Celebrity trend: Gyrotonics

A-list beauties are buzzing about the benefits of this unique toning method. But can it really melt belly flab and ease joint pain? FIRST health and wellness columnist Jorge Cruise weighs in

Sure, we’d all love to have enviably jiggle-free arms and a flat stomach like Wendie Malick, but weight lifting and cardio get so monotonous, sweaty and painful. That’s why we were intrigued when we heard that the Hot in Cleveland alum doesn’t endure grueling sweat sessions to keep her figure looking great. Her secret: a series of slow, rolling movements performed on a Pilatesstyle machine called the Gyrotonic Expansion System.

The method was developed in the 1970s by celebrated ballet dancer Juliu Horvath as a way to help him stay in shape while healing from an Achilles tendon injury. Horvath designed the series of movements, and eventually the Gyrotonic machines, to keep his muscles limber while maintaining and building core strength, balance, stamina and coordination. The low-impact method grew in popularity with other dancers, and soon Gyrotonics began to infiltrate rehabilitation centers, sports-training facilities and elite gyms as fitness buffs and celebrities saw its impressive results.

How does Gyrotonics work? Experts explain that the method (which includes moving with and against a series of resistance pulleys and rotating handles) lengthens and tones muscles throughout the body, focusing on the core and spine. The flowing sequences isolate the deep-tissue abdominal muscles that cinch in the waist and strengthen the lower back, while constant fluid arm movements