GYROTONIC® Stretches

I stumbled upon Gyrotonics® at a local wellness center, Plaza Wellspring and thought I’d give it a try. Described as being founded on the key principles of yoga, martial arts, gymnastics, and ballet, I thought this was definitely something worth exploring. GYROTONIC® stretches and strengthens muscles and the connective tissue around your joints. Its powerful system of gentle, fluid movement increases endurance, balance, flexibility and coordination.

GYROTONIC® Machine

My introductory session ($45) was one hour and my encouraging instructor, Jane began by guiding me through warm-up movements with my upper torso, arms, core and legs.

One thing I found interesting about Gyrotonic® stretches, was that it uses circular movement, rather than the linear, isolated movement of conventional machines (think pilates reformer, for example). So…instead of engaging the muscles one way and relaxing the other way…you’re engaging through the entire movement…that seems more efficient to me… interesting.

As someone who danced growing up, did the dance team thing, now teaching yoga, I would normally consider myself well-coordinated with body movement – even having an aptitude to pick up new movements quickly. But on this morning, I felt like my arms and legs were strangers and my core muscles and pelvis had gone on strike.  I found these stretches very helpful and interesting because they were requiring me to move in a very different way – which is always a great thing not only for the body but also the mind.  However, it was a very good lesson in letting go of my expectations and my ego as well…I was learning something new that wasn’t coming so easily (good medicine for all of us to be challenged outside of our beloved hobbies and skills).

After the warm-up, we did quicker circular movements and bicycles with the legs and then very challenging (but effective) core exercises.  The hour went by quickly and I left feeling more energetic after my workout.

During my stretches, I asked Jane about her typical client.  She sees dancers, professional athletes and those who are active in some discipline (running, cycling, tennis) but who are looking to cross-train and get the flexibility and core strength GYROTONIC® stretches have to offer.  She also sees folks who are working through conditions such as sciatica, MS, and arthritis.

The wellness junkie verdict? I really enjoyed this.  I’ve listed it as a fix, because I’m not sure I’d incorporate it into my weekly routine but it would definitely be something I would do again and recommend to clients.

For more general info on GYROTONIC® Stretches: CLICK HERE

For those in Kansas City, to contact Jane at Plaza Wellspring: 816-560-0530