Mastering the Gyrotonic method
This method integrates dance, gymnastics, yoga and swimming principles
There is a time and place for every type of training in fitness. Whether you consider yourself a beginner, an athlete or somewhere in between, you can learn to appreciate the benefits of all the different methods — be it callisthenics, weightlifting, CrossFit, yoga, etc. Concepts aplenty, and we’re spoilt for choice.
But have you heard of Gyrotonic? Time for a little eye-opener.
Gyrotonic, created by Hungarian ballet dancer Juliu Horvath in the late 70s, is a method of training that integrates dance, gymnastics, yoga and swimming principles with specialised wooden equipment to execute a workout that’s both powerful and graceful at the same time. The equipment allows for circular movements around an axis, emphasising the natural pushing and pulling of the body.
“The machines are so wisely crafted and sophisticated that they can be adjusted literally to everyone’s size, ability to move and range of motion. The biomechanics of each and every movement, exercise and
sequence are so precise that chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists all around the world use Gyrotonic as a rehabilitation tool.” says Mara Tataki, Gyrotonic Instructor at Anassa Fitness.
BENEFITS TO ALL
You don’t have to be injured or be undergoing a rehab to benefit from Gyrotonic, of course. It will only strengthen you more and improve your overall performance if you go in perfectly normal.
Tataki adds: “For the people who are considered healthy and active already, Gyrotonic works out the musculoskeletal system so evenly and smoothly that you build up strength and range of motion without struggle… it can be adapted to fit to all ability levels.
“Within one hour of training all systems of the body (circulatory, endocrine, nervous, lymphatic, skeletal etc.) are stimulated, as if they are waking up somehow. The specific moves, with specific dynamics, in addition to specific breathing patterns and the rhythmical pulse regenerates body functions...you feel more awake, recharged, focused and calm.”
I attest to the above statement from Tataki without hesitation. It’ll feel as if you’ve come from a massage after a workout, lighter and looser. A stark contrast to the heavy pumped feeling you get from weight training.
On a funny side note, you do have to get past the initial impression of having to exercise on ‘torture machines’. The equipment may look intimidating but they couldn’t be further in their purpose.
Indeed, Gyrotonic is for everyone. It’s often described as holistic because it stimulates the whole body.
“It is safe, fun and challenging… it is versatile as it can be cardio and interval training. It can be slow as well, focusing on breath and on dance-like elegant movements. It is great for men, they actually like it! And my female clients tell me that they love it because it opens up their body, making them feel taller and lighter. I would recommend that everyone give it a try. Gyrotonic builds the best version of everyone,” Tataki concludes.
“Within one hour of training all systems of the body are stimulated, as if they are waking up somehow... you feel more awake, focused recharged, and calm.”