DIET | DETECTIVE^®

After bringing his talent from New York City to Los Angeles, from the big screen to the small screen and even to the stage, dancer/CHOREOGRAPHER Richard Giorla, has used his over 20 years of experience and classical training to create CARDIO BARRE, one of today’s hottest new fitness workouts.

Born in Philadelphia, Richard recognized his passion for dance at a young age. After being awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Pennsylvania Ballet Company, he moved to New York City to further expand his technique. Inspired by the energy and "non-traditional" dancing in the hit film "Flashdance", he was on the streets of Manhattan pop- locking and break dancing with a group of young dancers who shared their moves in exchange for Giorla’s tutoring.

As he sharpened his skills as a "breaker" and hip hop dancer, he continued to study classical dance, a unique combination that would lead to many opportunities in the future. After being cast at an open call for Chippendales, in what many consider one of the most controversial shows of its time, Giorla grew as a dancer and leader and was named Dance Captain of this New York troupe. Under the suggestion of the body builders and actors with whom he worked, Giorla decided to move to Los Angeles to further his performance career. He was immediately signed for representation and began to land roles in feature films, television shows, music videos, commercials and stage productions.

While he likes the structure, stretching and muscle toning attributes of ballet, he found he wasn’t getting the cardio workout he needed. Giorla used his dance background to design a workout that combined the two, and created what is today, CARDIO BARRE. This barre based cardio workout is unlike any other exercise class offered in other gyms and studios.

Within eight months of its opening, Giorla has filled his classes with enthusiastic students and has become the darling of celebrities looking for the long lean look his workout delivers.

Question: What's the most bodacious chance you've ever taken?

With no job, $80,000 in debt…and having to borrow another $20,000 sinking more in debt….I took a big chance and opened my first Cardio Barre studio. Five years later I have an incredibly successful studio, wrote a book, working on an infomercial deal, and developing a franchise package to bring Cardio Barre international!

Question: On those days when you're not motivated to work out, but you know you have to, what's the one thought that gets you going?

Lazy never gets much accomplished. Hard work, setting goals and being passionate about what I’m doing will lead to success, and perseverance is the key to it. I know there is a certain lifestyle I want to live.  There are things I want to have, and more so than having recognition and respect in the community, is having self respect. I know that everyday I go out there and give it my all so I will never ask the question “what if?”

Question: What person do you respect most, or who motivates you?

The respect I have for my grandmother has a profound influence on me.  She is the backbone of the family.  She’s always consistent, loving, always there, and never strays from the path. She has a strong foundation. I see strength and compassion in her.

Question: If you had to choose a specific song or band to get you psyched for your workout, what would it be?

Theme from Rocky!

Question: What unhealthy food (candy, cake, etc..) do you dream about?

Chocolate!

Question: What is the one food or meal you always eat before training?

I don’t eat before workouts...i eat after. But a healthy snack like fruit or almonds if I eat prior.

Question: What do you consider the world’s most perfect food?

I have put a lot of thought into this…and my feel there is no such perfect food. There’s too many to pick one…all natural foods are already perfect. I cannot put my name on something I do not believe in. There are many great foods for many great reasons. No one can do it all. Balance is the key.

Question: How do you take total control of your mind and body to achieve the focus you need during pivotal sports moments?

Discipline, determination, and have a clear vision of your goals

Question: Can you explain “Cardio Barre”

Cardio Barre is a high energy, no impact, fat burning, muscle sculpting sensation that is unlike any other exercise class and done at a ballet barre.  It combines barre work and light weights with a continual cardio-resistance motion.  Rarely is the perfect dancer body born. It is developed through training at the ballet barre. We use the same techniques dancers use to give you a long lean body. You can get a dancer’s body with no dance experience.  

Question: How can it get you in shape? 

This program is comprehensive. It works the three key elements of exercise. Cardio…resistance…flexibility. We use high repetitions with light weights, which gives you a toned, fit, appearance without bulking up.  Long lean muscles are developed because we lengthen, strengthen and burn fat all at the same time. Dancers have the best butts and legs and great posture…these exercises will develop all these things…and more!

Question: What can we learn from dancers that will help the average person get in shape?

“Life is a dance…so dance beautifully!” and… practice makes perfect.  Dancers have a strong sense of discipline, knowing that a repetition is the key to success. Working at the barre gives you a sense of center and balance, which helps with posture and confidence. It also develops a fluidity in their movement which gives them grace and elegance.

Question: What makes using a barre helpful?

Using the barre gives you a sense of security, balance and develops a strong core. It helps in isolating the smaller muscles one at a time while still using the entire body as a coordinated whole.

Question: What makes this program unique?

This is high energy and no-impact. A concept never done before.

Question: How did you come up with the Cardio Barre concept?

After I sustained an injury that ended my professional dance career, and learning the techniques of pilates and physical therapy,  I needed an exercise program which was safe with no/impact and had lots of cardio. Using my dance background and weight training knowledge …I created Cardio Barre.

Question: What do you do to reduce stress/relax/center your mind?

A day at the spa is always wonderful. After working my mind and body I like to escape to a moment of pure relaxation where I can clear my mind and relax. A massage is the perfect remedy to relax your muscles and de-stress.

Question: What was your worst summer job?

Security guard. Hours and hours standing around .doing nothing!

Question: Define failure.

Not learning from your mistakes.

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