness resolution program and I want it to be successful. 

Answer: The most common mistake is not taking the time to understand the basic needs of your body and your current condition. Doing too much, too soon is a common mistake most people make because they want immediate results. I am a true advocate of taking your fitness one step at a time so it's enjoyable and sustainable.  Also, for the majority of people, I would highly suggest keeping it simple! 

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.

This Week's Ask Gilad: What is your personal workout routine?

Question: What is your personal workout routine?

Answer:

 My own personal exercise regimen involves quite a bit of cross training.  I vary my program all the time.  For instance, I used to combine both long distance and short distance running, but lately I have been more into riding my bicycle.  I swim in the ocean.  Of course, living in Hawaii is like having a pool right at your doorstep. 

Occasionally I will play soccer or do other sports activities like scuba diving.  I strength train with weights on the average of three times per week, and of course I teach aerobic classes.

Mix up your routine and it becomes a lot more fun.

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.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Overcoming Setbacks

Question: I missed a week due to work. I am so discouraged with myself that I am finding it hard to start again.  How do you get over these setbacks?

Answer: Don't forget to encourage yourself.  It is easy to overlook our small successes and not give ourselves the credit we deserve.  Congratulate yourself for all those small changes and successful steps.  And if you don't achieve your goal right away don't give in to discouragement, because of change, large or small, is never an easy process.  There are always pitfalls along the way.  If you can't follow your fitness program for a day or a week for whatever reason, don't feel guilty about it.  Let it go and start fresh the next day.  Allow yourself the benefit of being able to start again.  Do not wallow in self-criticism or harsh self-judgment...and don't let anything make you give up your goal. 

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.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Importance of the Cool Down

Question: Sometimes I feel like just skipping the cool down....but I figure that because you always do it, it must be important.

Answer: You are right.  The cool down is important.  It is designed to allow your heart rate to gradually decrease after aerobic exercise.  This procedure is important for the health of your heart and will also actively stretch some of the muscles used during exercise. 

Following an aerobic workout, whether it is walking, running or high or low impact aerobics, it is necessary to continue working aerobically at a significantly reduced level to allow your heart rate to come down slowly.  This is what is known as the Aerobic Cool-down.  It should be followed by the General Cool-down, which stretches the major muscle groups.  The General Cool-down will help your muscles recover faster and help you avoid soreness after exercising.  No workout is complete until after you have done your 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.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Exercise Recommendations to Slow Down Osteoporosis in the Spine

Question:  What exercises do you recommend to strengthen and slow down osteoporosis in the spine?  I'm 63 and exercise an hour daily.

Answer:

There are several DVD's that we offer that are excellent for strengthening and improving back conditions. Most back issues can be improved with lower back and core exercises. Our 'Core Challenge' DVD and 'Phenomenal Abs and Core' DVD from the Lord Of The Abs series is a good one as well as 'Core and More' from the Ultimate Body Sculpt series. All three of these DVD's are within the one hour range you mention. I believe that if you incorporate these 3 DVD's into your weekly schedule you will improve! You can do one on a Monday, one on a Wednesday and the third on a Friday. Good luck!

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.