The GYROTONIC® & GYROKINESIS® Methods

The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® was developed by Juliu Horvath more than 30 years ago. A blend of dance, yoga, tai chi, and swimming, the method promotes fluid, undulating motion accompanied by varied breathing patterns to regenerate and stimulate the entire body. The system incorporates two modalities:  GYROTONIC® Method and GYROKINESIS®.

The GYROTONIC® Method practice utilizes specialized equipment which supports the body through all ranges of movement and encourages expansion and suppleness. GYROKINESIS® exercise is a flow yoga-type class where movements are performed seated on stools, on the floor, and standing. The system is appropriate for people of all ages or abilities.

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Both GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® exercise sequences are composed of spiraling, circular movements, which flow together seamlessly in rhythmic repetitions, with corresponding breath. Each movement flows into the next, allowing the joints to move through a natural range of motion without jarring or compression. These carefully crafted sequences create balance, efficiency, strength, and flexibility.

The GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Methods are both highly adaptable, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability.

Moving with GYROTONIC® 

The body is designed to work as one harmonious system, to follow arcing and spiraling paths of motion, and to transition from one movement to the next smoothly, and efficiently. GYROTONIC® Method creator, Juliu Horvath , designed a specialized line of equipment around these natural movement patterns of the human body.

The GYROTONIC® Method is practiced by people from all walks of life, including accomplished athletes and dancers, college students, baby boomers, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.

The GYROTONIC® Method is a hit among golfers and tennis players as it loosens up the pelvis and improves rotation in the body (Tiger Woods is said to be a fan and other famous followers include Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Liv Tyler and Julianne Moore). The gentleness of the GYROTONIC® Method makes it an especially great exercise for those who are recovering from injury or rehabilitating after major surgeries. GYROTONIC® exercises even work your fingers and wrists – some experts believe it can even prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Because GYROTONIC® equipment is highly adjustable, it can be customized to fit each persons unique physique, and ability, adapting for things such as height, arm and leg length and physical ability.

Moving With GYROKINESIS®

GYROKINESIS® exercises allow one to work on the entire body through seven natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backward, left side, right side, left twist, right twist and circular, as well as all other joint articulation. This approach systematically and gently works the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating movements. These movements stimulate the body’s internal organs while different corresponding breathing patterns are integrated along with the movements.

Fluidity is the key. Postures are not held for long periods of time. Instead, postures are smoothly and harmoniously connected through the use of breath, making exercises appear and feel more like a dance and swimming than like traditional yoga. The corresponding breathing patterns executed during every movement stimulate the nervous system, open up the energy pathways and oxygenate the blood. All GYROKINESIS® classes, from beginner to advanced, encompass not only sitting but also laying and standing positions.

Those who practice GYROKINESIS® exercises tend to be more relaxed in their daily lives and can move with increased flexibility and ease.

7 Reasons To Practice GYROTONIC® Exercise

  1. Decompression of the Spine and Joints Counteracts the Effects of Gravity
    The GYROTONIC® Method emphasizes “stability through contrast.” The primary focus of each session is lengthening and strengthening the muscles around the spine and all the joints of the body.
  2. Mobilizing the Spine Stimulates the Nervous System
    By utilizing all the natural movements of the spine (flexion, extension, lateral flexion right and left, rotation right and left and combinations of these), the nerves of the entire body and accompanying dermatomes–areas fed by the nerves–are stimulated.
  3. Gentle Spiraling Motions Keeps the Fascia Pliable
    A unique aspect of this method is the emphasis on spiraling motions. With this intention, there is no compression of the joint, and the fascial tissues (which are wound in, around and through every fiber of your body) are wrung like a washcloth. The more fascia moves and unwinds, the more hydrated and pliable it becomes. This pliability is imperative for keeping your body moving well.
  4. Moving and Stretching the Whole Body Stimulates the Cardiovascular System
    The cardiovascular system’s primary job is to pump blood and oxygen throughout your body. Through whole body movement, blood flow is increased to the extremities via the main arteries, all the capillaries and arterioles. This has the significance of improving the health of the cardiovascular system without stressing the heart. Specific breathing patterns assist and support the movements, helping to deliver yet more oxygen.
  5. Stimulating the Vestibular System Enhances Balance
    From the earliest lessons, simple stretches for the neck and spine include movements that take the head away from the vertical axis. This affects the internal righting mechanisms of the cochlea by moving the fluid within the inner ear. Over time these movements become multi-planer and the body becomes more comfortable when not vertical. Additional simple balance exercises such as stepping side to side and gentle twirling are included to bring more dynamic balance and to eliminate the fear of falling.
  6. Coordinating Breathing Patterns Increases Oxygen Levels Throughout the Body
    Juliu Horvath, founder and creator, has been quoted as saying, “breath equals rhythm, equals breath, equals rhythm.” Breath is a keystone of our vitality. The better we breathe, the more oxygenated our body will become. More oxygen means better regeneration of tissue which in turn improves longevity. Each movement has an accompanying breath pattern and, when mastered, the coordination of breath and movement stimulates the body on numerous levels.
  7. Safe, Fluid Movement Maintains and Often Enhances Range of Motion in the Joints
    A lifetime of both small and large injuries, physical and emotional traumas, surgeries and repetitive movement such as sitting and driving can result in less than optimal range of motion The GYROTONIC® equipment supports the body and encourages safe movement where there has been restriction. Many times this results in a client achieving greater movement in their ALL their joints creating a new fluidity and ease throughout the entire body.
GYROTONIC®, GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®, GYROKINESIS®, and The Art of Exercising and Beyond ® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.

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