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: Staying Committed

Question: I started the year great. I was motivated and eager to achieve my goals. Now I am having a hard time staying committed since I do not see the results I was hoping for. Any suggestions to get me back on track?

Answer:

The number one thing I see is that people are setting unrealistic goals. Not reaching your goal is one of the most demotivating factors that can cause commitment issues. 

Try this: Set one small goal that you can achieve, then do that again. Achieving a goal small or large is evenly satisfying and gets you motivated to keep going.

Selecting activities you enjoy is also important for motivation. 

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.

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.  

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: Importance of the Cool Down

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

Answer: You are right.  The cool down 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.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Exercises For Knee Pain and Rehabilitation

Question: I have a knee injury called Chondromalacia of the right patellofemoral joint and I am going to be starting therapy next week. What kind of exercise program would you recommend that I can do until my knee heals?

Answer:

 In regards to healing your knee condition there are a few things you can do while your knee heals. Swimming is an excellent activity because it's a great cardio workout while placing little stress on the joints. You can also do specific exercises to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. We offer a variety of such exercises on our Power and Grace DVD workout. The key in Chondromalacia of the patella is to find exercises that are low impact and most importantly is to find those exercises that do not cause any pain.

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: How Often Should I Change My Exercise Program?

Question: How often should I change my exercise program?  

Answer: The short answer is: When you no longer see results or getting bored.  I highly recommend to switch it up. Alternating  between toning and cardio workouts is a great way to achieve consistent results.  Most of my program are designed to do that.   

 Here are 3 that I recommend:

 1. Ultimate Body Sculpt

• Power and Grace
• Core & More
• Cuts and Curves

2. Lord of the Abs

3. The Anniversary Show

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.