Ask Gilad

This Week's "Ask Gilad" Blog

Dear Gilad:

I have been doing your exercises for the past 30 years. They are great and no fuss, no muss.

Which cardio and strength DVD's of yours do you recommend for a 66 year old male (my husband) on high blood pressure medication? Of course he will check with his doctor first but he exercises regularly. I think a good cardio and strength DVD would be good as long as not too straining.

Appreciate the time you take to answer this question which I'm sure many would appreciate as well.

- Laurette

Dear Laurettte,

There are 3 DVD's that I would like to recommend to your husband. I'm assuming he is in fair shape since you mention that he is exercising regularly.

'Cuts and Curves' for overall toning, 'Interval Training' for cardio and toning and 'Phenomenal Abs and Core' for the mid section. I believe these would work for him and of course he can always take it at his own pace and build up to the whole workout if he finds it too challenging at first. 
All the best! - Gilad

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THIS WEEK'S ASK GILAD BLOG

Dear Gilad:

What is the best way for me to set realistic and achievable goals? I'm having trouble getting motivated and starting up again (I'm in my late 50's).

- Barbara S.

Answer:
First identify the health and fitness goals you want to achieve. Then, identify the lifestyle changes you can make to achieve those goals. Be sure that your lifestyle changes are not ones that seem impossible to you.

Remember, you want to build success into your program. Here are some samples of clearly defined goals and lifestyle changes that could help you achieve these goals:

Goal: I want to exercise more than I do now, which is only twice a week.
Lifestyle change: I will set aside three weekday mornings where I will get up 45 minutes earlier to do a Gilad workout, walk or jog . I will also exercise one hour on the weekend.

Goal: I want to cut down on snacking so I can lose a little extra weight.
Lifestyle change: I especially like to have snacks at night, so I will save my snacking for the evening and I will switch from potato chips and corn chips to a bowl of fresh fruit and a couple of whole wheat crackers

I recommend that you work on only one goal at a time. Making one lifestyle change at the time and succeeding at it will be far more motivating than trying to do everything at once. You could become overwhelmed and discouraged.

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

Dear Gilad:

What would be a good alternative to push ups and tricep dips for good arm "definition" and toning?" I recently injured my elbow ("tennis elbow") and it is painful to the joint to use my body weight. Thanks.

- T.R.

Answer:
The best alternative that would put less pressure on the joints is to use weights for resistance.

When using weights you are in control of the amount of weights you are using and are able to better control your movement and form and work around the injuries. Supine dumbbell or barbell press would be good alternative for a push up to target the chest muscles and overhead triceps extensions would be a good exercise for the back of the arm the triceps.

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

Dear Gilad:

I have used your videos since 1984 and have always loved your wonderful sense of humor and great cueing. Some of the exercises that you have within your DVD's at this time of my life ( 64 but still on top), that I cannot do, I find myself repeating the ones that I can, especially in some of your Ab and Lower Body Toning Segments and aerobic workouts. I am hoping I do not have to be able to do every single one to receive the rewards I hope for. What are your comments?

Joyce 

Answer:
I always recommend that people adjust and modify their workouts based on their current shape, fitness level and injuries. You are doing the right thing by adjusting the workout to your level, it is the smart thing to do!

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

Do you have any tips for overcoming energy slumps?

Lisa 

Answer:
Try this: Keep track of when you experience energy slumps. I bet you find it happens around the same time each day. You can overcome this by eating a healthy snack just about 45 minutes before the approaching slump kicks in. The solution is to have healthy snacks available, things like nuts, berries, veggies or a smoothie made with fresh fruits and protein powder.

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 Week's ASK GILAD Blog

Question: What should we know about our 'Body Fat Percentage'?

Answer:
The 'Body Fat Percentage' is the percentage of our weight which is made up of fat. The parts that aren't fat are called 'Lean Body Mass' (such as bone and muscle).

A 160-pound person with a lean body mass of 136 lbs has 15 percent body fat (24 lbs of fat). That is actually good because our bodies need a certain amount of fat for insulation, energy storage, hormone production, and other functions.

Ask your doctor to measure your 'Body Fat Percentage' for you. Here is a guideline for what a good 'Body Fat Percentage' should be: