What is GYROTONIC®?
The GYROTONIC® Expansion System was created by former dancer and gymnast Juliu Horvath and is based upon some of the movement principles of Yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming, and Tai Chi. The movement patterns incorporate circular and spiraling movements that help to facilitate ann unwinding of tight joints, lengthen and strengthen muscles, and increase spinal flexibility.
GYROTONIC® stretches, strengthens and tones. It can be a relaxing workout and a challenging aeorobic workout depending on the goals and desire of the client. The GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower is the main piece of equipment used in a GYROTONIC® session and is amazingly flexible in its many uses. The Tower uses weights connected to a cable pulley system and has an incredible range of motion able to work horizontally, vertically, with the client laying down, standing up, or facing sideways. Weights can be used to challenge and support, to traction and to create resistance.
Is GYROTONIC® like Pilates?
While many parallels are drawn between GYROTONIC® and Pilates, GYROTONIC® is a very different practice from Pilates. Completely diffferent focus, movements, and shapes. Some students choose to delve into both practices while others choose to study one practice exclusively. At reFORM we support both practices. We value the benefits that both Pilates and GYROTONIC® offer. reFORM respects each student in his or her course of study. We believe in freeing the body and mind through movement and realizing the self in the process.
reFORM is consistent in its teaching approach whether it be Pilates or Gyrotonic. iIt is best to really diversify movement within any system so that the body is constantly challenged and does not get stuck in any pattern of movement. With the many many exercises available in both the Pilates system and the GYROTONIC® system, we as instructors have the ability to truly tailor each workout to the individual body and each person's specific needs.
We also encourage each student to pay attention to what level, amount, and type of exercise each person does outside of his or her Pilates and/or GYROTONIC® workout. We take into account the whole picture and advise students to move outside of the studio. Cardiovascular activities like brisk walking hiking or swimming are still very important as are activities that feed the soul like going out for a night of debachary-all in good balance.
How does GYROTONIC® work with Pilates?
GYROTONIC® compliments Pilates beautifully by bringing a greater understanding to twisting and circular movements while still feeling safe and supported. These movements are still supported by the core abdominal muslces and so as a Pilates student starting GYROTONIC®, this core awareness is valuable in comprehending how unwinding and spiraling of the body is supported by what GYROTONIC® identifies as the "seed center".
