What Is the Difference Between Mat and Reformer Pilates? Mat Pilates is performed on the floor using body weight and gravity for resistance, sometimes with small props like a magic circle, ball, or band. Reformer Pilates is performed on a spring-loaded carriage that adds adjustable resistance and, just as importantly, adjustable support. The Reformer offers […]
What Is the Difference Between GYROTONIC® and Pilates? GYROTONIC exercise moves the body in circular, spiraling, three-dimensional patterns with continuous flow, using weighted pulley equipment that assists the spine and joints into decompression and rotation. Pilates emphasizes core strength, alignment, and controlled movement, using spring-based equipment and precise, repeatable exercises. Both are low-impact mind-body methods, […]
We are excited to offer the opportunity to become a GYROTONIC® Level One trainer at MOVE Wellness. This profound and wise system will help you and your clients enjoy moving to get strong and mobile while supporting all the systems of the body. This post will give you all the information you need to know about doing your Gyrotonic training at MOVE.
Gyrotonic classes are designed to take the body beyond its current limitations. People come out of a Gyrotonic class with increased freedom of movement, greater strength and more agility. Gyrotonic exercises are adapted to fit anyone’s ability, from those recovering from injury or living with a disability to elite athletes.
For Pilates teachers, this system enhances what you already know and provides a depth of knowledge of how all the systems of the body work together. It is organized with more fluid movements and sequences that encourage proper biomechanics, breathing and the decompression of the joints of the spine and whole body. The training is a bit more experiential and differs from most Pilates courses.
The steps in the program are outlined below. There is also a link to the official gyrotonic.com website page where they spell out very specific requirements at each level of training.
Students must take Gyrotonic private sessions or classes before they enroll in the course. We want you to be familiar with all of the Level 1 material before you go to Pre-Training. If that is not possible, there is an option to add three days to the Pre-Training Course. This would have to be coordinated in advance.
Location: MOVE Wellness or another GT studio with a certified instructor
Dates: Individualized
Cost: Individualized
This is a 6 day course that can be done in 6 consecutive days OR two 3-day segments within 60 days of each other. Typically we do this course over two weekends or three if the extended pre-training is necessary. We meet 9-12 and 2-5pm.
Because we will coordinate this once we know who is interested in the course, we can plan time to do weekly classes leading up to the pre-training OR add the 3-day extension. This will be taught by Pre-Trainer Elaine Economou.
Location: MOVE Wellness
Dates: Two weekend format 3/8-10 and 4/5-7
Cost: 1,050 for two weekends/$1575 for three weekends
Studio Fee: $250 for two weekends/$375 for three weekends
Course hours are:
9-12 morning
12-2 break
2-5 afternoon
The Foundation Course must be taken between one week and three months of the end of the Pre-Training course. Each day there are five hours of training with a mandatory two hour break in the middle. We typically meet 9-12 and 2-5pm. This will be a 12-day course taught by Master Trainer Donna Place.
Logistics: The course runs for 6 days with day 7 off and then 6 more days. The purpose and description of the course is below which is cut and pasted from the gyrotonic.com website.
Location: MOVE Wellness
Dates: May 13-25 (day off on 5/19)
Cost: $2,100
Studio Fee: $500
(The course fee is paid to MT Donna Place (@Donna-Place-3) on or before the first day of the course and the studio fee is paid to MOVE at the time of registration.
Course hours are:
9-12 morning
12-2 break
2-5 afternoon
To provide a more in-depth understanding of the Gyrotonic Level 1 curriculum and provide students with the specific skills and techniques needed to teach these exercises to clients. During this course, a Gyrotonic Master Trainer introduces the teaching techniques and principles underlying the Gyrotonic Level 1 exercise syllabus and introduces the complete Gyrotonic, Level 1 exercise curriculum.
In this program students learn to design and teach a progressive sequence of Gyrotonic Level 1 classes on the Gyrotonic Pulley Tower. The 195 hour program is composed of four sequential courses.
Once students successfully complete the Gyrotonic Level 1 Foundation Course, they are considered a Gyrotonic Apprentice. At this stage the Gyrotonic Level 1 Apprenticeship period begins and students can begin teaching the Gyrotonic level 1 exercises they have learned in the role of Gyrotonic Level 1 Apprentice. The apprenticeship license is valid for 1 year. During the one year apprenticeship period, students will finish the Gyrotonic Level 1 Apprenticeship Review Course, complete practice teaching hours, and the Gyrotonic Final Certificate Course. Students must spend a minimum of six months in personal practice and practice teaching before they are eligible to attend the final certificate course.
