Gyrotonics

One of the newer workout systems that has entered the arena of mind-body fitness, Gyrotonics is a method that combines the elements of gymnastics, ballet, swimming, resistance training, Tai Chi, and Kundalini Yoga. Gyrotonics is also the most ideal complement to the Pilates workouts.

Developed by Julio Horvath, Gyrotonics focuses on three circular, dimensional, energizing movements, and has often been referred to as the “yoga in motion” and the “yoga with resistance”. It also centers on a unique exercise device called the Gyrotonic Expansion System. This equipment is an especially designed wooden apparatus that has weighted pulleys and rotational discs that allow for “variable controlled” resistance.

While most other exercise equipment function in an “unnatural” way, the Gyrotonic Expansion System works the ligaments, joints, and muscles in a circular and fluid way that simultaneously stretches and strengthens the body with no large exertion. Every exercise runs smoothly by “flexion and extension”, and “contraction and expansion” that works from the body’s spine out to the extremities, building external and internal strength.

These gentle twisting and spiraling motions are mixed with conscious body awareness and rhythmic breathing for a rejuvenated mind-body workout. Gyrotonics may be approached as a gentle and slow restorative experience or “sped up” for cardiovascular challenge.

ts Beginning And Concept

A prime dancer in the internationally famous Rumanian State Opera, Juliu Horvath developed the Gyrotonics System in late 1980’s in New York City at the White Cloud Studio. Horvath created the exercise method after he injured himself as a ballet dancer. He advanced a rehabilitation technique that was initially called “yoga for dancers”, improving his perception of enhanced training for human anatomy wherein bones and muscles don’t get crunched and compacted during training, but instead energized and elongated. His system was based on ballet, dance, gymnastics, swimming, Tai Chi, and yoga.

The system consisted of fifty exercises that had one hundred thirty variations of bending, stretching, turning, and twisting muscles using minimal effort. Gyrotonics system highlights controlled resistance, breath control, and developing strength and flexibility. Horvath’s workouts encourage a comprehensive range of full articulation and circular motion of steady joints. Every major group of muscles is worked on independently with a corresponding pattern for breathing. The Gyrotonics system can also be performed in combination with the Pilates workout.

Horvath initially created all the gyrotonic exercise towers himself, integrating strength resistance that had the challenge of wheeling one of the hands in a clockwise emotion while the other worked counterclockwise. Nearly with no exception, the motions are gentle, circular, and round, instead of the angular repetitions and thrusts of common exercises.

He also developed about fifty exercise sets based on cycling motions of the circle. While many people enjoy Gyrotonics for excellent energy rush it provides, as well as the strength it passes on, it’s regularly utilized as a rehabilitation therapy.

The Advantage

Gyrotonics improves muscle tone, flexibility, joint articulation, blood circulation, core strength, and muscle tone. Other benefits include aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation, increased motion range, better coordination, improved balance, and neuromuscular rejuvenation.

yrokinesis

Gyrokinesis is founded on the same “circular principles” as Gyrotonics. The difference is that Gyrokinesis utilized a mat and stool instead of using the specialized Gyrotonic Expansion System device. Gyrokinesis also emphasizes on dynamic stabilization and spinal flexion, postures and poses performed in smooth, dance-like manner.

Through the years many people, particularly performing artists, rehabilitative and athletic communities have embraced Gyrotonics, and have slowly worked its way into typical fitness popularity. Gyrotonics is an extremely “hands-on discipline” that even people who have practiced the workout for years still find one-on-one training beneficial. It has been considered as a very sensible approach to conditioning the entire body for improved health and total well-being.