GYROTONIC ® & GYROKINESIS ®

GYROTONIC ® equipment and training offer a unique system of exercises that embrace key principles also found in yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming, and tai chi. Created by Juliu Horvath, this exercise methodology stretches and strengthens muscles, while simultaneously stimulating and stretching connective tissues in and around the joints of the body. These exercises are synchronized with corresponding breathing patterns, thus enhancing aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation and promoting neuro-muscular rejuvenation.

Gyrotonic exercises offer complete freedom of movement. The system is fully adjustable and it can meet the needs of many people with varying body types and levels of strength. The even and consistent resistance in the handle unit and pulley tower, (through the triple reduction in the pulleys), completely eliminates the jarring that takes place at the beginning and end of exercises. Performed on conventional exercise equipment, when many injuries occur. The circular, spiraling movements that characterize Gyrotonic exercises help to increase the functional capacity of the spine, contributing to a spherical and three dimensional awareness, resulting in total equilibrium.

The one hour session includes a balanced workout starting with the opening of the spine through all its movements of arching, curling, twisting, side bending, and spiraling. Then moves onto the Hamstring Series which includes strengthening and stretching those muscles in the back of the thigh which attach to the hip and knee. From there, the Upper Body is addressed where strength can be attained without strain. Abdominals follow with emphasis on keeping the spine open, eliminating any compression that might take place when doing conventional abdominal work. After the Abdominal Series, the Upper Body is addressed again in order to open it up, thus freeing the shoulders, neck and rib cage. To end the hour, one would unwind with simple stepping to reestablish a balance while upright and walking.

GYROKINESIS ® classes start with a focus on opening the spine (neck, mid and lower back, and sacrum) and pelvis. Seated on low stools, the class mobilizes the spine through a series of arching, curling, twisting, bending, and spiraling movements.

These same movement patterns are expanded upon to help release the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and rib cage in all possible directions: front, back, twisting, turning. The corresponding breathing patterns in every movement stimulate the nervous, open up the lines of energy and oxygenate the blood.

The more advanced classes add endurance training to bodies prepared for more strenuous activities. The class not only encompasses sitting positions, but also laying and standing. This methodology invigorates and re-educates the body to move with fluidity, relaxation, and power.