HEALTH & FITNESS :: JUNE/JULY 2008
Spiraling Motions Offer Best of Exercise, Therapy
If you read popular health and fitness magazines, you might be vaguely familiar with the terms Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis®. . . or at least, recall seeing the names of these exercise systems. If not, you’re certainly not alone wondering what they’re all about. Gyrotonic®, which relies on apparatus, and Gyrokinesis®, the mat version, are not readily accessible or available in this area for several reasons, although they’ve become popular both for exercise and therapeutic modalities in major metropolitan cities here and in Europe. Both systems are offered at three Forever Fit Foundation sites: Dover, Lewes and Mendenhall Station, Pa.
First, not only is the equipment, the Gyrotonic Expansion System, is quite expensive, and secondly, the training is lengthy and costly, and certified trainers remain under the watchful eye of founder, Juliu Hovarth.
About two decades ago, Mr. Hovarth, a professional ballet dancer, was injured, and though his career came to a halt, he converted his professional training, combined with techniques used in yoga, tai chi and swimming, to develop a system of exercise that also prevents injuries. The system, whether performed on a
With practice, Gyrotonic® and its mat counterpart, Gyrokinesis,® offers in-creased strength and flexibility, improved coordination and stamina and body sculpting. This system is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including those recovering from injuries and trauma, even those who have suffered strokes or spinal cord damage. Clients feel results that might include an increased sense of well-being, greater flexibility, better range of motion, a stronger mind/ body connection. So it’s no wonder it’s gaining in popularity. Unlike Pilates or the typical gym workout, your Gyro-tonic® instructor has spent a minimum of nearly two years in training. There’s no eight-hour short-cut to certification with this system, and the Gyrotonic® teacher is required to frequently update his or her personal certification in order to practice.
This doesn’t mean that Gyrotonic® is more difficult than Pilates, but it is different, a different approach and orientation. Both can be used for therapeutic and exercise sessions, and both are accessible to clients of all ages and levels of experience, but the difference is deeper. Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, focuses on core control, and while Gyrotonic® includes strengthening the body’s core as well, this movement system uses hallmark spiraling movement to open, lengthen and strengthen.
Many trainers combine their professional education to include Pilates, yoga, and Gyrotonic® since the programs provide excellent complements to one another. Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis®, with systematic series of motions and breathing patterns that lengthen muscles and open joints, offer movement in a gentle flow or a vigorous cardiovascular pattern, or anywhere in between.
Nancy Hawkins Rigg is founder and owner of Forever Fit Foundation, a personal training service specializing in Pilates, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, and Yamuna Body Rolling. She accepts clients at three sites: Dover, Lewes and Mendenhall Station Pa. A certified athletic trainer, she earned her bachelors degree from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in exercise science from Miami University in Ohio. To schedule an appointment or consultation, call (302) 423-1816 or for more information, call (302) 698-5201.
Publisher’s Note on Forever Fit Foundation:
It has been two years since I started taking Pilate's with Forever Fit, and
I couldn't be more satisfied with a program. Each session is something new and
challenging. My posture and flexibility have improved unbelievably. If you have
ever thought of trying Pilate's, but haven't, then you owe it to yourself to
at least try it once. Because once you do, you will never want to stop.
