Ask Gilad

Posts in the mindfulness category

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.

 

THIS WEEK’S “ASK GILAD” BLOG

Question: When I am hungry I tend to eat anything I can get my hands on.  Needless to say, this has led to some bad choices.  How can I avoid this?

Answer:

Two things come to mind.  Don't keep sweet, or empty calorie snacks on hand.  Don't buy ice cream, chips or fancy pastries.  If they aren't in the house...you won't eat them.  Only keep whole wheat snacks and lots of good fresh fruit.
Keep in mind that your food is the fuel your body runs on.  When you want to eat something, think to yourself,  "What food will give me lots of energy and make me feel good if I eat it?"  The more you ask that question, rather than just grabbing the first edible thing you see, the better you will eat.

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.

Simple VS Complex Carbs

Question: What is the difference between simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates?

Answer: Simple carbohydrates are the ones that should be avoided.  They are sugars that are converted too rapidly into glucose and absorbed by the blood.  This gives us an immediate shot of energy followed by a sudden fall in energy.  Simple carbohydrates include sweets like candy, cookies and desserts and also anything made with white flour, including sandwiches made with white bread, white rice, flour tortillas, etc.  You may notice that after a lunch of a sandwich on a French roll, an hour later you suddenly feel tired.  That's because white flour has almost the same effect on the bloodstream as straight table sugar.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are made up of starches and fibres, and break down into glucose very slowly.  In doing so they can provide a consistent supply of energy for sustained periods of time rather than suddenly and all at once.  Complex carbohydrate foods tend to be low in fat, high in fiber and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.

Foods high in complex carbohydrates include:
Vegetables:  In salads and soups as well as raw an cooked vegetables and potatoes
Whole grains:  bread, pasta, cereals made from whole grains (not processed), brown rice.
Legumes:  Fresh and dried beans peas and lentils.
Seeds and nuts:  Eat in moderation because these are high in fat.

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.

Counting Calories

Question: Is counting calories a good way to lose weight?

Answer: I, personally don't count calories...but I do believe that you should be knowledgeable about calories. If you understand that calories are not created equal it can steer you in the right direction when you are deciding what to eat. Some foods are rich in calories and poor in nutrients and others are just the opposite.


For example: An average breakfast muffin has about 720 calories but since it is probably made with white flour it has very little nutritional value.  On the other hand, for just under 720 calories you could eat this entire list of foods that are loaded with health promotingnutrients:  2 whole wheat roles, 1 pear, 1 apple, 5 ounces of grapes, half of a papaya, one kiwi fruit, ½ cantaloupe and a half of a pineapple...total?  About 710 calories!
Which would you rather eat?  The choice is yours.

 


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.

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