Spiralling Into Movement with GYROTONIC®!
by Tanis Lee

When I mention the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® (GES), I am often faced with looks of confusion, yet intrigue. “Gyro” meaning ring or circle, and “tonic” meaning to invigorate, this type of exercise was designed to increase range of motion, co-ordination, and strength by performing circular and rotational movements.

Having been widely used within the dance community for generations, the original name was Yoga for Dancers. The system was developed in the 1980s by Hungarian-born, Julio Horvath, once a professional ballet dancer, who was forced to retire due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. He began studying various forms of movement and healing techniques. Having a strong background in dance and a belief in the power of the inner spirit, he formed a way to connect the two in harmony to produce an innovative way to exercise. GES may not be new, but since inception its practice and popularity has tripled worldwide.

So exactly what is this yoga-dance hybrid? The GES is performed on a wood-framed machine with various pulleys and wheels. It has been said that the Gyro-tower resembles a torture-like device used in the middle ages. On the contrary, the fluidity and grace of this unique piece of equipment allows individuals to pursue a full range of motion and a rhythmic pattern to their movements that leave them feeling energized and invigorated. The key element of this tool is that it is specifically designed to exercise the entire spine which is the foundation for all bodily movements. Therefore, this total body workout restores strength and fluidity to all muscle groups and joints in addition to mobilizing the spine. The fully rotational exercises of the GES build lean and core muscle strength, while simultaneously nourishing the body with focused breath work. Using the equipment, one seamlessly progresses through a series of movements paired with harmonious breathing patterns which resemble a choreographed dance.

The pulley tower is a customized piece of equipment. The bench portion consists of two handles independent of one another, which move on circular discs. The circular pattern facilitates the rotational capabilities of the shoulder, hip, and spine along with simultaneous articulation of the spine. The various movements of arching, curling, and rotation make for a full release of the spinal tension, like wringing water out of a towel!

In addition, performing these varieties of movements, while maintaining stability, encourages a sense of harmony between the upper and lower extremities, as well as through the spine and pelvis.

The tower portion of the unit consists of a pulley suspension system with a weight stack. Although at first glance it is often compared to a “bowflex,” the equipment itself bares no other resemblance besides the flexing weight stack. There are also two sets of pulleys, separate from one another, which allow the right and left sides to work independently. Attached to the pulleys are hand and foot straps. Although weight resistance is used, the primary focus is to re-educate proper mind-body coordination, and kinesthetics. The constant resistance of the pulleys allows a fluidity of movement comparable to swimming. Due to the tower height, it is possible to work in a full range of motion to build core strength. This explains the popularity of the GES with all athletes, especially golfers, as well as with those overcoming injuries where lack of mobility has occurred, and also health enthusiasts who are looking for more freedom of movement.

The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM is organized into seven families, each of which focuses on various parts of the body. The arch and curl family; using the handle unit, focuses on the movement of the spine and shoulder joint, while maintaining stability through the pelvis. This particular exercise sequence much resembles a swimmer’s breast stroke. With the feet in the straps while lying on the bench the hamstring series works to lengthen and strengthen the hamstrings. It is meant to release places of tension for many individuals; it also relieves pressure on the lower back. The angle to which the pulleys come down from the tower allow for grand movements of the legs while being fully supported. Your hips and legs will feel looser and more mobile, much like the way you might feel after a great swim.

Another great family, from which all of my clients have greatly benefitted, is the upper body openings. While seated with your hands in the straps, we work through a series of movements based on opening the chest and thoracic spine. Due to increased workloads and high levels of stress, this area of the body is a place of great tension and immobility within our society. Another upper body series is meant to encourage stabilization of the shoulder girdle and encourage proper movement of the arms. In most cases, clients are over-using their upper traps and neck muscles. In this series we emphasize the release of this tension-ridden area and bring the focal point back to deep stabilizers. The seated legwork series is once again meant to stabilize and mobilize the hip and knee joints. And of course, there is also an abdominal family dedicated to giving you that sweet burn in the tummy! Last, we have a section completely dedicated to unwinding and settling the nervous system.

One of the central differences of the GES is that, due to Julio’s understanding and belief in the holistic powers of yoga, tai chi, and other forms of holistic healing, he makes the energy work a pivotal element of the system. Therefore, energetics are an equal portion of the work, as Julio incorporates the idea of energy centres (chakras), and energy pathways (meridians) into the system. The various movements and tempos are meant to stimulate the energy pathways, open the energy centres, and influence the body to find a sense of balance. The circularity allows a continuous taking in and expelling of energy, while the breathing patterns are meant to influence the energetic systems. Whether you are in need of settling the nervous system or giving it a boost, the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM is designed to create a platform for both dynamics.

Tanis Lee is a fully certified GYROTONIC and Pilates instructor. She lived in Vancouver until 2008, where she was certified with the Physicalmind Institute of Pilates, as well as with Karen Mullen of the GYROTONIC Movement Center in Seattle. She is thrilled to be Saskatchewan’s first certified GYROTONIC instructor, offering several classes at Lead Pilates, Saskatoon’s newest pilates studio. Tanis is eager to work with clients of various backgrounds, whether you are looking for specialized attention from previous injury, or working toward a particular fitness goal, she is dedicated to aiding and educating her clients on their journey to exploring movement and the body. For more information email Tanis: tanis.lee@leadpilates.com or visit www.leadpilates.com. Also see the display ad on page 17 of the 17.3 September/October issue of the WHOLifE Journal.