This new approach to sports training, health and wellbeing is little know in France but it is prevalent in the US and Italy. The approach is even covered by social security in Germany and Finland. Today the approach is considered to be one of the best and most developed physical training methods in the world by thousands of health and sport professionals and high-level athletes and dancers.
The approach is often mistakenly compared to, or considered the same as, Pilates. However, the GYROTONIC® method (gyro: circle and tonic: strength) involves three-dimensional movements and respects the body’s natural breathing and biomechanics. The method, which is inspired by yoga, dance, tai-chi, gymnastics or even swimming, is innovative and unique.
The methods allows you to both stretch and strengthen the key muscle groups that are responsible for movement as well as the deepest muscles that control coordination.
It’s a so-called ‘holistic’ approach; this means it stimulates the entire body. As you perform the exercise your posture is rebalanced, tensions disappear, movements become more fluid and you improve cardiovascular and neuromuscular stimulation.
All of this helps you to enhance internal strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance, concentration and it provides a pleasant feeling of alignment and wellbeing.
The three-dimensional movements (circular, wave-like and spiral) bring a better awareness of the body and significantly improve balance.
The GYROTONIC® method was created by Juliu Horvath, a former professional dancer injured during his career, who wanted to find a way to heal himself using methods like yoga. After several years of studying and intense self-exploration he created what he first called ‘yoga for dancers’: GYROKINESIS®.
To improve his method he developed an exercise system using machines that can be used by anyone, regardless of age or state of health: the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®.