By Amy Sugar-Carter
I was born and raised in Columbus, OH.
I discovered GYROTONIC® exercise while completing my Pilates certification as my instructors were also Gyrotonic trainers. And I decided to get trained in the Gyrotonic method too. I did all this while dancing professionally in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a unique and original, three dimensional movement method developed by Juliu Horvath. As a professional dancer who was dealing with with injuries, he needed to find a way to move that felt safe and wholistic to help him rehabilitate. He created two methods: the GYROKINESIS® method which is practiced on a mat and a stool without equipment, and the Gyrotonic method which uses specialized equipment.
Unlike Pilates, which uses spring resistance, the Gyrotonic equipment uses weights and pulleys and rotational discs, which adds variety and different levels of intensity. The machine facilitates your movements, but it makes you do all the work. It is a complete system of exercise as it articulates your joints, stimulates the nervous system, increases range of motion, and improves the flow of energy through the body to build strength, stamina, and movement efficiency.
Similar to Yoga, the breath is a key component to the Gyrotonic Expansion System. We use the sound and the rhythm of our breath in synchronization with unique exercises to create an uninterrupted flow, linking the movements together.
I think what these movement modalities such as Yoga, Pilates, and Barre have in common with the Gyrotonic Expansion System is at the end of a session or class, you’re left with an over all feeling of well-being.
I’ve worked with professional ballroom and ballet dancers, professional equestrians, professional musicians. I’ve also worked with a professional baseball player, who after his session, said that he felt ready to go right out on the field and start hitting balls!
Many of the general population clientele I see play recreational sports, such as golf and tennis; and many of them have shoulder, hip, knee, or back trouble. Gyrotonic exercise allows them to move more effortlessly and with less pain.
The Gyrotonic method helped my client who has a condition which effects the connective tissues and can cause other complications such as muscle weakness. She was unable to safely exercise on her own and she left every session feeling great. I think that speaks volumes.
A typical response after a Gyrotonic exercise session is “I feel taller,” or “I feel like I’m floating.”
My personal favorite is, “This is how I want to feel all the time.”
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GYROTONIC , GYROKINESIS and GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.
