It all began when…

Juliu Horvath, a Hungarian-born former dancer, developed the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods, based in unique movements with principles from Yoga, swimming, Tai Chi, gymnastics and dance, after an injury that put an end to his career as a professional dancer. In an attempt to rehabilitate his injuries, he spent several years in developing a new method, which any person could perform regardless of one’s age or state of health. Through the use of circular, continuous and repetitive movements, the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods strengthen the body and enable it to reach its fullest capacity of stretching and flexibility. They gently work the entire body, stimulate the nervous system and increase the range of motion through a harmonious use of breath. All exercises have a breath pattern that is crucial for the coordination between the movement and the breath.

The GYROKINESIS® method

The GYROKINESIS® method is a movement practice that was inspired by the WHITE CLOUD® or Yoga for dancers, created by Juliu Horvath. It consists of exercises that gently work the entire body, by increasing the range of motion through a sequence of rhythmic and flowing movements and it enables the trainee to find his own resistance.  The method is based on various natural movements of the body: forward, backward, sideway, twisting, turning and spiral movements. Classes may be 60-90 minutes long and begin with a sequence of exercises that are performed on a stool. In the beginning, the GYROKINESIS® method starts with a sequence that aims to awaken the senses, to massage the organs and to stimulate the nervous system. Then, a series of fluid and undulating movements follows, with postures being smoothly performed through a gentle breathing. While performing these spinal motions with the use of a conscious breathing, the sequence continues with more complex movements involving all parts of the body and incorporating movements of the hands, the feet, the hips and the shoulders. Upon completing a number of floor exercises, the GYROKINESIS® class ends with a calming sequence that offers peace of mind and a harmonious body balance.

The benefits

Both the GYROTONIC® and the GYROKINESIS® methods fall under one umbrella: the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® developed by Juliu Horvath. They both offer a number of significant therapeutic benefits that will help you acquire a healthy and balanced body or even relieve the body from pain and other chronic illnesses. Among others, the list below states a number of therapeutic benefits, as well as a series of frequent pains which the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods can heal after a period of frequent exercise at the Spiral Studio:

•    support physical health and wellness
•    improve blood circulation
•    relieve from arthrosis and arthritis
•    relieve from back pain and joint problems
•    improve scoliosis (ideal for children and teenagers)
•    improve neuromuscular coordination
•    strengthen the weak pelvic floor muscles
•    release body tension
•    develop body coordination
•    prevent from osteoporosis
•    enhance body stability and balance
•    increase body awareness and improve posture
•    develop muscular strength and stretch the body
•    improve flexibility
•    prevent from injuries and help rehabilitation
•    increase pre and post-natal strengthening
•    enhance peace of mind

Ideal for Everyone

Especially designed to reshape tired and painful bodies, all GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® classes are suitable for all ages and accessible to people of all levels of fitness, from top athletes to dancers and senior citizens. Suited for bodies with special needs, classes are also ideal for people with chronic illnesses, such as back or leg pains, healing, therefore, those parts of the body that require extra help and attention. The Spiral Studio also organises prenatal and postnatal classes for pregnant women, offering more energy and less stress, especially designed to help their body adjust and recover.

Adequate for senior citizens

The GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods are also adequate for senior people and are especially designed to fit the abilities of every ageing body. As the body gets older, it faces more difficulties in moving. These methods can help relieve different kinds of pains, such as back pain and other chronic illnesses, while they may also heal arthritis. The gentle and smooth stretching exercises restore strength and flexibility by offering various therapeutic benefits such as improved blood circulation, increased stamina and more peaceful and restful sleep. The GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods constitute the perfect exercise system for all senior citizens, regardless of their fitness level, as well as a good way to regenerate the body.

The difference between GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS®

While these two methods offer the same valuable benefits for a balanced and healthy body, they are quite different as to the characteristics and the equipment used. The GYROTONIC® exercises are performed on especially-designed equipment that adds resistance and support (the studio is equipped with 3 GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Combination Units, 2 Leg Extension Units and 1 GYROTONER®), while the GYROKINESIS® method is based on non-machine exercises, and more specifically on a stool for the seated positions and on a mat for the laying/standing positions.

Visit the official GYROTONIC® site at www.gyrotonic.com