What is this method?
The GYROTONIC® method is part of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® which has been developed over the last 30 (+) years by Julio Horvath, an ethnic Hungarian, professional dancer from Romania now based in USA. It combines elements of dance, yoga and Chinese medicine, but is ultimately its own profound movement and exercise system, which stimulates the body from inside out.
Due to the adaptability of the equipment and the movement, the GYROTONIC® method is suitable for all age groups and abilities. It can be used to improve posture, general well being, to challenge and improve general fitness and mobility, for rehabilitation as well as for sports specific training.
“I want music in my body and poetry in my body, and I want to be skillful without struggle; it has to come without struggle.”
— Juliu Horvath, GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® founder
The GYROTONIC® method is performed on specialised equipment, which works with the natural movement directions of our joints. Movement and breath are joined together in spherical, spiraling and rhythmical movements, which flow from one to the other. The equipment provides us with resistance and support. It guides us through the movement and creates a framework for our body to facilitate a deeper understanding of the three dimensional movement. This is beneficial for opening and strengthening the body and improving everyday movement. It is also particularly helpful for those who want to improve their skills in dance and sports which require the ability to move in different and more unusual movement planes.
Overall the technique creates expansion and openness in the body. It decompresses the joints, releases tension and builds strength through the use of the breath, movement and resistance. In this process our deeper core muscles are challenged and stimulated, as are the more superficial layers of our muscles. Our nervous system is also challenged and our joints are mobilised. Through careful hands on and guided movement we open areas of restriction and learn to control areas of weakness and instability. As a result the body becomes stronger, more supple, well balanced and harmonious. Our spine becomes more fluid and our breath becomes freer.
The GYROTONIC® method is also injury preventative. It develops mobility and strength hand in hand, so our joints are supported in complex movements. The repetition of well aligned, three dimensional movement develops our awareness of good skeletal alignment and where we are in space, and helps us master new and complex movements. This reduces the likelihood of injuries through misalignment, lack of balance and coordination.
In this method we use different breathing patterns to facilitate changes in movement qualities and rhythms. The use of the breath, as well as undulating and spiraling movements, stimulates our neuromuscular system as well as our organs. This releases toxins and creates good overall circulation. The gentle mobilisations and freeing use of the breath also balances the autonomous nervous system, energising us when we are sluggish or fatigued and calming us when we are stressed and tense.
Benefits:
- Creates a well balanced, strong and supple body
- Releases unnecessary tension and opens the fascia
- Improves proprioception, body awareness and posture
- Improves coordination, balance and awareness of three dimensional movement
- Energises and grounds us
- Stimulates the organs and releases toxins
- Injury preventative
- Enhances performance of other physical activities and sports
- Fun and challenging
- Can be adapted to all age groups and conditions
For further information please visit: www.gyrotonic.com
Julio Horvath and the history of the method:
Julio Horvath is originally Hungarian but grew up in Romania where he worked as a dancer in The Romanian State Opera. In 1970 Horvath defected and moved to New York where he continued his dance career working with New York City Opera, Radio City Music Hall and the Houston Ballet. Due to a serious injury Horvath’s dance career came to an end. In an attempt to heal himself and to regain strength and fitness he began an in depth study of yoga and Chinese medicine. Gradually he began to devise his own movement system, which developed into what we now call the GYROKINESIS® method (the basis of the GYROTONIC® method without the use of apparatus).
Over time Horvath also began developing the GYROTONIC® equipment and opened a studio in New York called the White Cloud Studio. The method is today known as the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® and is continually gaining more popularity across the world. Horvath has developed a range of apparatus which add new dimensions to his method. He continues to develop and refine the method through new workshops, exercises and the development of new apparatus.
For further information please visit: www.gyrotonic.com