What is GYROTONIC®?

The GYROTONIC Expansion System® is a popular movement system that uses specialized equipment and fluid movements to build muscle strength, decompress the spine, and increase your range of motion. It can be made easier or harder to accommodate any age or fitness level.

MOVE Wellness currently offers small group Gyrotonic and virtual Gyrokinesis classes and private sessions at our Ann Arbor fitness studio.

What is Gyrotonic exercise?

Gyrotonic training is a three-dimensional movement system based on the principles of yoga, dance, tai chi, and swimming. The Gyrotonic method uses specialized equipment that helps continuously move the body through fluid, circular movements, with an emphasis on balanced and healthy spinal motion. These exercises build muscle strength, increase circulation, and promote decompression of the spine and joints.

The Gyrotonic method is a refined version of the “Yoga for Dancers” system that Juliu Horvath developed in the 1980s. It is now taught in more than 80 countries around the world. 

Gyrotonic vs Gyrokinesis

Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis were developed by dancer Juliu Horvath as refined versions of his “Yoga for Dancers” method and have the same technique, philosophy of movement, and benefits — including increased circulation, balance, muscle strength, and joint mobility,

The key difference between these two movement systems is that Gyrokinesis is done with minimal equipment, primarily on a stool with some standing balance and mat work. Gyrotonic, on the other hand, requires larger pieces of specialized equipment like the Gyrotonic Tower, Gyrotoner, Jumping Stretching Board and Archway. 

Both Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis can be done at our studio in small group classes or private sessions. 

Learn more about Gyrokinesis here.

Gyrotonic vs Pilates

Both Gyrotonic and Pilates build core abdominal strength, increase flexibility and balance, and are scalable for all skills and fitness levels. However, the movement systems do have some key differences.

Gyrotonic promotes a three-dimensional, circular form using a series of exercises performed with continual motion, using rhythm, repetition, and flow to create gradual change. This movement system focuses on muscles, fascia, the nervous system, and the skeletal system (including joints and spine).

Pilates, on the other hand, promotes a two-dimensional linear form using a prescribed number of repetitions with the idea that the more precise the form, the fewer number of repetitions are required to create change. This movement system focuses on key alignment principles and how the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems work together to reeducate movement patterns.

Who can take a Gyrotonic class?

Gyrotonic exercises can be done at any age or fitness level. It can be adjusted to be slower and more gentle for clients just beginning their fitness journey or scaled up to be made more challenging for clients who want a more intense workout. 

Why take Gyrotonic classes? What is Gyrotonic good for?

There are many benefits to Gyrotonic exercises:

• Stronger, leaner muscles 
• Better joint stability
• Increased circulation
• Better spinal mobility
• Increased range of motion 
• Better balance 
• Stronger core 
• Better coordination of the pelvic floor
• Improved posture 

Does Gyrotonic build muscle?

Gyrotonic exercises promote strong, lean muscles. 

Do you need special equipment for Gyrotonic classes?

Yes. Gyrotonic exercises are done on weight and pulley-based machines. At MOVE Wellness, we use Pulley Towers, the Jumping Stretching Board,Gyrotoner and the Archway.

This specialized equipment helps you move your whole body through rhythmic, circular spiraling motions, with an emphasis on healthy spinal motion.  

Where can I take Gyrotonic classes?

You can take small group or private Gyrotonic sessions in-person at our fitness studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our experienced trainers will work with you to develop a customized wellness plan so you can have safe and effective workouts that help you meet your fitness goals.