Ask Gilad

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.

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.

Weight Training For Women

Question: I love to do aerobic exercise but am considering taking up weight training. I am a little worried about getting muscle-bound and I don't think that looks good on a woman. How can I get the benefits of weight training without the masculine look?

Answer: You are talking about strength training.  This means using barbells, dumbbells, resistance machines and your own body weight to increase your muscle strength. Years ago, weight training was considered 'men's exercise', but that myth no longer applies. Women who weight train - and I am not referring to body builders per se - have discovered that working with weights makes them slimmer, firmer, stronger and more attractive-looking than just doing aerobic exercise alone.

And it doesn't take long.  Most people who take up weight training start seeing very noticeable differences in their bodies in 6 to 10 weeks. 

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?

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

THIS WEEK’S “ASK GILAD” BLOG

Question: How long will it take me to get into shape?

Answer:

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.

Beating A Plateau

Question: 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.

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  

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.