This yoga and tai chi-based exercising method improves general health.

The word gyrotonic comes from the Greek words gyro (circle) and tonic (musical tone) and means “musical gyration”. It became popular in the USA in the 1980s, and involves three-dimensional, circular, harmonious movements for achieving physical and mental well being. There are more than 13,000 expert trainers teaching this method around the world.

Its creator, dancer Juliu Horvath, wanted a treatment for relieving the injuries suffered during his career. After studying yoga and meditation, he developed a training system with different machines with cranks, called gyrotonic, which gives the entire body a workout.

This activity consists on a series of gentle, undulating, spiral motions, synchronised with breathing, that strengthen and stretch the muscles. The idea is to improve flexibility, and tone and strengthen the body. The benefits are comparable to those achieved with yoga, swimming, dance and tai chi.

Benefits of gyrotonic

1. Whole body workout

It simultaneously lengthens and tones the muscles, tissues, joints, tendons and ligaments, in an integral, sustained way. It works the large muscle groups more comprehensively than other training methods, stimulating everything from the deeper, smallest muscles to the larger, most visible ones.

It strengthens the core for a firmer, more stable trunk. Regular sessions will give you a better proportioned, stronger body, and more energy.

2. Stretch the spine

Curved and circular movements improve the functional capacity of the spine. This is good for balance and mobility. Just a few sessions are enough to improve your spinal health, and free you of discomfort.

It tones the spine, boosting flexibility, while decompressing the joints and correcting posture.

3. Low risk of injury

The exercises are done on several machines. The best known of these is the Pulley Tower, which is adjusted and adapted to each person’s needs, according to morphology and physical condition. This equipment is used to do controlled exercises with a similar level of resistance to movements in water.

Using a system of weights and pulleys, which glide, it avoids the impact associated with traditional gym equipment at the beginning and end of each movement, thus eliminating the risk of injury.

4. Stimulates blood flow

Doing complete movements that involve several parts of the body improves coordination, flexibility, physical strength, endurance and blood flow.

This helps to combat fluid retention and relieve the sensation of tired, swollen legs.

5. Better body awareness

Circular exercises mimic some yoga practices, pilates, swimming and martial arts. The combination of these techniques works out the entire body (legs, arms, abdomen, back), optimises posture and makes for better consciousness of one’s own body.

6. Stress buster

Every movement is synchronised with a specific way of breathing, strengthening coordination, cardiovascular stimulation, physical and neuromuscular rejuvenation. Balances breathing and increases lung capacity.

As in the yoga, breathing boosts the physical results and promotes relaxation, tranquillity and calm, helping to reduce stress and tension.

As you can see, this type of exercise is intended to improve mobility in general and rebalance vital energy in the body. Although it is suitable for everyone, gyrotonic is particularly good for people who need to correct their posture, release stress, improve coordination and improve mobility.

This new exercise regime will keep you fit without risk of injury and with sustained movements, for fabulous results.

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