THE GYROTONIC® AND GYROKINESIS® METHODS

 
 
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The GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods are unique forms of exercise devised by Julio Horvath from Romania. Offering similar benefits to and derived from yoga, Tai Chi, gymnastics, dance and swimming, GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® exercise enhances structural fitness, range of motion, coordination, and strength while achieving grace and a connection between the mind and body.

These techniques aim to balance the chakras (centers of spiritual energy) and energize the body. They correct dysfunctional patterns of the muscular and skeletal systems while promoting the flow of Chi (energy) throughout the body, including the organs and the nervous system, by stimulating the flow of blood and lymph. A key benefit of the GYROTONIC® method which is assisted by various machines, and the GYROKINESIS® method, which is often performed on mats in a group, is the release of excessive tension that often inhibits functional movement.

GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® systematically and gently work the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating exercises. The movements stimulate the body’s internal organs while integrating different corresponding breathing patterns. The entire body is taken through seven natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backward, left side, right side, left twist, right twist and circular movement, as well as all other joint articulation.

 
 
 

Benefits of GYROTONIC® exercise

⋙ Strong, lean muscles
⋙ Increased flexibility, coordination, and balance
⋙ Joint mobility and articulation
⋙ Release of pain and restrictions in the body
⋙ Increased circulation of blood, lymphatic fluids, and energy
⋙ Stronger nervous system
⋙ Complement to physical therapy and other rehabilitative bodywork
⋙ Osteoporosis prevention
⋙ Slowing of the aging process through mental and physical stimulation and regeneration

 

 

HISTORY OF GYROTONIC® EXERCISE

 
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The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® method was created by Juliu Horvath. Horvath was born in Romania in 1942, and took delight in movement and exercise from his youth when he excelled in swimming, gymnastics, and rowing. Horvath later became a dancer and eventually left Romania, first for Italy, and later to move to the United States where he would go on to dance with the New York City Opera and appear as a guest artist at Radio City Music Hall.

Horvath later joined the Houston Ballet, where he would end his career as a dancer after tearing his Achilles tendon. After the injury, Horvath delved into meditation and yoga in the hopes of returning to a career in dance. He devoted six years of his life to studying yoga and meditation on the Island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.

It was after this deep reflection and study that Horvath developed his movement system “Yoga for Dancers” which would later become the GYROKINESIS® and GYROTONIC® methods. Horvath initially taught his system exclusively to dancers, but as news of his revolutionary movement system spread, Horvath adapted his courses for the general public, and the GYROKINESIS® method was created.

After developing GYROKINESIS® excercise, Horvath developed the GYROTONIC® method along with the equipment that Horvath uses in his GYROTONIC® teachings. The GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods have now reached many individuals who hope to better themselves and their bodies. Spread by Horvath to 84 countries with trainers in the EU, Asia, Australia, and the USA, the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods have now achieved success across the globe. 


 

GYROTONIC® APPARATUS

 
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The Leg Extension Unit facilitates functional full, body movement sequences that strengthen upper/lower body coordination, and hand/foot coordination.  Contra-lateral movement sequences in various planes increase functional strength and stability at all joints.  A unique, patented, cam mechanism allows the leg to elongate, as it extends.  So, the hip and knee joints are able to move in a fluid, natural range, without compression, increasing stability and strength around those joints.  Hand/foot straps, and lightweight aluminum Wing Master accessory included.

 
 
 
 
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The GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower, or apparatus, is used by the body to create a sequence of graceful, circular and rhythmic movements. The tower uses a pulley system and two rotating devices to open and stretch the body through all planes of movement while being supported by the rhythm of the breath. The tower offers points of reference in space while assisting by guiding the body during movement. It achieves excellent results in remedial therapy for those with joint and muscular problems.

 
 
 
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The GYROTONER® Method is used to simultaneously stretch and strengthen key muscle groups. The device is used in circular, arching movements that stretch tendons and muscles throughout the spine, hips, arms, and ankles while simultaneously building and strengthening muscles throughout the body. Use of GYROTONER® equipment is partnered with consciously controlled breathing patterns to channel energy throughout the body and not only strengthen the body, but also its connection to the mind.

 
 
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The GYROTONIC® Jumping Stretching Board is one of the most popular and versatile pieces of equipment. The Jumping Stretching board features independent gliding slides that move horizontally along a track, two bars running the length of the track, and a pulley tower. The gliding slides allow users to experience low impact running as well as a variety of exercises that utilize several body positions such as lying down, kneeling, sitting, and standing. The GYROTONIC® Jumping Stretching Board is used to perform full body, low impact exercises that strengthen your body and bring you closer to it.

 
 
 
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The Archway is considered by many to be the most physically demanding piece of specialized equipment.  The vertical, tiered ladder design of the Archway accommodates advanced strength and stability sequences by allowing users to perform exercises in various relationships to gravity: vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and inverted. The included propeller accessory and adjustable arms provide standing, and rotation exercises for people of various abilities: beginners to advanced. The Archway is a great addition to any studio, and is especially popular with dancers, and athletes.

 
 
 
 

 

GYROKINESIS® Classes

 
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A GYROKINESIS® beginner class starts with self-massage and simple breathing patterns to awaken the body. It transitions to focus in on the spine and pelvis. Seated on low stools, the teacher guides the class through a series of arching, curling, bending, twisting and spiraling movements. This is done to mobilize and to articulate the spine.

GYROKINESIS® class encompasses not only sitting but also laying and standing positions. The movement patterns are expanded to release the hip and knee joints and to target specific muscle groups, such as the hamstring and quadriceps. These patterns are performed in all possible directions; to the front and to the back, to twist and to turn. The movements have their own breathing patterns which stimulate the nervous system, open up the energy pathways and oxygenate the blood. Advanced classes add endurance training to bodies prepared for more strenuous activities.

For more information, visit www.gyrotonic.com

 
 

BENEFITS OF GYROKINESIS® EXERCISE

⋙ Increased spine and joint articulation
⋙ Superior muscular contraction, extension, flexibility, and coordination
⋙ Increased circulation of blood, lymphatic fluids, and energy
⋙ Improved elimination and absorption
⋙ Complement to traditional cardiovascular activity and cross-training
⋙ A mobile workout that can be easily performed anywhere
⋙ Increased body awareness