Ask Gilad

THIS WEEK’S “ASK GILAD” BLOG

Question: I recently started a fitness program and I feel better.  I have more energy and my muscles are just starting to develop. My problem is, I haven't lost any weight.  I actually think I have gained a pound or two. What am I doing wrong?

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.

Healthy Cooking Swaps

Question: You have lists of foods that are better for you than others. You make It easy to make up a shopping list and buy healthier foods.  My problem is I am not much of a cook.  I don't know how I should be preparing these foods.  Do you have any helpful tips?

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.

THIS WEEK’S “ASK GILAD” BLOG

Question: Is running the best way to strengthen my legs?

Answer:  Running is an excellent way to keep you legs strong, but it is not the only way. A weight training program that targets your quadriceps and hamstrings is a good place to start. Running small hills is another good way to get results. I recommend you run up and walk down. The downhill is what causes wear and tear on your joints.
Taking step classes or even more traditional aerobics classes will also go a long way to increasing your leg strength.

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 know I need start dieting but I keep procrastinating.  I am reluctant to give up all of my favorite foods.  Can you give me some tips on how to get started?

Answer: At no point will I ever tell you that you have to cut out every one of you favorite foods or go on some restrictive diet. That kind of thinking will not lead to long term success, and we are in this for the long term.
To me eating healthy is more a matter of education than anything else. Most of you know that I believe that getting on a scale every day to check your progress is a waste of time. I am not a big believer in calorie counting either. If you eat good healthy wholesome food that sustains your fit lifestyle you don't have to worry about counting calories. In fact, if you have to worry about how many calories are in something that you want to eat, it probably doesn't belong in your diet.
If you are serious about eating better I suggest you get a copy of my Eat Right Now nutritional plan simply for the knowledge of what foods are good for you and why. The more you know, the easier it is to make decisions on a meal to meal basis. And the next time you want to check your progress....look in a mirror.

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.

How To Lose Belly Fat

Question: I can't understand why I can't lose my pot belly. I have been doing sit-ups and crunches like crazy but it just doesn't seem to work. What am I doing wrong?

Answer: Attempting to lose weight in any particular area is called 'spot reducing', and unfortunately, it can't be done. Your problem area is your waistline and there is no possible way to get tight, defined abdominal muscles just by doing a million sit-ups when those abdominal muscles are covered with a layer of fat. You will develop the abdominal muscles all right, but you will never be able to see them until you shed some body fat. This means following a sensible diet and doing aerobic exercise as well as strength training.
The same principle applies to every part of your body. If the backs of your arms are flabby you can tone the muscles underneath, but you have also got to lose the fat on top. And fat loss never happens in one place. It happens simultaneously all over the body.
Now that you have the formula your goal is attainable. Think about it. You were motivated enough to do all those sit-ups. Now all you have to do is channel that energy into your revised fitness plan and watch that belly disappear.

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 Versus Walking

Question:  I am considering starting to run for exercise but I have heard that you can get just as much cardiovascular benefit from walking.  Is that true?

Answer: If you are a beginner to exercising, or if you are more than 15 pounds over-weight, you don't want to go outside and just start running.  In fact, I would recommend 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 get a great workout in half an hour of running, 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.

THIS WEEK’S “ASK GILAD” BLOG

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.
For example: An average breakfast muffin has about 720 calories but since it is probably made with white flour it has very little nutritional value. On the other hand, for just under 720 calories you could eat this entire list of foods that are loaded with health promoting nutrients: 2 whole wheat roles, 1 pear, 1 apple, 5 ounces of grapes, half of a papaya, one kiwi fruit, ½ cantaloupe and a half of a pineapple...total? About 710 calories!
Which would you rather eat? The choice is yours.

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 can't tell you how many times I have tried to start a regular exercise regimen but I always end up getting distracted. How have you motivated yourself to stick to your routine all these years?

Answer: Finding out you have the perseverance to stick with an exercise program is a powerful discovery. It means that you possess a tool that can get you through the toughest times of life. The strength you develop by sticking to your exercise routine - even if you don't feel like doing it that day - is the same strength that gives you control over other areas of your life.

Let's be honest, it takes a fair amount of self discipline to exercise regularly, especially in the beginning when it feels uncomfortable and your muscles get sore easily and you think that everyone is more advanced than you are. But people that set and achieve physical goals discover time and time again that by tapping into their powers of perseverance, they suddenly realize greater success in other areas of their lives like personal relationships and careers.

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.

Outdoor Walking Program for Beginners

Question: I really enjoy your workout DVDs. I have been doing them for about 2 years now and I think I am ready to take my workout program to the streets. Do you have any tips about walking or running?   

Answer: If you are past the beginning exerciser stage but you have never run before, I recommend you start with a mixed program of running and walking. Find a fairly flat path to follow. Hill running will come later. Walk first to warm up. Start slowly and then increase your pace after about 5 minutes. Then, when you feel warm and ready, jog a few blocks. When you start to feel winded, slow your pace to a brisk walk again. Keep this run/walk pattern going for twenty minutes, and then slow to a walk for a 5 minute 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.

How To Improve Muscular Strength & Definition

Question: I do your aerobic workouts along with my wife but I would like to take it to the next level. I would like to work on my muscular strength and definition. How should I proceed? My wife doesn't want to bulk up like a body builder.

Answer: Muscular strength can be improved by the use of free weights, weight machines, special bands and other resistance devices. In addition, many of my workouts work on muscle definition. Workouts such as 'Cuts & Curves' or any that have the words 'Sculpt' or 'Tone' in the title or description will work as well.

Improving your muscular strength will generally improve your muscular endurance too. Muscular strength can be improved by progressively overloading the muscles, or continually challenging your muscles with greater amounts of weight or resistance.

Many people, women especially, shy away from weightlifting because they think it will give them large, bulky muscles like the ones you see in bodybuilding magazines. It is important to remember that you can shape your muscles any way you want. If you would prefer toned, tight smaller muscles, they can be attained by tailoring your weight training program.

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.