Ask Gilad

This Week's Ask Gilad: Advice for Post Surgery Weight Gain

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

Question: "I need help! I use to be able to do multiple VHS tapes of yours years ago. I have had a multitude of surgeries so I've stopped working out and as a result have gained 40lbs. I am now able to start a program of exercise & diet control. I can't work out vigorously but I can at least get my heart rate above my resting heart rate. What advice can you share?"

Answer: 

Best thing of course would be to start back up nice and slow. Let the body get back into the groove before you go to the next level and always take it one step at a time!

In regards to DVD's that could help you at this point I would suggest the 'Beginners Weight Loss and Toning Program', 'Sculpt and Tone' and even 'Step and Tone'. All are easy to follow and suited for the level you are describing here. Wishing you a safe and consistent comeback!  

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:  I started an exercise program last week and I can't see any improvement.  How will I know when it is working?

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.

Post-Workout Cool Downs

Question: How important is the cool down after exercising? Sometimes I feel like just skipping it....but I figure that because you always do it, it must be important

Answer: You are right. The cooldown is important. It is designed to allow your heart rate to gradually decrease after aerobic exercise. This procedure is important for the health of your heart and will also actively stretch some of the muscles used during exercise. Following an aerobic workout, whether it is walking, running or high or low impact aerobics, it is necessary to continue working aerobically at a significantly reduced level to allow your heart rate to come down slowly.  This is what is known as the Aerobic Cool-down.  It should be followed by the General Cool-down, which stretches the major muscle groups.  The General Cool-down will help your muscles recover faster and help you avoid soreness after exercising.  No workout is complete until after you have done your 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.

Exercise Results

Question: I started an exercise program last week and I can't see any improvement. How will I know when it is working?

Answer: There are several things to look for to see if your fitness level is improving. Often when you are in the middle of something it is difficult to see the small changes that are occurring. That's why record-keeping can really help you. It gives you written proof of the improvements that are happening. Keep a notebook documenting your exercise sessions. Include facts like when you exercised, for how long, what you did, how far you went, how fast, how you felt, how much weight you lifted and how many times, what stretching exercises you did, etc.

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: Gaining Flexibility

Question: I like to work out with weights but afterwards I tighten up. I need to work on my flexibility and I know that means stretching.  Do you have any tips for me about flexibility training?

Answer: The most important part of flexibility training is stretching each muscle within the limits of comfort.  Forcing a stretch, or over-stretching a muscle beyond what it can comfortably do actually causes the muscle to contract in order to protect itself from being torn.  This is the opposite of what you want to achieve.  You want the muscle to lengthen, expand and relax in a stretch.

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: How fast can I expect results from a fitness program?

Answer: That depends on what goals you have set for yourself. But as a rule of thumb, if you are committed to a program and really work at it you can achieve noticeable results in 6 short weeks, good results in 12 weeks and excellent results in 6 months. 

The most important thing to remember is to let go of the idea that you can accomplish your goal faster if you take a short cut such as a crash diet or working harder than your body can handle in its present condition. In fact, those are 2 sure ways to put you right into the 'roller coaster club' of those who gain, lose, gain, lose and so on.

The fact is, if you work within your ability and if you implement slow and controlled changes that your body can adapt to, those changes will become comfortable and permanent and you will achieve incredible 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.

THIS WEEK’S “ASK GILAD” BLOG

Question: I have been exercising with you for 2 years and I am happy with what I have accomplished, but now I want more! I want to develop my core. I want to be able to participate in track and field events and I want to be able to swim better. Where should I start?

Answer: You have reached your initial goal and now you are feeling like you can conquer the world. It's a great feeling, isn't it? A good way to move forward is to make a list of the new goals you want to achieve. Review your list once a week or so to see if you are progressing, maintaining or slipping back into old habits.
Remember, work patiently and progressively on one goal at a time. Don't overdo it. The key is to avoid discouragement at all times. Instead, encourage success! Tell yourself that you are in control of your eating and exercise habits. They do not control you. Tailor-make a plan that works for you.

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 I crave pastries and sweets so much?

Answer: The most common reason for experiencing cravings is a low blood sugar level.  A stable blood sugar level can only be achieved by having a good balanced diet of complex carbohydrates, essential fats and lean proteins.  However, not all carbohydrates support this goal.  High quality complex carbohydrates like vegetables, beans and brown rice are extremely effective in maintaining a stable blood sugar level.  On the other hand, low-quality refined carbohydrates like sugar-laden foods and white flour products actually provoke a low blood sugar level...which leads to cravings.   

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 Weight Training Only For Men?

Question: I am a 55 year-old female and I like to do some aerobics to your show 'Bodies in Motion' about 3 times a week. I would like some more muscle mass but I am afraid to lift weights because I don't want to look muscle-bound. What should I do?

Answer: I recommend strength training. Basically that 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'm 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.

I recommend strength training. Basically that 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'm 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 noticeable differences in their bodies in six to ten 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.

THIS WEEK’S “ASK GILAD” BLOG

Question:  I have a very stressful job. When I get home all I want to do is turn on the news and fall asleep in my recliner. I can't even imagine exercising during the work week. How do people do it? They must not be under as much stress as I am.

Answer: It sounds like you have gotten into a vicious cycle. And, believe it or not, exercise just might be your way out of it.

You can actually fight off stress with exercise. Don't let a hard day at work keep you from heading to the gym or the track. You have a perfect opportunity to use the time you would have been sleeping in front of the news. Fifteen minutes into your workout you will feel a lot better.

And there is an added benefit. If you substitute exercise for sleeping in your recliner you will probably feel like going to bed earlier... and you will probably sleep more soundly. Who knows? With a little extra quality rest...your job may not seem as stressful.

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.