Ask Gilad

Sweet Tooth

Question:  I have a major sweet tooth. How does a person with a sweet tooth avoid sweets?

Answer: If you are craving something sweet, try a piece of fresh fruit and see if that curbs your appetite.  Fruit is just like dessert, but with all those extra vitamins and minerals along for the ride.

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.

Diet or Exercise?

Question: The main reason I exercise regularly is so I can eat whatever I feel like eating. Sometimes it works OK but I find myself having to increase the amount I exercise and sometimes I can't keep up. What do you suggest?

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.

Gilad's Workout Routine

Question: What is your personal workout routine?

Answer: My own personal exercise regimen involves quite a bit of cross training. I vary my program all the time. For instance, I used to combine both long distance and short distance running, but lately I have been more into riding my bicycle. I swim in the ocean. Of course, living in Hawaii is like having a pool right at your doorstep. Occasionally I will play soccer or do other sports activities like scuba diving. I strength train with weights on the average of three times per week, and of course I teach aerobic classes.

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.

Drinking Water

Question: Lately we have been hearing a lot about whole communities being poisoned by contaminates in the water system. How do we know if our water is safe to drink?

Answer: The quality of tap water varies greatly throughout the world, even throughout the United States. Rarely will you find tap water that has not been tainted by chemicals, either in the chlorination process or through ground seepage.  In general, I recommend buying bottled water or installing a water filter in your kitchen. The small cost is definitely worth the investment in long term health.

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.

Skip the Butter

Question: I have been buttering my toast for as long as I can remember.  And before that, I was served buttered toast. I can't imagine eating toast dry as you suggest in the 'Eat Right Now' nutritional guide. How do you do it?

Answer: You need to become aware of the foods that are good for you and focus on them.  Personally, my diet has improved a lot over the years. For example, when I was growing up, I liked to butter my bread like everyone else I knew. Of course, I didn't have any awareness that butter is loaded with fat and not good for me. And truly, I didn't care. Now that I am older and a little more aware of the importance of what goes in my body, I try to avoid using butter.  Now, if I taste a slice of buttered toast, it tastes very strange to me.  It is just a case of choosing to modify your behavior for your benefit.

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.

New ASK GILAD Blog Now Up!

Gilad's New "Ask Gilad" blog is now posted.

Find it HERE.