”My machines are built for athletes, dancers and health conscious people.... (My machines) work in three dimensions and in a circular fashion, expanding (energy) rather than constricting. The natural flow of energy is an outward movement. The energy flows toward the extremities through all your activities. The circular movements of the machines enhances this quality by working from the center toward the perimeter and reflect(ing) back to the center.” – Juliu Horvath
The Gyrotonic Expansion System was called the "Walk Taller" workout by Fitness magazine. Its emphasis is on continuous spiraling, circular movements that require involvement of many muscle groups at one time. This helps the body build strength without sacrificing flexibility. Once a client has mastered the fundamental movements, the workout can become cardiovascular in nature.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®
Gyrotonic creator, Juliu Horvath, was a young dancer with the Timisoara State Opera Ballet in Romania. His interests in yoga, dance, engineering and construction resulted in Gyrotonic methodology, with its unique blend of Kundalini yoga, weight training, breath work and dance. He created Gyrotonic to assist in "articulation of the joints and strengthening of the surrounding ligaments in such a way that it makes the connection between the bones much stronger- “It is not bulk that gives strength, it is the connections between the joints (that give strength)."
Gyrotonic incorporates movement from all planes of possible spinal movement: flexion (forward bending), extension (arching backward), side-bending, translation (shifting side-to-side), rotation (twisting), and circumduction (360º range of motion in a joint). These aspects, unique to Gyrotonic equipment and training, help effect change in spinal imbalances, such as scoliosis of the spine, chronic rotation in the upper back, or impingement of the discs.
Currently, the Gyrotonic Expansion System is used worldwide with great success amongst the circle of dancers, sports people, rehabilitation facilities, as well as general conditioning amongst people of all walks of life, from children to senior citizens.
