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.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Jumping Jacks Replacement

Question: What exercise can I do instead of jumping jacks or such when watching the videos? I have had two knee injuries and doctor said to avoid those exercises.

Answer:

My best advice is to walk in place instead. You will still burn calories. 

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.  

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Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Advice On Starting Your 2020 Fitness Program

Question: What is one mistake people make when they start on a fitness program? I'm getting ready to start my 2020 fitness resolution program and I want it to be successful. 

Answer: The most common mistake is not taking the time to understand the basic needs of your body and your current condition. Doing too much, too soon is a common mistake most people make because they want immediate results. I am a true advocate of taking your fitness one step at a time so it's enjoyable and sustainable.  Also, for the majority of people, I would highly suggest keeping it simple! 

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: Overcoming Setbacks

Question: I missed a week due to work. I am so discouraged with myself that I am finding it hard to start again.  How do you get over these setbacks?

Answer: Don't forget to encourage yourself.  It is easy to overlook our small successes and not give ourselves the credit we deserve.  Congratulate yourself for all those small changes and successful steps.  And if you don't achieve your goal right away don't give in to discouragement, because of change, large or small, is never an easy process.  There are always pitfalls along the way.  If you can't follow your fitness program for a day or a week for whatever reason, don't feel guilty about it.  Let it go and start fresh the next day.  Allow yourself the benefit of being able to start again.  Do not wallow in self-criticism or harsh self-judgment...and don't let anything make you give up your goal. 

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Find out more information about Gilad and his Fitness DVD's HERE.

This Week's Ask Gilad: Exercise Recommendations to Slow Down Osteoporosis in the Spine

Question:  What exercises do you recommend to strengthen and slow down osteoporosis in the spine?  I'm 63 and exercise an hour daily.

Answer:

There are several DVD's that we offer that are excellent for strengthening and improving back conditions. Most back issues can be improved with lower back and core exercises. Our 'Core Challenge' DVD and 'Phenomenal Abs and Core' DVD from the Lord Of The Abs series is a good one as well as 'Core and More' from the Ultimate Body Sculpt series. All three of these DVD's are within the one hour range you mention. I believe that if you incorporate these 3 DVD's into your weekly schedule you will improve! You can do one on a Monday, one on a Wednesday and the third on a Friday. Good luck!

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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.

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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.   

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Ask Gilad: Should I Be Counting Calories?

Question: Should I keep track of how many calories I eat per day?

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.