First there was yoga, then Pilates, both of which have become a sensation in the fitness world, adored by recreational users and elite athletes alike. Now there's Gyrotonic. Combining elements of yoga, Pilates, dance and gymnastics, Gyrotonic stretches and strengthens muscles and encourages full range of motion through joints in every exercise.
History
Gyrotonic was invented by Juliu Horvath, a former athlete and dancer with the Romanian State Opera. After injuring his Achilles tendon, he began practicing yoga intensively. During his yoga studies in the late 1970s, he came up with the idea for Gyrotonic training, which he called "Yoga for Dancers." He began to perfect a piece of equipment and a series of movements that would help anyone develop more strength, flexibility, range of motion and coordination. His method of instruction is now being taught around the world in rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities and dance studios.
Equipment
Gyrotonic is performed on a piece of equipment called a pulley tower, which stands 7 feet tall and is made of metal and wood. It has metal straps attached to pulleys, cables and weights that attach to feet and hands and allow the body to move through a 360-degree range of motion. There is a bench in the middle and two rotating handles on one side that are used to increase flexibility in the arms and core.
Movements
The movements performed in Gyrotonic are almost endless and can be left to the imagination for the most part. The difference between Gyrotonic and Pilates is that while Pilates movements are mainly performed in the sagittal, or front-to-back, plane, Gyrotonic can be performed in every plane and through 360 degrees of motion. This enables for fluid, almost dancelike motions, and undulations of the spine, arms and legs. Some movements have their roots in yoga and Pilates, while other movements come from dance and gymnastics.
Benefits
The Gyrotonic pulley tower is highly adjustable, which makes it a good strengthening and stretching device for people with injuries. Because each session is individualized---only private sessions with one student and one instructor are available---careful modifications can be made to suit the student. For people who have trouble moving or have serious injuries that preclude them from other forms of exercise, Gyrotonic can be adjusted to suit their needs, strength, flexibility and range of motion. And because many of the exercises can be performed sitting down, it is also good for people who are immobile. Gyrotonic is also beneficial for the everyday athlete and the elite athlete.
Get Started
There are Gyrotonic studios popping up in cities around the nation and the world. Gyrotonic equipment is also making its way into gyms and rehabilitation centers. Private Gyrotonic instruction with a trained instructor can cost up to $100 per hour.
