What is GYROTONIC®? I may be biased, but it is one of the BEST movement modalities ever created. The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® comprises two specific methods of practice: GYROKINESIS®, which utilizes chairs and mats, and GYROTONIC®, which utilizes equipment such as the GYROTONIC Pulley Tower, Gyrotoner, and Jumping Stretching Board.
What does GYROTONIC® do? The movements and exercises in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® work to create more space and expansion within the body. By creating increased space, this allows the practitioner to find more strength, flexibility, range of motion, and ultimately more freedom and less pain in their body. The method meets people where they are and builds on itself to find more depth and strength in the movement.
Where did GYROTONIC® come from? The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® was created by Juliu Horvath. Juliu, a former professional dancer, began developing the method in the late 70’s. He brought the method to New York City in the 80s, and while he began teaching dancers, the more he taught, the more his clientele diversified. The method resembles dance, yoga, Tai Chi, and swimming, all of which were the original inspirations for the 3-dimensional movement.
What’s the difference between GYROTONIC® and Pilates? Pilates is much more linear in its movement patterns and has a strong focus on the core and alignment. In GYROTONIC®, every movement starts with the spine. Practitioners move through multiple planes of movement, finding their deepest range. In terms of the machines, the reformer is spring-loaded with the pulleys coming from behind the carriage. The GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower has a pulley system, just like the reformer, but there are two locations for the pulleys, one towards the top of the machine, and the 2nd around hip height (when standing). The Pulley Tower has adjustable weight resistance, which can be adjusted mid-exercise (if needed), and it can provide more feedback and a deeper range of motion.
Who is GYROTONIC® good for? Literally everyone. This method may have started as a movement modality for dancers, but it has benefited countless people from all walks of life. Some of my favorite GYROTONIC® success stories include a woman suffering from frozen shoulder with no range of motion, making a full recovery and finding improved range of motion; a young dancer increasing hamstring strength to avoid injuries during the heavy dance season; and a man increasing mobility and decreasing pain (without medication) after a spinal fusion.
How can you experience GYROTONIC® at Equilibrium? Sign up for a private session with Eva, Elissha, or Martha to experience the magic of GYROTONIC®. I always suggest trying three sessions to get a strong understanding of the movement, a variety of exercises, and some time on the specialized equipment. The method can be a little nuanced, but having a strong foundation means the deeper you get into the practice, the more benefit you'll get. Two of my favorite GYROTONIC® series include the hamstring series and any plank exercise on the Jumping Stretching Board. Book a session today to experience GYROTONIC®!
Spiral On!
-Martha Dobbs
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