Ask Gilad

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: 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.  

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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: Advice For Working Out After Two Knee Replacements

Question: I am a 61 year old female who has had 2 total knee replacements. I got the green light to exercise and get back onto a workout routine.  I'm not sure where to start.   Any thoughts?  Thanks.

Answer:

 Aloha 61 year old,

As a general rule, I would start with simple low impact movements and range of motion exercises. I don't know your history so it is hard to asses your condition from a distance.. I would definitely recommend physical therapy on an ongoing basis for flexibility of the knee joint while consulting with your physical therapist as to what type of strengthening exercises you can safely do. Strengthening and range of motion exercises on a consistent basis are a must in order to get your knees to function as best they can.   

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: Cycling Workouts to "Up" Results

Welcome to "Ask Gilad" - a weekly blog written by Fitness Hall of Fame member Gilad.  Thanks for reading.

Question: I own every DVD you have made and I just received the newest one, which I’ve been working out with for six months now.  My favorite DVDs from you are the Quick Fitness program and X4 . In the past six months I have gained 4 pounds. I was 151 - I am up to 154 - I started out 172.  I do not want to lose my current muscle mass but I want to lose the weight. Should I still continue doing "Quick Fitness," but now along with X4?

By the way, I do have the maximum ab work out as well and I love the ab workouts that you do in the floor with the medicine ball Core Challenge.

Answer:

 You should continue mixing up the DVD workouts the way you may have been. If you wish to 'up' the challenge then I would also incorporate the Lord Of The Abs DVD series (you already have Maximum Abs from the series)

The way to incorporate would be to do the Quick fit System for one week, The 4X on week two and the Lord Of The Abs series on week 3 (5 workouts) This 3 week cycle will definitely up your results, good luck and keep fit!

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: Why Have I Plateaued?

Welcome to "Ask Gilad" - a weekly blog written by Fitness Hall of Fame member Gilad.  Thanks for reading.

Question: Why have I plateaued after losing 10 pounds?  

Answer: Your body is extremely smart. When you do the same thing repeatedly, it gets used to it and your metabolism makes alterations. Shock your system by changing the workouts up and add unique activities into your life.  

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: Simple 'Trick' for Abdominal Definition

Welcome to "Ask Gilad" - a weekly blog written by Fitness Hall of Fame member Gilad.  Thanks for reading.

Question: I can't seem to get the definition I want in my abs.  Any suggestions?  I want a well defined 6-pack!

Answer:

The truth is that the abdominal muscles usually work in unison and it is hard to isolate specific parts.  However, different positions and angles can help shift the emphasis of the exercise to a specific part of the abdominals. 

 Basically we divide the abdominals as follows:  

Upper abs, lower abs, obliques and transverse abdominals.  The transverse abdominals are the muscles that pull your belly button in toward your spine.  In order to get the most out of your abdominal workout no matter what angle you choose, always start the exercise by consciously engaging the transverse abdominal muscles by simply pulling your belly button slightly towards the spine, then execute the exercise while maintaining that posture.  

This simple 'trick' will help you get better results no matter what part of the abdominals you are going for!

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: Cardio for the Short Term - Recommendations?

Answer:

I recommend: Gilad's Lord of the Abs: Maximum Abs

and Gilad: Xcelerate 4: #1 Burn it Off

Both are popular cardio workouts.  

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

This Week's Ask Gilad: How Often Should I Change My Fitness Program?

Welcome to "Ask Gilad" - a weekly blog written by Fitness Hall of Fame member Gilad.  Thanks for reading.

Question: How often should I change my fitness program? 

Answer: This is different for each person. When you get bored or hit a plateau it's time to switch it up. 

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: Getting The Most From Your Abdominal Workout

Welcome to "Ask Gilad" - a weekly blog written by Fitness Hall of Fame member Gilad.  Thanks for reading.

Question: I have gotten to the point in my fitness program where I am happy with the results I am getting in most parts of my body.  But I still have a problem area.  I can't seem to get the definition I want in my abs.  Any suggestions?  I want a well defined 6-pack! 

Answer:

The truth is that the abdominal muscles usually work in unison and it is hard to isolate specific parts.  However, different positions and angles can help shift the emphasis of the exercise to a specific part of the abdominals. 

Basically we divide the abdominals as follows: Upper abs, lower abs, obliques and transverse abdominals.  The transverse abdominals are the muscles that pull your belly button in toward your spine.  In order to get the most out of your abdominal workout no matter what angle you choose, always start the exercise by consciously engaging the transverse abdominal muscles by simply pulling your belly button slightly towards the spine, then execute the exercise while maintaining that posture. This simple 'trick' will help you get better results no matter what part of the abdominals you are going for!

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.