Gyrotonic exercise, derived from the words "gyro," meaning "spiral," and "tonic," meaning "toned," began as a dancer's conditioning method, but its odd-looking machines and undulating movement patterns eventually sparked the general public's interest. Many gyms and Pilates studios now offer gyrotonic training. The gyrotonic machine, called the gyrotonic expansion system, and the floor exercise series, called gyrokinesis, uses circular, spiraling movements that complement the linear movements of the Pilates and other fitness methods.
History
Juliu Horvath, a Romanian dancer, created the gyrotonic technique. Horvath defected during the 1970s. The United States granted him political asylum. He danced with the New York City Opera and the Houston Ballet, until a ruptured Achilles tendon and damaged spinal disks interrupted his career. While recovering in the Virgin Islands, Horvath developed his exercise technique. He designed his first gyrotonic machine in New York in 1984.
Identification
Gyrokinesis works the body in multiple planes of movement. Typical exercises include forward flexion, spinal extension, lateral, or side-to side, bending and rotation and circular movement. Classes move through a series of rhythmic, connected, breath-supported movement patterns. Most classes begin with self-massage techniques and breathing exercises. After this warm-up, which Horvath calls "Awakening of the Senses," students sit on low stools and perform pelvic and spinal mobilization exercises. The movement patterns gradually expand to include the other muscles of the body. The class continues on the mats or on the gyrotonic equipment.
Features
Five machines comprise the gyrotonic expansion system. These include the pulley tower, the archway, the leg extension unit, the jumping stretching board and the gyrotoner. Students attach their hands or feet to the cables on the pulley tower and perform exercises in the seated, supine prone and standing positions. A painter's tower inspired the gyrotonic archway. This machine facilitates gymnastics-inspired hanging movements. A rotary platform at the bottom of the ladder enables full-body rotation movements. Horvath designed the leg extension unit and the gyrotoner to enable simultaneous exercise for different muscles groups. The jumping stretch board enhances flexibility.
Benefits
Many exercise systems enhance strength, flexibility, healthy breathing patterns, posture and coordination, but gyrotonic exercise offers additional benefits. The secret to its success lies in its rotary movements. While these moves are essential to sports such as golf and tennis, they get minimal use in daily activities. Rotary exercise stimulates synovial fluid, which is the fluid that protects the joints. Practicing rotary exercise on a regular basis might prevent arthritis and other joint problems.
Warning
Like many other effective fitness techniques, gyrotonic exercise is quickly becoming a fad. Home models of the machines are available, but this complex equipment requires expert instruction. Engage the services of a certified gyrotonic exercise instructor before attempting the machines.
