Ask Gilad

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.

Exercise Results

Question: I started an exercise program last week and I can't see any improvement. How will I know when it is working?

Answer: There are several things to look for to see if your fitness level is improving. Often when you are in the middle of something it is difficult to see the small changes that are occurring. That's why record-keeping can really help you. It gives you written proof of the improvements that are happening. Keep a notebook documenting your exercise sessions.  Include facts like when you exercised, for how long, what you did, how far you went, how fast, how you felt, how much weight you lifted and how many times, what stretching exercises you did, etc.

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.

Running For Exercise

Question: I want to start running to lose weight. My knees and joints are in good shape but I am uncomfortably overweight. Any suggestions?

Answer: If you are a beginner to exercising, or if you are more than 15 pounds overweight, you do not want to go outside and just start running. In fact, I would suggest 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 have a great workout in half an hour, 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.

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.

Ease Back Into Exercise

Question: Haven't exercised in so long I am not sure it is even safe to start. Is there some way you could suggest to help me ease into it?

Answer: Before beginning any exercise program we always recommend you check with your physician.  This is especially true for you because you have enough reservations to ask the question...and it is also important if you are over 35, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.  If it has been so long since you have been to a doctor that you don't even know if you have any of these things, now would be a good time to make an appointment and go. Chances are good that your doctor will congratulate you for wanting to go out there and get your 'body in motion'!

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.