Gyrotonic Exercise
Gyrotonic is a form of body conditioning developed by Juliu Horvath. From the word "gyro", which means ring, spiral or circle and "tonic", which means to tone or invigorate, Gyrotonic is a way of increasing range of motion, coordination, and strength by performing prescribed graceful, circular motions.
Gyrotonic is a new exercise program is just beginning to take off around the world. Gyrotonic was created in the 1980s and it promises to offer many of the same benefits as a Pilates program, with increased core strength, greater flexibility, a strengthened spine, and increased muscle tone being trumpeted by those who subscribe to the program.
There’s a growing list of celebrities that promote the program, including Madonna, the timeless beauty whose body is largely owed to her heavy participation in exercise programs including yoga, pilates, and Gyrotonic exercise throughout the years.
Gyrotonic uses many of the same types of movement as pilates, but it’s main difference is the fact that it focuses largely on movements that are circular, where pilates often employs the use of linear movements to achieve its goals. It uses a device that is known as a Gyrotonic Expansion System, but is commonly referred to as ‘the tower’.
Gyrotonic Expansion System
Subscribers to the Gyrotonic Expansion System say that it is a better methodology than Pilates, as the movements that are performed are more three-dimensional than the standard linear motions used in the pilates program.
Gyrotonic Expansion System program was designed around the movements that he saw in animals such as monkeys, cats, and octopi. For that reason, many of the exercises in the program have animal-based names.
It borrows from the traditions of yoga and pilates and strives to improve them. Some have argued that the program can be an effective method of physical therapy, and that the program allows them to ‘open their bodies’ more efficiently than a pilates program may.
Advantages Of Gyrotonic Expansion System
The Advantages Of Gyrotonic Expansion System Include:
- Reduces back/neck/shoulder problems
- Increases range of motion and flexibility
- Improves posture
- Post/ante natal benefits
- Strengthens core muscles, (and lengthens the outer muscles) to give a more streamlined physique
- Creates space in the joints, which gives more fluidity and an even flow of energy
- Releases tension
- Rehabilitation and prevention of further injury
- Improves blood circulation
- Enhances balance and co-ordination
- General well being, and clarity of mind
Disadvantage
One downside to the program is the fact that it is not offered everywhere, and when you can find it, the costs can be expansive.
A typical Gyrotonic session at a fitness center may cost around thirty five dollars, and buying a Gyrotonic Expansion System to use in the home is hardly a cost-effective alternative, with prices for the device hovering at around five thousand dollars.
While the jury is still out on which program is more efficient, Gyrotonic exercise is definitely gaining in popularity, with the number of instructors in the field more than doubling since the year 2000. |