The apprenticeship period lasts a minimum of six months and a maximum of one year. During the apprenticeship period, students are required to complete 60 “teaching client” hours and a minimum of 30 supervised Apprenticeship Review Course hours. Apprentices complete their supervised apprenticeship review course hours under the guidance and supervision of a Gyrotonic Master Trainer either in the form of a six day Gyrotonic Apprenticeship Course or by re-taking the Gyrotonic Foundation Course.
For the Gyrotonic Training at MOVE, we will offer a six day Gyrotonic Apprenticeship Course with Donna Place
Location: MOVE Wellness
Dates: November/December 2024 TBD with cohort
Cost: $1,050
Studio Fee: $300
(The course fee is paid to MT Donna Place on or before the first day of the course and the studio fee is paid to MOVE at the time of registration)
Course hours are:
9-12 morning
12-2 break
2-5 afternoon
The purpose of this course is two fold. It is an education course and it is also a practical assessment of students’ teaching skills and their understanding of the Gyrotonic Level 1 curriculum. To successfully complete this course, Apprentices must physically execute and demonstrate a proficient understanding of the exercises and principles in the Gyrotonic Level 1 Foundation Course syllabus. Additionally, Apprentices must apply the appropriate verbal cues and physical guidance to a moving person according to the Gyrotonic Level 1 Foundation Course manual.
*Please note, this course is not offered at MOVE Wellness. You can look online and find courses in the US and other countries. Washington DC is a popular place for students to take their final certification.
Location: Your choice (see Gyrotonic website)
Dates: Your choice
Cost: $525
Studio Fee: determined by the host studio
We hope you’ll consider doing your Gyrotonic Training at MOVE. Email us with any questions or to enroll!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
There are many benefits to Gyrotonic exercises:
Gyrotonic exercises promote strong, lean muscles.
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.
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.
We are thrilled to announce that MOVE hosted Gyrotonic Master Trainer Donna Place for the Level 1 Foundation Training in August after our own Lauren Miller took trainees through their Pre-Training in June. Now Donna is back for limited private sessions, one special tower class, and a FREE Anatomy Jam. Donna has a wonderful perspective on supporting people as they step into movement work. We’ve all been in such good hands and you won’t want to miss out on this latest training opportunity!
Information and steps to becoming a Gyrotonic Level 1 Trainer can be found here to help you further understand the process.
Please call us at 734-224-2560 or email us to register and hold your space by paying your studio fees to MOVE. Course fees will be paid directly to the trainer.
Donna Place is graduated with a BA in music education from Whittier College in 1987. She spent the next 12 years teaching music, folk dance and physical education, both in college and in elementary schools. Convinced of the necessity of movement in the school system, Donna began studying dance more formally at local studios and the Lewitzky summer dance program. She received her MA in dance studies in 1995 from the Laban School for Movement and Dance in London. During that time she also began studying Pilates with Alan Herdman. After returning to the United States she continued Pilates training with Marie Jose Blom and GYROTONIC® training with Mary Halzworth, completing both programs in 1996.
In 2000 Donna became a GYROTONIC® master trainer and in 2001 she joined the dance faculty at Orange Coast College where she currently teaches kinesiology for dance. Donna travels throughout the United States and abroad teaching anatomy seminars for various movement programs as well as teacher training courses for the GYROTONIC® system.
Lauren is a certified GYROTONIC®, GYROKINESIS® and TRX instructor as well as a STOTT PILATES Certified Trainer.
Lauren holds a BA, a BFA and an MS from the University of Michigan and is an accomplished dancer. She spent 8 years with the Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre, 5 years in Chicago as a dancer with JHD2, dance teacher for Park Ridge district, at the Joel Hall Dance Center, as a freelance director, choreographer, performer and (in her own words) a theater tech geek!
Although she has more than 30 years of dance training to her name, when she’s not dancing or helping clients achieve a greater level of fitness Lauren also finds time to pursue her other interests of geology, science education and playing the cello.
