THE GYROTONIC® AND GYROKINESIS® METHODS

The GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods are unique forms of exercise devised by Julio Horvath from Romania. Offering similar benefits to and derived from yoga, Tai Chi, gymnastics, dance and swimming, GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® exercise enhances structural fitness, range of motion, coordination, and strength while achieving grace and a connection between the mind and body.

These techniques aim to balance the chakras (centers of spiritual energy) and energize the body. They correct dysfunctional patterns of the muscular and skeletal systems while promoting the flow of Chi (energy) throughout the body, including the organs and the nervous system, by stimulating the flow of blood and lymph. A key benefit of the GYROTONIC® method which is assisted by various machines, and the GYROKINESIS® method, which is often performed on mats in a group, is the release of excessive tension that often inhibits functional movement.

GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® systematically and gently work the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating exercises. The movements stimulate the body’s internal organs while integrating different corresponding breathing patterns. The entire body is taken through seven natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backward, left side, right side, left twist, right twist and circular movement, as well as all other joint articulation.

HISTORY OF GYROTONIC® EXERCISE

The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® method was created by Juliu Horvath. Horvath was born in Romania in 1942, and took delight in movement and exercise from his youth when he excelled in swimming, gymnastics, and rowing. Horvath later became a dancer and eventually left Romania, first for Italy, and later to move to the United States where he would go on to dance with the New York City Opera and appear as a guest artist at Radio City Music Hall.

Horvath later joined the Houston Ballet, where he would end his career as a dancer after tearing his Achilles tendon. After the injury, Horvath delved into meditation and yoga in the hopes of returning to a career in dance. He devoted six years of his life to studying yoga and meditation on the Island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.

It was after this deep reflection and study that Horvath developed his movement system “Yoga for Dancers” which would later become the GYROKINESIS® and GYROTONIC® methods. Horvath initially taught his system exclusively to dancers, but as news of his revolutionary movement system spread, Horvath adapted his courses for the general public, and the GYROKINESIS® method was created.

After developing GYROKINESIS® excercise, Horvath developed the GYROTONIC® method along with the equipment that Horvath uses in his GYROTONIC® teachings. The GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods have now reached many individuals who hope to better themselves and their bodies. Spread by Horvath to 84 countries with trainers in the EU, Asia, Australia, and the USA, the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods have now achieved success across the globe. 

GYROTONIC® APPARATUS

GYROKINESIS® CLASSES

A GYROKINESIS® beginner class starts with self-massage and simple breathing patterns to awaken the body. It transitions to focus in on the spine and pelvis. Seated on low stools, the teacher guides the class through a series of arching, curling, bending, twisting and spiraling movements. This is done to mobilize and to articulate the spine.

A GYROKINESIS® class encompasses not only sitting but also laying and standing positions. The movement patterns are expanded to release the hip and knee joints and to target specific muscle groups, such as the hamstring and quadriceps. These patterns are performed in all possible directions; to the front and to the back, to twist and to turn. The movements have their own breathing patterns which stimulate the nervous system, open up the energy pathways and oxygenate the blood. Advanced classes add endurance training to bodies prepared for more strenuous activities.

For more information, visit www.gyrotonic.com