Bernadette Giorgi dishes on pheromones, hormones and “out-of-the-box” ways to connect offline

SMINGLE: As a lifestyle & wellness expert, what role can fitness play in reducing dating jitters?

GIORGI: Physical attraction is the result of the body's reaction to each other's pheromones and hormones. Mind-body exercise, in particular, is known to reduce stress and aid in relaxation. Pilates promotes the release of endorphins, a type of hormone that produces a healthier body response to stress. Offering a workout that heightens, body awareness, the movements are mentally calming and help your nervous system relax.

For a lot of people, exercise and dating may not appear to go well together. Initially, one may think that working out should be left at the gym. But exercising creates non-threatening relaxed, fun date conversation. Many of us think of going on a date in the more traditional way of sitting, eating, watching movies. Customizable for a broad range of fitness and ability levels, Pilates can offer an “out-of-the-box” way to connect with your sweetie while still remaining active. Pilates is not competitive like bowling or playing tennis. You can attend a mat class or Reformer class as a couple.
SMINGLE: What do you recommend eating before exercising (in the AM and PM)?

GIORGI: Often times many people remain consistent with their workouts but still can't seem to figure out why they still gain weight. This can very easily happen if you aren't aware of how many calories you are consuming and how many calories your body is burning. For weight loss, the body must burn more calories than it is taking in & vice versa. Take about 15 minutes to make a note of what you plan on eating and how many calories you will be consuming at each meal throughout the day and plan your workouts accordingly. For AM workouts I recommend eating something light containing protein; my favorite is a tablespoon of almond or sunflower butter with an apple & a cup of green tea with lemon, upon waking up (and ideally at least 1 hour before beginning exercise), for PM workout I also recommend eating something at least 1 hour prior to exercise. Remember, light & easy to digest if you plan on working out. A few slices of turkey, some cheese and an apple or pear or a protein bar are excellent choices. I eat an hardboiled egg whites AFTER a workout with 1 slice of gluten free bread. Eggs are a great source of choline (necessary for brain & memory development) and they give me the energy needed before my morning workout. A snack before an evening workout is better than a heavy meal.

SMINGLE: What two things do you recommend in terms of lifestyle changes that you feel most directly benefit overall beauty?

GIORGI: The two things most needed for overall beauty would be sleep and water. We live in such a fast paced society and I feel that most of us do not sleep enough for healthy brain function and beauty.

SMINGLE: Are DVD’s as effective as a personal trainer?

GIORGI: While we all would love to have a passionate personal trainer to guide us through our exercise regimes, our schedules and/or financial constraints may not always enable us to do so. As a great option for busy schedules, DVD’s offer the perfect gym quality workout that visually and audibly guides you through your workout goals. Many of my clients schedule personal sessions, but use my DVD’s to continue the momentum while traveling in between sessions.

SMINGLE: What is your most romantic date story?

GIORGI: I was booked on QVC on a day that I had already agreed to go on a date. Not only did my "date" understand, but he arranged for a car to pick me up, and when I arrived at my hotel, fruit, lemon water, and flowers were waiting for me with a note:" affectionately from your newest and biggest fan - I will be watching!" Even though it wasn't technically a date, it was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me ... being thoughtful is key to great romance.

ABOUT BERNADETTE GIORGI
Bernadette Giorgi is a certified Pilates Instructor, sports conditioning expert, teacher trainer and the star of a Pilates video series that includes her best selling “Attitude Ballet Pilates Fusion.” Giorgi has gained a strong reputation amongst clients and industry experts for her distinctive style, personalized services and superior workout routines. Her “Power Drive Pilates” golf conditioning” techniques have won rave reviews in Philadelphia Magazine and QVC JustbMethod Pilates and Movement Arts.