Gyrotonic & Gyrokinesis Methodologies
Gyrotonic Method
From the word "gyro" (meaning ring, spiral, or circle) and "tonic" (to tone or invigorate), Gyrotonic movement helps to increase range of motion, coordination, and strength by performing graceful, circular motions. It is a wonderful complement to our other services offered at Motion Arts.
The Gyrotonic Expansion System is a movement system based on the concept of circular motions, resembling the same functional patterns experienced with daily living. It helps to stimulate and increase the functional capacity of the entire body, helping people achieve a healthier state, with greater strength, balance and harmony.
Gyrotonic method developer, Juliu Horvath, began his career as a dancer with the Romanian State Opera, the New York City Opera, and later the Houston Ballet. In the early 1970s, Juliu ruptured his achilles tendon, which ended his dance career. Following this injury he began to develop a technique called "Yoga for Dancers", a deeper and more advanced level of what is now called Gyrokinesis exercise. He then designed and developed equipment that would complement his mat exercises, which led to the Gyrotonic Expansion System.
Unlike most conventional exercise machines where linear and isolated movement patterns are performed creating uncoordinated strength, the Gyrotonic Expansion System emphasizes multiple joint articulations without compression, thus strengthening ligaments and each attachment. Each exercise is synchronized with a corresponding breathing pattern and is performed with either a rhythm or melodical rhythmical expression, creating a gentle or vigorous cardiovascular aerobic stimulation, depending on the intensity and speed of execution.
Through full body integration of movement and breathing patterns, Gyrotonic exercises can enhance aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation and promote neuromuscular rejuvenation. Unique to the Gyrotonic method, the circularity, spiraling and undulating movements increase the functional capacity of the spine and create a spherical and three-dimensional awareness, resulting in total equilibrium.
Currently the Gyrotonic Expansion System is used worldwide with great success amongst the circle of dancers, sports people, rehabilitation facilities, as well as general conditioning amongst people of all walks of life, from children to senior citizens.
Gyrotonic Tower Classes are offered as either individual private instruction, or even duo, trio, or quad sessions. Classes can be either 60 or 90 minutes in length. To request an appointment please visit our Contact Us page, or give us a call at 248-225-6568.
Gyrokinesis Method
Gyrokinesis exercises were developed in the 1970's by Juliu Horvath and are the core of Horvath's methodology. It incorporates many key principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics and tai-chi. Gyrokinesis is a movement method that gently works the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences.
The Gyrokinesis methodology works the entire body through seven natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backwards, left side, right side, left twist, right twist, and circular. This methodology systematically and gently works the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating exercises. Movement stimulates the body's internal organs and different corresponding breathing patterns are integrated. The Horvath methodology invigorates and re-educates the body to move with fluidity, relaxation and power.
The beginner Gyrokinesis classes start with self-massage and simple breathing patterns to awaken the body. The next focus is on the spine and pelvis. Seated on low stools, the class mobilizes the spine through a series of arching, curling, bending, twisting and spiraling movements. These same movements are expanded to release the hip, knee, hamstring, quadriceps, and so on, in all possible directions: front, back, twisting, and turning. The more advanced classes add endurance training to bodies prepared for more strenuous activities. The classes encompass not only sitting, but also laying, and standing positions.
Gyrokinesis classes are offered several times per week at Motion Arts, and are typically one hour in length. For more information about Gyrokinesis, or any of our class offerings, please give us a call at 248-225-6568.