Whats it all about? Gyrotonic is a unique system of exercise that incorporates movement principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming and tai chi. Central to gyrotonic is the Gyrotonic Expansion System, or GXS, a specially designed wooden machine with rotational discs and weighted pulleys that allow the exerciser to strengthen their muscles using flowing, circular movements. What the expert says... Beatriz Pascual is attributed as the woman who introduced gyrotonic to the UK. Trained by Julio Horvath, who created the system, she has her own studio in London, and also runs gyrotonic teacher training programmes (gyrotonic.co.uk). Gyrotonic may resemble Pilates, says Pascual, but it is much more like yoga in its origin and breathing techniques. Pilates followers often make the mistake of thinking its the same and then find it difficult to master the breathing, which is specific to each particular movement pattern. The machine facilitates your movements, Pascual continues, but it makes you do the work, not the other way round. You will feel better after one session, but overnight miracles arent going to happen - this is one of the biggest issues I have explaining to my clients. It takes at least five to 10 sessions to understand the principles behind gyrotonic. Gyrotonic is three-dimensional in its range of movements, and this is unique to this form of exercise. Individuals who are used to working in linear movements are often surprised by how little control they have of their bodies in this way - so you need to be consistent with your sessions to see the benefits. Once a week is good, but twice a week is preferable. Connecting with your body and getting the breathing right is crucial to getting the most out of gyrotonic - which means switching off and leaving the pressures of life outside. Establishing this state of active relaxation can be hard, especially when you are concentrating on mastering new body skills and trying to do your best. Gyrotonic is a complete system of exercising: it articulates your joints, improves the flow of energy through the body, stimulates acupuncture points, builds stamina and strength and improves health. Getting started To find a teacher, your best bet is to log on to gyrotonic, the central website for everything there is to know about gyrotonic. Simply type in your postcode and the website will come up with a list of teachers and studios near you. An introductory gyrotonic session will always focus on a warm-up before moving on to working on the GXS machine. Exercises start with movements at the base of the spine and progress to the arms, neck and shoulders. Pulleys with straps are attached to your feet as your legs are stretched and strengthened, while at the same time encouraging movement in the abdominal muscles. Each class is one-on-one and lasts for about an hour. Since the machines are quite big and the system very specific, small group classes arent that common, and the average class costs around £45. Gyrotonic may have originated as a way of helping dancers, but its teachers consider it to be beneficial for just about anyone, including youngsters, those with arthritis and individuals seeking rehabilitation. When finding out more, you may also come across gyrokinesis, which is a kind of floor version of gyrotonic. Since it does not use the big equipment, gyrokinesis classes tend to be run as small groups and are cheaper - expect to pay around £12 a session. The gear When it comes to kit, all you need is a T-shirt, a pair of comfortable leggings and some socks. You could do gyrotonic barefoot, but socks are preferred for reasons of hygiene. But if youre one of those people who prefers to cut more of a dash when theyre exercising and who enjoys wearing specific functional clothing, then Adidas, Nike and Puma, among the major sports brands, offer the best selection. Labels such as Cassal, Fuerteventura, Bell Ferguson, Sweaty Betty (sweatybetty) and She Active (sheactive) also offer some stylish yet functional choices. Although there are some potential cardiovascular benefits from gyrotonic, youre not going to end each session in a pool of sweat, so while breathable clothing is preferable, forking out for technically designed kit is not essential. If you do get hooked and want your own GXS equipment to use at home, it will set you back at least £2,500. Read all about it All the training, equipment, teacher training certification and DVD products - just about anything to do with gyrotonic, in fact - goes through Julio Horvaths website, gyrotonic. The downsides: Its pricey. Private classes are expensive, often starting at £45 a session, which makes a one-on-one Pilates class look cheap at an average £29. Not very many teachers. If you are keen, you may find yourself having to travel quite far to get your fix. Not particularly sociable. Gyrotonics requires a degree of commitment, yet its a relatively solitary form of exercise. Group classes are rare since the machines are so big. If you prefer the support of exercising in a group, you could seek out gyrokinesis classes instead. It can be frustrating. Unless youve got really good co-ordination, picking up the different circular movements can be a bit like rubbing your stomach while you pat your head. You need to give yourself time to see your body change as you learn the different moves. The benefits: Improves posture Sports medics have attributed a more upright and elegant posture to the continuous involvement of the supportive muscles as they are strengthened and stretched. Puts no stress on joints Gyrotonics is beneficial for anyone suffering from joint pain because the unique way of securing the pulleys on the GXS machines allows movement without impact. Leads to better co-ordination The major muscle groups work together as well as interdependently, which, over time, leads to increased coordination with more efficient muscle recruitment. Lifts your spirits Fans attribute increased energy and raised spirits to the circular, spiralling motions and specific individual breathing patterns, which help relax tight muscles and stiff joints. Gives you full spinal mobility Gyrotonic movements free the spine to move in all directions, so improving back suppleness. theguardian/lifeandstyle/2007/feb/03/healthandwellbeing.features
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 06:57:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015