Focus On: The Gyrotonic Method

Hi! Happy almost-Friday! Hope you’re having a beautiful week. 

It’s been a while since I shared a Focus On post here on the blog, and I’ve been meaning to talk about this one for a while: Gyrotonics!

Doesn’t it sound like pure torture?

The good news is that it’s not like that at all: it’s challenging, but fluid, and absolutely lovely.

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What is the Gyrotonic Method?

From their website:

The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® Method is a unique, holistic approach to movement. Some of the benefits of a regular Gyrotonic practice include a healthier, more supple spine, increased range of motion, greater joint stability, improved agility and athletic performance, and a deep internal strength. Experienced Gyrotonic trainers offer personalized sessions that are adapted to fit the needs of all ages, and abilities, from elderly patients recovering from injury, to highly skilled professional athletes.

Gyrotonic is based on principles from yoga, dance, Pilates and tai chi, and involves circular movement patterns and breath work. 

There is also the Gyrokinesis Method, which is under the same umbrella, but different. According to the website: “Gyrokinesis addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is an original and unique method, which coordinates movement, breath and mental focus.”

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What to expect in a class, and how is it different from Pilates?

You can expect to MOVE your body, in circular and full-range movement patterns. When you’re used to the simple up and down movement of a biceps extension, it feels so good to twist and move your arm in an entirely different way. You’ll stretch and strengthen while feeling the deep muscles in your core get a serious workout. Gyrotonic is often taught in private lessons or small group training to allow for form correction and individual attention. 

Pilates is more linear as far as movement goes. Your limbs are either moving forward and backward, or side to side, with some gentle twisting. In the Gyrotonic method, the movements are circular: you’re working through full range of movement for all of your joints. To me, it feels very fluid and like dancing Pilates if that makes any sense. Pilates works on resistance training, core stability, and pelvic floor strength, and Gyrotonic does all of this as well. The tools used in Gyrotonics support the body so it’s able to move freely.

Here’s a video demonstration:

 

Tools and equipment:

The Gyrotonic equipment includes platforms, pulleys, and handles. You can check out the different equipment here! It’s definitely unlike anything you’ll see in the strength training room at the gym.

Pros:

-You will work your body in an entirely different way. Like I mentioned before, it feels so good to really work through the full range of motion for each joint. I was able to challenge and stretch tiny muscles that I hadn’t seen or focused on for a long, long time. I also love the emphasis on breath with the movements because it can help with core strength and stabilization (like a bonus core workout, no matter what you’re doing). 

-It’s zero impact, but still extremely challenging. While you aren’t pounding your joints, you’ll still feel like you’re working hard. It’s a great way to change up your routine and cross-train, particularly if you’re a runner or perform more traditional hypertrophic strength training. 

-It’s excellent for injury prevention. By encouraging full range of motion in our joints, we’re less likely to experience altered movement patterns. When you change your movement patterns, this can lead to muscle imbalances (the weak muscles continue to get weaker as the stronger muscles are faced with more work). This can lead to pain and injury. Gyrotonic encourages full range motion for our entire body. 

-It’s functional. If you think about it, how often do we do a traditional 90-degree shoulder press in real life? Not very often. How often do we have to twist and reach back into the car for the kiddos’ lost water bottle? Or reach high into the back of a shelf? Gyrotonic mimics everyday movements that involve arching, twisting, reaching, extending, and level changes. 

-It’s suitable for anyone and can be modified for unique populations like pregnant mamas, those with DR (diastasis recti: abnormal abdominal separation), injuries, and the elderly.

Cons:

It’s harder to find and can be very expensive. Since it’s a very specialized form of training – this is good because the instructors REALLY know their stuff – it’s not commonly offered at gyms and studios. You can likely find it in Pilates studios, physical therapy practices and at workshops/conferences. I was able to do a small bit while I was doing physical therapy, but still need to take a full class. My good friend Katie (who was in the Barre Bootcamp videos and Winter Shape Up videos with me!) is a Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor. 

What to wear:

-Anything that you would wear for Pilates.  Pair workout bottoms of your choice with a comfortable tank top or tee. I wouldn’t recommend shorts for those full-range leg movements (unless you want to flash your goodies hah)!

-All you need to bring with you is a water bottle and possibly a small towel.  

Have you tried the Gyrotonic Method? What about Pilates? It’s funny that I didn’t use to love Pilates, but now I crave reformer classes. There’s a studio in Thomasville (not too far!) I’ve been wanting to check out.

xoxo

Gina

More Focus on posts HERE. 

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