“Gyrotonic” is both an unusual word and an unusual piece of equipment. The name — derived from the Greek “gyro,” to turn or revolve in a circular pattern, and “tonic,” that which is good for you — attempts to describe both the wonderful movement experience and the health benefits of exercising with the Gyrotonic Expansion System.

You will notice something special the first time you practice this method. The images called up by each exercise speak of the flow of the tides and the turn of the seasons. You do the dolphin and the wave, you stir and harvest. Supported by hand-crafted equipment, your muscles and joints find an organic, fluid strength in spiral movement and measured opposition. The work never binds your muscles to a strict form, but encourages them to move freely in space. The system works the body from the inside out with focused movement and breath, much like yoga. When your workout is over, you are not exhausted but feel revitalized, strengthened, integrated — and, yes, even taller.

Devised by Juliu Horvath, a Hungarian-born professional ballet dancer, this system is based on circularity, one of the most natural organic actions within us. Instead of unforgiving linear movements, the exercises are fluid, three dimensional and with strengthening motions that are in total harmony with the body’s natural organization.

The spine is first opened up in order to prepare the rest of the body for a progressively invigorating work-out. Some of the coordination might feel a little challenging at first as both right and left part of the brain activities are simultaneously activated, but similar to riding a bicycle, once the action is learned, the feeling and memory never leave you, and you return to it each time, with joyful enthusiasm.

One of the many assets of the Gyrotonic method is that it is adaptable to all shapes, sizes, ambitions, and ages. It will challenge the athlete or dancer, and is gentle and supportive enough for the senior. This system incorporates elements of dance, yoga, swimming and gymnastics, each an activity that draws upon basic principles of strength and fluidity in motion. This, in its highest form, is what you will experience with a Gyrotonic work-out.