Ask Gilad

This Week's Ask Gilad: Cardio for the Short Term - Recommendations?

Answer:

I recommend: Gilad's Lord of the Abs: Maximum Abs

and Gilad: Xcelerate 4: #1 Burn it Off

Both are popular cardio workouts.  

Have a question for Gilad? Click HERE and send it in! Gilad will choose one question each week to answer.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Getting The Most From Your Abdominal Workout

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

Question: I have gotten to the point in my fitness program where I am happy with the results I am getting in most parts of my body.  But I still have a problem area.  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.

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.

Counting Calories

Question: Is counting calories a good way to lose weight?

Answer: I, personally don't count calories...but I do believe that you should be knowledgeable about calories. If you understand that calories are not created equal it can steer you in the right direction when you are deciding what to eat. Some foods are rich in calories and poor in nutrients and others are just the opposite.

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.

Rest Up!

Question: In your fitness programs you always recommend getting plenty of rest. Why is rest so important?

Answer: The three most important elements to your fitness program are healthy eating, a regular exercise program and REST! Rest is often overlooked! Making sure you get enough rest and a good night's sleep becomes even more important if you are exercising vigorously. A good night's sleep is essential to our physical as well as mental health and positively affects our memory, creativity and overall well-being.Many processes happen during our sleep time.  Growth hormone, which is essential for recovery and improving fitness levels, is released during our sleep. Melatonin which is known as the 'sleep hormone' is often taken to recover from jet lag.  Melatonin is released during sleep.  It is an important and powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and helping to reduce cell damage.

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.

Curb Your Sweet Tooth

Question: I have a very active sweet tooth and that is my downfall when it comes to losing weight. Is there any 'cure' for a sweet tooth? 

Answer: The problem with eating sweets is that the more sweets you eat, the more you crave them.  Somehow we have to break that cycle. When you are craving sweets, try substituting a piece of fresh fruit instead. See if that curbs your appetite.  Fruit is just like dessert but with all those extra vitamins and minerals along for the ride. And, do yourself a favor. Don't buy candy, cookies, ice cream, etc. If you don't have them readily available, you can't eat them. Stock up on plenty of fresh fruit instead. Doesn't a handful of grapes or a bowl of fresh strawberries sound good right about now?

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.

Bone Building Exercises

Question: Do you have any exercises that you can recommend for bone building?

Answer: The best exercises you can do for bone building are resistance exercises with weights. Outside of some of my DVD's such as 'sculpt and tone' 'cuts and curves' I would highly recommend getting into the gym and incorporate free weights into your regiment.

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.

Avoiding Sugar

Question: I am making a concerted effort to avoid sugar. I have quit drinking soda and I avoid ice cream, candy, cookies and all other pastries. Are there any other sources I should be aware of?

Answer: First of all, good job! You seem to be avoiding the main culprits. But most people don't realize how much sugar they are getting from other sources. Sugar is the number one additive in processed foods. It is used in bread, catsup, crackers, cereals, spaghetti sauce, bouillon cubes, non-dairy creamers, cured meats....you name it. AND, it goes by many hidden names such as fructose, dextrose, honey, maple or corn syrup, molasses, etc....  Watch for these names on ingredient lists.

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.

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.