Gyrotonic®

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".

Benefits of GYROTONIC®

GYROTONIC® is very effective in helping to stretch and find release of the mid to upper back, countering the effects of poor posture and consequent neck and shoulder discomfort all of which is so often the result of working long hours in front of a computer or too much time spent behind the wheel. GYROTONIC® creates toned strong abdominals and lengthens tendons, ligaments, and muscles. GYROTONIC® works with the spiral lines of the body to create a uniform strength. GYROTONIC® tractions the spine with movements that use opposition.

The body learns to create space in the joints and work with a full range of movement. Utilizing the principle of tensegrity, you will feel rejuvinated, stretched, and strong. Athletes observe greater endurance and strength. Those recovering from injuries are aided through recovery. Back pain and hip pain can be relieved. For everyone, a greater sense of the expansive self.

How do I get started?

reFORM offers two separate GYROTONIC® introductory packages. It is important to gain a foundation in the GYROTONIC® Expansion system and during these first three sessions we will help you do just that. Thereafter, you may decide, with the guidance of your instructor, what course is best for you. Some choose to come once weekly while others find it beneficial to come more often. As you gain experience with GYROTONIC®, we do offer an Open Studio option where you may come in to workout independently.

At the present time, we only offer private GYROTONIC® sessions. GYROTONIC® is housed within reFORM in a loft upstairs from the Pilates space. In Fall 2007, we will begin to introduce GYROTONIC® group sessions on the Tower Pulley System as we will be adding two more towers to our space.

Please call the studio to book your appointment. or if you have any further questions. We offer GYROTONIC® Monday through Saturday, from 7am-7:30pm.

Is GYROTONIC® safe for pregnancy?