Alicia Head became a GYROKINESIS® master trainer in 2004. She studied exclusively with Juliu Horvath throughout the entire process and has also taken many continuing education courses with him including Happy Moves, Lotus Blossom #1 and #2, the GYROKINESIS® Breathing Course Intensive, GYROKINESIS® Level 2, the Archway, and the Jumping Stretching Board. Ms. Head’s mind-body movement journey began as a Pilates student at St. Francis Memorial Hospital’s Dance Medicine division, where her main teachers were Elizabeth Larkam and Nora St. John. Alicia later studied closely with Marie-José Blom at her Long Beach Dance Conditioning studio in Long Beach, CA where the approach to movement was depth-oriented. Great attention was given to the concept of core stabilization involving a dynamic process free of bracing or rigidity. Alicia has taught GYROKINESIS® Level 1 Foundation Teacher Training courses for 14 years and has observed the need for material that explores the principles of the GYROTONIC® method that is accessible to all people. She was delighted to connect with Gina Muensterkoetter and become part of her project to offer new GYROKINESIS® formats to the international community. GYROKINESIS® Essentials — A Journey of Spinal Motions Part 1 was finalized in March 2017 and Alicia is honored to be on the teaching team.
Please contact us with any questions. Online registration is available by clicking the buttons below. You may also register by calling us at 734-224-2560 or in-person at the studio.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us October 1–3 as GYROKINESIS® master trainer, Alicia Head visits MOVE to present a continuing education course for instructors as well as classes open to the community.
For instructors, we are pleased to offer Alicia’s continuing education course GYROKINESIS® Essentials Part 1: A Journey of Spinal Motions Toward Level 1
This 3-day course is a dynamic and systematic approach to preparing the spine and nervous system for the full formats featured in GYROKINESIS® Level 1. Each format was developed for a 60-to-90 minute class and they can be presented either as a progression or independently. This course satisfies continuing education and update requirements for certified GYROKINESIS® instructors as well as GYROTONIC® instructors who are also certified in GYROKINESIS®.
These GYROKINESIS® formats explore three different aspects of spinal motions — lumbar, thoracic, and cervical. The classes still follow the basic sequencing — Awakening of the Senses, Spinal Motions, and either standing or floor work — but the stimulation to the nervous system is more gentle and gradual. GYROKINESIS® Essentials of Spinal Motions Part 1 is perfect for beginner level students and also for experienced people who enjoy deepening the work. This approach allows us to discover more about the internal process of elongating the spine and how to best prepare our bodies for energetic awakenings. The formats also work beautifully as a warm-up for private sessions or group classes — either GYROTONIC® or GYROKINESIS® — and they shed some more light on the concepts of Narrowing the Pelvis and Supple-ing.
MOVE clients and the greater community are invited to join us as Alicia teaches her Essentials classes throughout her weekend training. Each class will explore a different aspects of spinal motions — lumbar, thoracic, and cervical. The classes still follow the basic sequencing — Awakening of the Senses, Spinal Motions, and either standing or floor work — but the stimulation to the nervous system is more gentle and gradual. GYROKINESIS® Essentials of Spinal Motions Part 1 is perfect for beginner level students and also for experienced people who enjoy deepening the work. Choose to attend one class or join us for all three.
Alicia Head became a GYROKINESIS® master trainer in 2004. She studied exclusively with Juliu Horvath throughout the entire process and has also taken many continuing education courses with him including Happy Moves, Lotus Blossom #1 and #2, the GYROKINESIS® Breathing Course Intensive, GYROKINESIS® Level 2, the Archway, and the Jumping Stretching Board. Ms. Head’s mind-body movement journey began as a Pilates student at St. Francis Memorial Hospital’s Dance Medicine division, where her main teachers were Elizabeth Larkam and Nora St. John. Alicia later studied closely with Marie-José Blom at her Long Beach Dance Conditioning studio in Long Beach, CA where the approach to movement was depth-oriented. Great attention was given to the concept of core stabilization involving a dynamic process free of bracing or rigidity. Alicia has taught GYROKINESIS® Level 1 Foundation Teacher Training courses for 14 years and has observed the need for material that explores the principles of the GYROTONIC® method that is accessible to all people. She was delighted to connect with Gina Muensterkoetter and become part of her project to offer new GYROKINESIS® formats to the international community. GYROKINESIS® Essentials — A Journey of Spinal Motions Part 1 was finalized in March 2017 and Alicia is honored to be on the teaching team.
Please contact us with any questions. Online registration is available by clicking the buttons below. You may also register by calling us at 734-224-2560 or in-person at the studio.
The latest blog from Elaine Economou is now posted on the popular website Sixty and Me.
