GYROTONIC® movement offers similar benefits also derived from from yoga, swimming, martial arts and ballet. The name, Gyrotonic, is formed from the words gyro (meaning ring, spiral or circle) and tonic (to tone or invigorate). Gyrotonic motion patterns help restore range of motion deficits, increase strength and flexibility, improve coordination and posture, and work on core stabilization. It does this by lengthening and strengthening muscles, while simultaneously stimulating and strengthening connective tissues in and around the joints of the body. These exercises are synchronized with corresponding breathing patterns, thus enhancing aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation and promoting neuro-muscular rejuvenation.

The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®. was invented in the early 1980s in the United States by Romanian dancer Julia Horvath. The system is made up of GYROKINESIS® exercise which is the method done without equipment and Gyrotonic exercise which is the method done with specially designed equipment. Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic movements increase a patient's spinal movement in all directions, improve coordination and engagement in the core muscles, while mobilizing shoulders and hips.

The movements allow a patient to improve their coordination, strength and flexibility. Most conventional exercise machines employ linear and isolated movement patterns, which create uncoordinated strength. With Gyrotonic exercises, the body flows smoothly between flexion and extension without pauses or breaks in the movement.

Here is a great, two minute video from the Wall Street Journal about the Gyrotonic Method of exercise.

GYROTONIC® Movement in the News

Gyrotonic Is a Workout That Helps Restore Mobility in the Spine. by Jen Murphy. Sept. 7, 2015.  Wall Street Journal.

From Ballerina to Mom, and Back Again. By Nicole Bengiveno. May 22, 2016. New York Times.

The Latest Twist: Gyrotonic Exercise. By Therese Droste. March 26, 2001.The Washington Post.

Andy Murray Makes Pilates [And Gyrotonic] Core to His Comeback. By Tom Perrotta. June 2, 2015. Wall Street Journal.