The Gyrokinesis Method is a unique, holistic approach to movement. Some of the benefits of a regular Gyrokinesis practice include a healthier, more supple spine, increased range of motion, greater joint stability, improved agility and athletic performance, and a deep internal strength. Trainers offer group and personalized sessions that are adapted to fit the needs of all ages and abilities from elderly patients recovering from injury, to highly skilled professional athletes.

The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences.

The Gyrokinesis Method is practiced on a mat and chair, without equipment. Participants in a Gyrokinesis class tap into sensation and develop proprioception through movement sequences that coordinate breath, movement, and mental focus.

The Gyrokinesis Method was developed by former international ballet dancer Juliu Horvath.

http://www.gyrotonic.com

YES! The Gyrokinesis Method is based on a practice of listening to your body while you perform exercises with coordinated breath work. You will be encouraged to pursue movements that feel good and to modify those that do not.

The deep core work happens with each breath and is controlled by you. You decide how intense you want your core engagement to be.

By performing exercises standing and seated, the body is relieved from strenuous weight-bearing, giving you an opportunity to open tight areas and expand range of motion without losing your balance or becoming de-stabilized.

Variations on exercises offer multiple options for targeting the same muscles, soft tissue, and nerve pathways so you can reap the benefits of each exercise without going beyond your edge.

I encourage all of my students to find their own rhythm within the class and breath at a pace and depth that feels right for you!

You will need an armless chair or stool - preferably with a level (not tilted) seat. Gyrokinesis exercises are typically practiced on a 16” to 20” stool with a padded cushion. Grab a towel, pillow, or cushion to pad up your seat if you like!

You also need some space - enough space to extend your arms to each side and to lean over in all directions.

Class starts with with small, simple movements, either standing or seated. Alignment and movement principles will be explained as we practice synchronizing breath and movement.

After a gentle warm up the practice moves into spinal motions - front and back, spiraling, side to side, circular, and waves (or undulations). If there’s still time, we’ll continue with seated leg exercises before moving into standing exercises for hip, knee, and ankle mobility. I generally do not teach exercises on all fours, sometimes called “table top” or “hands and knees,” unless I have an intimate knowledge of students’ overall health and history.

Core work is tied to the breath and the breath will be cued for each exercise. Trainers demonstrate exercises while giving verbal cues. The practice has an ebb and flow with moments of rest between sequences of exercises.

Awakening the Senses is a practice to stimulate the whole body before practice. This sequence may be incorporated in the beginning of class. Please wash your hand before class, as Awakening the Senses begins with a gentle face massage to open the sinuses, release tension in the jaw, and stimulate the skin and ocular nerves. Awakening the Senses continues through the whole body with tapping, drumming, and massaging from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet. This is a great practice for invigoration!

I teach to a broad skill set in my classes, meaning beginners, professional dancers, yoga teachers, business professionals, and seniors often take the same class. I work to empower each student to find their range of motion and desired level of intensity while taking care to offer variations on exercises that pose particular challenges.

For example - many exercises can be performed with arms overhead, arms clasped in front of the heart, or with the hands resting on the thighs. Each position has a different level of challenge and accessibility. You will be encouraged to experiment and make the choice that is best for you in each moment. I am happy to answer questions via my contact form, or at the beginning and end of each class.

After several years of developing, evolving, and teaching this practice, Juliu Horvath chose to register his syllabus, exercise principals, and movement sequences under the name “the GYROKINESIS Method.”

The prefix gyro- comes from Greek γῦρος, meaning “circle” and “turn,” “spin.” In the case of GYROKINESIS, it is intended to be pronounced “JEYE-roh.” “Kinesis” is a term from physiology, with the Proto-Indo-European pre-language root “keie-” meaning “to set in motion.”

After experiencing a GYROKINESIS Method class, where you will move through circular, semi-circular, and figure-8 patterns, you will be able to appreciate how accurate a name the “GYROKINESIS Method” is.

Please submit your question via my contact form!