Ask Gilad

Why is Swimming So Difficult?

Question: After reading your suggestion about a 'knee-friendly' swimming workout, I started to swim. I can hold my own with your aerobics workouts but I find myself getting winded much more easily when I swim. Why is this?

Answer: Swimming laps is a great form of cardiovascular exercise. However, even people who exercise regularly and think they are in good shape are often surprised to find that they can only swim a few continuous laps of the pool before feeling very out of breath. Part of the reason is that swimming, unlike cycling or running, involves working the whole body, and particularly the upper body. Also, more than other exercises, swimming requires the conscious control and coordination of breathing with motion, something that swimmers often find exhausting.  However, as you spend more time in the water, your breathing will become as natural in swimming as it is in land based sports.

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 Conditioning

Question: I am considering joining a fitness facility with a lap pool. How does swimming stack up against other forms of exercise?

Answer: Swimming involves all of the major muscles in the body, and as a result, provides the body with excellent overall conditioning as well as aerobic benefits. Swimming has the added benefit of being a nearly non-impact exercise with few stress-related injuries. The buoyancy water provides reduces pressure on the joints and bones.

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.

Stress Relief Tips

Question: I have issues with stress. I never want to get out of bed in the morning and I toss and turn at night. I am a mess at work and I never seem to be able to motivate myself to exercise. Any advice would be helpful.

Answer: There are a lot of things you can do to relieve stress. You can exercise regularly, drink less coffee, but let us explore one of the major factors in stress relief. One of the best coping devices for stress is lots of rest. I am often surprised at how many people I meet who say they are tired all the time, and then tell me that they get only 5 or 6 hours of sleep each night. They don't believe they need any more.

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?

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.

Dysfunctional Abs

Question: I was told I had dysfunctional abs. Meaning that I have to undergo certain exercises to get back into shape due to an injury I had. What do you suggest? From Dee

Answer: Dear Dee, I doubt you have 'dis-functional abs..' Most likely you just need to start exercising again.. I would highly recommend my 'lord of the abs' DVD series! It will target your abs, core and the rest of your body!! And.. Your abs will become 'functional' in no time! Please report in!!! 

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.

Making Time for Your Health

Question:  Lately I have been skipping my workouts.  Not on purpose, but I find myself at the end of the day wondering where the time went.  I was just too busy all day to take time to exercise.  Does this happen to you?

Answer: I schedule a time for my workouts.  It's right there written in my appointment book.  It is the same as any other important appointment or scheduled activity.  It's like piano lessons or school meetings or an important business meeting. You will always be able to think of a good reason to skip a workout or eat a meal that isn't healthy for you.  There are always things to be done that seem more important...but you know what?  Nothing is more important than taking care of your health.  That is the most important lesson that fitness has taught me. 

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.

The Best Low Impact Workouts

Question: Which of your workouts are low impact? I have knee problems and even though I love your high impact workouts, I just can't do them anymore.

Answer: I get asked this question at least once a week. If you have back or knee problems you are wise to avoid high impact aerobics. Never push to the point of pain. 

The truth of the matter is, all of my workouts can be done without using high impact moves.  All you have to do is keep one foot in contact with the floor. When I hop or jump...you step.  "But I am not getting as much of a workout" you say. To increase your cardiovascular work, increase the size and range of your movements or the extension of your arms, all the while keeping it low impact.  If you find yourself working too hard (if you feel out of breath and uncomfortable) reduce the size of your movements or eliminate your arm movements altogether.  You should be able to breathe comfortably during the whole 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.

Body Fat Percentage

Question: What is considered a good body fat percentage?

Answer: Most women have somewhere between 15 and 38 percent body fat. They should have approximately 15 to 25 percent body fat.  Marathon runners and other advanced athletes may have lower percentages. Most men average between 12 and 24 percent body fat.  Men should have approximately 10 to 19 percent body fat.  Physically fit men may go as low as 6 to 12 percent.

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.

The First Steps to Being Healthier

Question:  I am pretty set in my ways and I have a hard time changing old habits to benefit my health.  Is there some kind of system I can use to help me change for the healthier?

Answer: First you have to identify the health and fitness goals you want to achieve.  It helps to write them down.  Then, identify the lifestyle changes you need to make to achieve these goals.  Be sure that your lifestyle changes are not ones that seem impossible to you.  Remember, you want to build success into your program.  Here are some examples of clearly defined goals and the lifestyle changes that will help you achieve them.

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.