Maybe you’ve heard of Gyrokinesis exercise, but aren’t exactly sure what it entails. You might be wondering what it’s all about and how it might benefit you. Elaine’s blog will cover:
Check out this Youtube video to learn more!
Read the full blog to learn more about the benefits of this wonderful movement system. Gyrokinesis classes are an efficient, effective, and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension. Classes can be adapted to people of all ages with a wide range of abilities from fitness enthusiasts to those just starting out.
We offer in-studio Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic Tower classes. Click the button below to see the schedule and sign up!
Whether you’re local to Ann Arbor or across the country, you can now join our high-quality, interactive livestream classes from the comfort of your home. Livestream classes offer new content each session with the energy of a live instructor to motivate and guide you in real time. You’ll have access to our expert team to answer your personal questions—something you won’t find with pre-recorded workouts. Choose from Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Barre, Yoga, HIIT, and more. Our weekly class schedule includes over 30 classes. All you need is a device for streaming and space to move. Find frequently asked questions about livestream classes at MOVE here.
But really, we know there’s free content all over the internet. We also know you can subscribe to some really big brands for a lot less. So what sets our program apart and why are we worth a look? Why are 30 LIVE classes better than 3000 on demand classes? Here are 7 reasons to choose MOVE livestream. But don’t just take our word for it, give us a try and see for yourself with your first class free!
Let our expert instructors come to you—attend your choice of 30+ professional studio classes from the comfort of your home. Start your free trial of MOVE Livestream classes today.
There’s something about fall that makes us all feel ready for a fresh start. Whether it’s getting back on track with year-end goals or starting something new, fall is a natural time to focus and reconnect. For our refined fall schedule, we’re bringing more options, more flexibility, and more customization to your fitness routine.
Starting this fall, we are renewing our focus on memberships for consistency, commitment, and community. We have seen that when clients participate regularly in MOVE services that we are able to help them reach their goals most effectively. Clients can select from a movement menu of in-person or livestream options to create their own individualized experience. In addition to continuing private sessions and livestream classes, our small-group training will resume its presence on our schedule. We know that by committing to a regular movement program, we can help you stay accountable while providing the expert instruction you need to be successful.
Whether that’s in-person, online, or a mix of both, cultivating a community that wants to prioritize fitness and wellness is our goal. We know that many of you will feel most comfortable continuing with our virtual options for the time being. If you’re ready to join us for in-person training, we are ready to welcome you as safely as possible. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. Your workout—your choice.
Join our high-quality, interactive livestream classes from the comfort of your home. Livestream classes offer new content each session with the energy of a live instructor to motivate and guide you in real time. You’ll have access to our expert team to answer your personal questions—something you won’t find with those big brand recorded workouts. Choose from Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Barre, Yoga, HIIT, and more. Our weekly class schedule includes over 12 classes. All you need is a device for streaming and space to move.
Find frequently asked questions about livestream classes at MOVE here.
Customized to your body and your needs. One-on-one private sessions are a great way to stay accountable and consistent while getting a workout tailored to your exact needs. Our Trainers and Concierge Team will work one-on-one with you to create your custom schedule and keep you moving confidently and comfortably through your fitness journey. Private Training Members receive special rates on our livestream class membership as an added benefit.
Want a more individualized class experience? Small Group Training is right for you. Classes are limited to four participants to allow for personalized instruction and group progression. All in-studio and livestream small-group classes are leveled to help start you in the right class and move through the full scope of the Pilates and GYROTONIC® or GYROKINESIS® repertoire. Small Group Training Members receive special rates on our livestream class membership as an added benefit.
Whether you choose in-studio or livestream instruction, you can continue to count on our high-quality studio experience. Fall is a great time to start anew with solidified programs and routines even as we continue to adapt to any challenges. We hope to see you moving with us soon!
We’re ready to welcome our members back into the studio with the personal service you know you can count on from MOVE. If you haven’t heard from us yet to set your fall schedule, you can fill out this short interest form to get the process started.
We can’t wait to meet you. Fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch or email office@movewellness.com with any questions you might have.
We’re here for you—however you want to move with us. We recognize that some of you are eager to join us in-studio while others would prefer to wait for now. We invite you to choose the mix of in-studio or livestream instruction that’s right for you. When you’re ready to visit MOVE in-person, we want you to feel safe. So we’re taking important steps to make sure you’re comfortable.
