06/14/2026
Bear with me as I try to process the loss of an incredible human being in the fitness world.
Gilad wasn't someone I discovered later in life. My mom introduced me to him when I was very young. She was an aerobics fanatic and absolutely loved fitness. Gilad and Rachel McLish were among her favorites, and because of her, they became part of my life too.
Fast forward to 2018. I found myself in Waikiki, Hawaii, and as usual, I was searching for a gym and places to work out. Suddenly, I remembered that Gilad had always filmed many of his workouts in Hawaii. Out of curiosity, I searched for him and was shocked to find a phone number for his office.
I called, never expecting anything to come of it. A woman answered the phone, and I asked if by any chance Gilad was on the island. I explained that my mother had been a huge fan and that meeting him would mean the world to me. Her response?
"He's right here. Come on over."
I couldn't believe it.
His office was only a 10 minute walk from where I was. The entire way there, I was thinking about my mom and how completely starstruck she would have been to know I was about to meet him.
Walking through those doors felt surreal. Not only did Gilad do a video and photos with me, but we talked fitness, shared ideas, and even worked through some workout concepts together. He loved the idea of Mommycise and encouraged my vision of creating a workout library for moms. We talked about collaborating and staying connected.
That day didn't end there. I got to have dinner with some of his amazing colleagues, and it became one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
And true to his word, when I returned home, Gilad joined me on my Facebook Live show. We talked about Mommycise, fitness, and helping people live healthier lives.
Over the years, we stayed connected through social media, always cheering each other on from afar. Then, just a few months ago, I joined one of his zoom workout sessions. 8 years passed since that day in Hawaii, yet he recognized me immediately on Zoom.
"Hey Kim!" That was Gilad.
Despite decades of fame and success, he remained genuinely kind, humble, approachable, and encouraging. He took time for a random person who washed up on a beach in Waikiki with a dream, listened to her ideas, believed in her vision, and offered support.
The world lost a fitness legend, but more importantly, we lost a truly good human being. He was not done with his work, he was a picture of health at 71; it is just heartbreaking.
Thank you, Gilad, for the inspiration, the encouragement, and the memories. And thank you for giving me a story that forever connects me to my mom.
You will be deeply missed.
