The question the teachers at MatWorkz Pilates always hear is, “GYROTONIC® versus Pilates which is right for me?” To help you make that decision, you need first to understand both methods’ principles and objectives. The principles of GYROTONIC® are intention, stabilization through contrast, decompression of joints, and coordination of movement and breath. GYROTONIC® aims to improve mobility, agility, and strength through a more holistic approach that targets the energy in your body and connects the emotional and mental to the physical. Joe Pilates’ principles include leveraging of the bones, proper muscle tension, the laws of gravity/equilibrium and to breathe properly. The objective of these principles is to create uniformity in the body. Thus improving balance, awareness, coordination, and posture through strength in the body’s spine and supporting muscles. Pilates places a greater focus on dynamic stabilization, uniformity, and precision of body movement. In comparison, GYROTONIC® focuses mainly on mobility.
What is GYROTONIC®?
The GYROTONIC® method takes influence from yoga, dance, swimming, and tai chi to create movement sequences that increase agility, balance, flexibility, and strength. These sequences consist of repetitive circular, arching/curling, spiraling, side arching, and “waving” flowing movements aligned with one’s breathing patterns. The flow of the body through these natural ranges of motion works to increase joint mobility.
Who is Juliu Horvath?
GYROTONIC® originated from GYROKENISIS®, initially known as Yoga for Dancers, in the mid-1970s. Juliu Horvath developed the movement method after ending his career as a professional ballet dancer from injuries. Juliu’s chronic pain and desire for rehabilitation led him to the study of yoga and meditation. Over six years of studying these methods, Juliu utilized the insights he gained to develop a new system of movement, Yoga for Dancers. As demand for his classes increased and his students diversified, Juliu refined his class format to be accessible to as many people as possible regardless of age, health, or body type. Yoga for Dancers became known as GYROKINESIS®. Juliu then used GYROKINESIS® as the foundation for the development of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. This system utilizes special equipment to assist practitioners through GYROTONIC® movements.
What kind of equipment do you use for GYROTONIC®?
GYROTONIC® exercises utilize special equipment specifically designed to facilitate the movements of each exercise. The GYROTONIC® Jumping Stretching Board makes it easier for practitioners to deepen their movements. This tool can be used while standing, kneeling, lying, and sitting. The GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower uses a weighted pulley system to support the natural movement pattern of joints. This design helps to prevent injury. GYROKINESIS® focuses on the same movement patterns as GYROTONIC® without the equipment. This method of movement uses a low stool and mat. A greater focus on practitioners’ self-movement and body position throughout the practice occurs due to the lack of equipment.
What are the benefits of GYROTONIC®?
A significant benefit of GYROTONIC® occurs with the spine. Improved spinal health and posture from these movements are known to help with chronic lower back and cervical pain from ailments like sciatica, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, amongst many others. In addition, these workouts help break down scar tissue and, consequently, are an excellent rehabilitation method for injuries. Additional benefits include stimulation of one’s nervous system, drainage of internal waste in the form of excess lymph fluids, increased energy, improved coordination and range of motion, and relaxed muscles and joints. This practice gives new meaning to the phrase, “go with the flow.”
Is GYROTONIC® Right for me?
The beautiful thing about GYROTONIC® is its adaptability. The classes are designed to help practitioners mindfully focus on internal body sensations. Instructors ask students to sense what feels right to them rather than merely mimicking their movements. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, senior citizens, people recovering from injuries, and individuals living with different physical abilities all can engage in and benefit from GYROTONIC® classes.
GYROTONIC® Classes Near Me
MatWorkz Pilates is located in the heart of Winter Park, Orlando, Florida. The GYROTONIC® instruction studio space accommodates two students at a time for GYROTONIC® and small groups for GYROKINESIS® training. The instructors have spent many years at MatWorkz Pilates studying and sharing their dedication and passion for the GYROTONIC® method utilizing the mind-body connection for healthy movement. Their teachings help students reap the many physical and mental benefits GYROTONIC® has to offer.
