Gyrotonic® and GYROKINESIS® Methods
Etymologically speaking, “Gyrotonic” comes from the Greek “Gyrus” (“circle”) and “Tonikus” (“of stretching” and “maintaining a healthy firmness of tissues”). The “KINESIS” of GYROKINESIS® comes from both the Greek “kinesis” (“movement, motion“ ) and Proto-Indo-European “kei” (“to move to and fro”).
By training the body to work in a circular, spiraling motion, the Gyrotonic Expansion System® exercises the musculo-skeletal structure as well as the nervous system by mobilizing and articulating the joints. This simultaneously stretches and strengthens the body, increasing range of motion, correcting posture and developing coordination.
The movements are more circular in dimension than exercises in the Pilates Method. This 3-dimensional approach to articulating the joints helps them to open up easily and fluidly, while strengthening the body in an open range of motion.
Gyrotonic® exercise is ideal for clients at any level of condition who want more flexible spines, hips and shoulders, or who want more overall strength and flexibility for the whole body. It is also extremely therapeutic for clients who are dealing with spinal pathologies.
Clients are taught 3-dimensional awareness as they move, which helps them achieve equilibrium. The internal sensation of doing Gyrotonic® exercise is that of dancing, swimming, massaging, yawning, spiraling and working against resistance in unfamiliar states of balance.
While GYROKINESIS® exercises can be taught in a group format using a stool and a mat, Gyrotonic® movement is taught privately or as a semi-private, using a central apparatus called the Pulley Tower. Click here to see examples of the Pulley Tower in use.
Patrishya teaching a client
History
Gyrotonic® and GYROKINESIS® were created by Juliu Horvath over 30 years ago during many years of study and exploration while trying to heal serious disc injuries that came about from his career as a dancer. Today, Gyrotonic® movement is recommended by any physical therapist that is familiar with the modality. For more information about Juliu Horvath and the official Gyrotonic® website, visit www.gyrotonic.com.
GYROTONIC, GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM and GYROKINESIS are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.