Ask Gilad

Is It Too Late For Me To Start Working Out?

Gilad:

I am 63 years old and I have never really been on an exercise program. Now I am overweight and starting to have health problems. My doctor wants me to start taking pills for high blood pressure and cholesterol but they don't agree with me. Am I a lost cause?

Answer:
I can see that a person in your situation could be nervous about trying to start a regular exercise program. It must seem like an overwhelming task to you. But let me assure you, the people that achieve the greatest and most noticeable benefits from exercise are those that have never exercised before! Many studies have proven that even people in their eighty's and beyond can achieve significant physiological improvements, in muscle strength, bone mass, lowered body fat and cardiovascular health, by beginning an exercise program and watching what they eat. Exercise does not discriminate. It is good for everyone! 

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 Gaining Weight During a New Workout Normal?

Gilad:

I have finished the first 4 weeks of the 'Quick Fit System' and am starting on week 5. The other day I unconsciously ran up some stairs at work and I was hardly out of breath. I completely surprised myself as normally when I climbed stairs I would have been huffing and puffing. Thank-you for such an effective program. My only concern is that I haven't seen any significant weight loss yet. In fact I have gained a few lbs. Is this normal?

Answer:

When starting an intense fitness program it is not uncommon to gain some weight because your muscles are developing and becoming denser. I would not worry about it at this time. Just stick with the program. Your body will adjust and will find its own balance and correct weight.

The true test to the success of your program was when you realized that it was easier for you to climb stairs without huffing and puffing. You are on the right track!

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.

Reshape Your Lower Body

Gilad:

What are the best exercises, including weights to tone and build muscle in the thighs? I especially need to firm up the inner thigh but interested in more intense exercising in buns and thighs. 

Regards,

Nancy

Answer:
The best exercises for the buns and thighs would be squats, lunges and inner thigh toning exercises. I think you will find all you want in my Power and Grace workout. It's the best workout I have for reshaping, toning and strengthening the lower 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.

Trying to Lose Baby Weight?

Gilad:

I am trying to lose baby weight and get back into exercising to be more healthy. Which DVDs would be a good starting one again. Thanks!

Answer:

I would recommend the Weight Loss and Toning Program, it will help you get started and get you back into shape back after pregnancy.

Thanks

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" Blog

Gilad:

What is the most effective type of cardio workout?

 
Answer:
Aloha Sharyl,
There are 2 types of cardio workouts. The first is a 'steady pace' cardio workout that maintains your heart rate at 60% to 75% of your maximum heart rate for a period of 30 minutes. The second is an 'interval' cardio workout that incorporates 6 to 10 high intensity cardio bursts during the 30 minute period. Each burst lasts 20 to 60 seconds and raises your heart rate to above 80% of your max. The question is: "Which type of workout is better for burning fat and getting into shape?" The answer? A 'steady pace' cardio workout is recommended for beginners or people that are overweight or have not worked out in a while. The 'steady pace' workout should be used for about 6 weeks to help you build a 'fitness foundation'. Once this has been accomplished you can start incorporating 'interval' cardio training into your program. It is proven that 'interval' cardio training can dramatically improve your fitness level and have measurable health benefits for your heart and respiratory system. 
Aloha, Gilad

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" Blog

Gilad:

Hi Gilad! You look great! I started working out to your show "Bodies in Motion" around 25 years ago. I have several of your tapes and DVDs and still workout with you. My weight has fluctuated throughout my life but I recently lost 42 lbs through diet and exercise and was looking pretty lean and toned last summer, especially for my 53rd birthday right around the corner. I was rear ended the end of July and because of neck pain I couldn't do any vigorous workouts for several months.

That, plus other stressful events in my life which have slowly pushed me into comfort eating once again, and I have gained 10 lbs back since my accident. I can't seem to find my motivation again and am scared and saddened to find myself moving back up the scale, as I worked so hard to get into shape. From what I have observed, you have never been out of shape in your life, but do you have any suggestions? I truly admire you!
Sincerely,

Sharyl R.

 
Answer:
Aloha Sharyl,
Sounds like you are ready to get back into your top shape.
You say that you lost a total of 42 pounds and now have gained 10 back. Your situation is not bad!
All you have to do is start up again slowly and at your own pace!
Often when we let go of our fitness program for a period of time for whatever reason, we find it hard to get back into it because all we remember is how it felt when we are at full swing. From where you are right now that might seem like to big a  challenge.
So, go back to the basics! do only what you can easily and comfortably do and take it one workout at a time!
Remember, for where you are now consistency is more important then intensity!
If you follow this plan I believe you will lose the extra 10 pounds in no time!
Gilad

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" Blog

Gilad:

What is the best way for me to stick to my New Year's resolution to lose weight?

Answer:
The best way I have found to stick to any diet or exercise routine is to do it with another person who is just as determined as you are to stick to the routine. Both of you will have built in encouragement and motivation to reach your goals. A great alternative is to join my DietBet challenge. More about that in this newsletter. Happy New Year everyone.

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" Blog

Gilad:

I have reached a plateau in my training/weight loss, what should I do?

Answer:
The word "plateau" in my opinion is often over-used. It is typically a condition that describes professional athletes who have been over-exerting their bodies on a regular basis and are in need of more rest. Many times it will happen after months of intense competition. In the case of us "regular folks" we tend to use that term when, for some reason, our weight loss has stopped for a period of time or when we feel like we are not improving in our fitness program. Remember, when you are on a weight loss program and are working out, you are losing body fat and gaining muscle at the same time. Often the scale will not show weight loss because of the simple fact that - the muscle you gained weighs more than the fat you lost! - Also keep in mind that muscle takes up less space than fat in the body because muscle is denser. That is why often you will see inches lost but not weight loss... I would simply stick with the program understanding that the body needs time to adjust to the new regimen. If you are eating healthy balanced meals and adjusting your fitness program as you are becoming more fit, you will keep improving!

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" Blog

Gilad:

When you lunge forward you always say not to let your knee go past your toe. Why?

Answer:
It is very important for your body to be in the right position any time you do any exercise. Not only will you get more out of each exercise but you will also keep your body's working parts safe. Any movements that involve deep flexion of the knee (beyond 90 degrees) needs to be very carefully executed as it is potentially unsafe. In most cases it is not necessary to go into a deep flexion in order to get the benefit out of the exercise. A classic example is the forward lunge. The best way for you to gauge that your knee is not bending below 90 degrees is to make sure that your knee ends up in a vertical line to the middle of your foot and that it never goes past your toe line. You will notice that even in professional sporting events it is rare to see any athlete go into a deep forward flexion, if they occasionally do so, it is not in a repetitive movement such as you do when you exercise. Have a safe workout!

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 Blog

Dear Gilad:

Hi Gilad, For consistent weight loss, what is your recommendation for working out? How many days a week, for how long and what kind of exercise - cardio, strength, both? Any other advice on losing weight would be appreciated. Thank you - you're the best!

Dee 

Answer:
The best advice I can give you is to start my Quick Fit System which is available right here on the Collage web site.

The system which includes 7 workouts ranging from 20-40 minutes each, breaks down the perfect balance between cardio and toning exercises and comes with my "Eat Right Now" nutrition guide that will help you shed off those extra pounds without deprivation!

The training guide is based on 6 days a week with one day for rest. The program is a 12 week program and its progressive getting a little more challenging from week to week. It also has a maintenance program to keep you in motion after you complete the 12 week cycle. We also have a support system for Quick Fit System users on Face Book

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.