Avri Gilad Resumes Gym Workouts Amid Recovery From Bell's Palsy
Keshet 12 host Avri Gilad returned to the gym amid his recovery from Bell's palsy, rejecting advice to rest and urging intense workouts to rebuild strength.
Avri Gilad, a prominent host at Keshet 12, surprised his followers by sharing a video from the gym while lifting weights and working out despite his recent medical condition. The veteran television personality sent a firm message rejecting advice to slow down during his recovery period, showcasing a unique and active approach to coping with illness.
In the video posted on social media, Gilad addressed the suggestions he has received since disclosing his health issue, explaining that staying active is vital precisely during such challenging times. "People tell me to rest, and that is truly bad advice. When there is difficulty, the excuses start immediately: why not skip the workout? Why not move? Why fall into sick mode? No, no, no. Precisely during such hard times, you need to work out even harder, telling the body 'everything is fine, heal,' because we need to muster our strength anew," Gilad stated.
Back on November 6, the 63-year-old presenter revealed that he woke up one morning to find that half of his face was paralyzed. Speaking on the podcast "Tendo," which he co-hosts with Rabbi Mordechai Gottlieb, he described the moment he noticed the change: "My face is completely crooked. I woke up yesterday morning and felt something strange. I looked in the mirror, disaster, half my face is paralyzed."
Gilad shared that he underwent medical examinations and began receiving medication, though he remained uncertain about a full recovery. During his initial disclosure, he raised the possibility that intensive gum chewing might have caused the condition, although medical experts clarified that no scientific link has been proven between gum chewing and the development of Bell's palsy.
Despite the diagnosis, Gilad refused to step away from his television work. A day after the disclosure, he announced his intention to return to broadcasting his regular program "Avri and Sharki" on Keshet 12 alongside Yair Sharki. "The face is crooked, but reality is even more crooked, and we need to deal with it to straighten it out," he said at the time regarding his decision to remain in front of the cameras.
Bell's palsy manifests as sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, typically on one side, and can cause difficulties with speech, smiling, and closing the eye. In many cases, improvement occurs within weeks or months, though lasting effects sometimes remain. Gilad's message regarding workouts reflects his personal coping strategy and does not constitute medical advice to increase exertion during illness.
