Testimonial
It is is functional: Many exercise systems work isolated muscle groups in linear patterns, but that’s not how we use our bodies—we bend, we twist, we reach, we spiral. Gyrotonic exercises build core strength while using the spine, arms and legs in a full variety of motions. They help you learn to coordinate multiple muscle groups in order to move safely, efficiently and gracefully.
It builds a balanced body: Rather than overemphasizing a few muscle groups or body areas, and neglecting others, Gyrotonic exercises address the whole body. It especially works those areas that often contribute to people’s everyday pain complaints. The exercises open up the chest and increase upper back flexibility and strength—helping to correct the “hunched over” posture that often leads to neck, shoulder, arm and upper back pain. They teach you how to stabilize the low back while moving freely through the trunk, hips and legs—helping to reduce the risk of back problems. It is easily adapted to individual needs and abilities: Each client works with a knowledgeable and carefully trained instructor to develop a personalized exercise program. The Gyrotonic equipment is easily adjusted to suit individual body size, strength and comfortable range of motion. As the client’s strength and flexibility increase, the exercise program can be progressed to remain challenging and interesting. This adaptability makes the Gyrotonic method an excellent exercise option for those wanting to get into better shape without flaring up old injuries or chronic problem areas.
Beth A. Cooper
Physical Therapist
Client since 1999
Testimonial
My upper-body strength was further compromised by pain I experienced from any activity requiring torque of the shoulder, neck, or upper back. Gyrotonic Seattle staff developed a highly personalized program focused on enhanced awareness of my body mechanics, and emphasizing postural improvement, recovery and development of range of motion and core strength. Despite my age, my vastly improved strength and body awareness through the Gyrotonic work has served to minimize risk of injury. My ability to work and play with major stresses and forces (lift, push, pull, torque) has improved markedly.
Two examples document these improvements:
1) A life-long baseball nut, four years ago my “career” was effectively over. I experienced excruciating pain throwing a ball, unacceptably compromising both the accuracy and strength of my throws. Last season I resumed play, in a highly competitive league in which I was the oldest player by 21 (!) years. I now throw a baseball better than at any time in my entire life.
2) Similarly, four years ago a range of household maintenance and repair tasks had become so painful that I began to lose the raw strength to perform them. Tasks as trivial as opening a tight jar lid or as demanding as opening an underground water main valve were daunting, painful, and scary. These sorts of trivial tasks are, once again, trivial.
Dick Birnbaum
A life-long baseball nut
Client since 2002
Testimonial
Given that any combative art must include the ability to use one’s body with efficient and focused power, I’ve also done a number of physical training regimen over the years – some very helpful, some not. Most recently, I began training with the Gyrotonic method.
The Gyrotonic method is one in which one works with various apparatus, with moderate resistance through weights, pulleys and cables – but it is utterly unlike the typical weight machines one finds in a gym. Rather than the locked-in reciprocal movement of the latter, the Gyrotonic movements require the body to move in continuous spirals. The light weights provide enough resistance so that the movements are best accomplished using the core muscles of the body. This fosters a graceful strength quite unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before.
The most immediate benefit for me has been the healing of some long-term injuries. I don’t know if the damaged tissue has repaired itself or if I have discovered better ways to function and move – I only know that I no longer hurt. More important is that I am experiencing a direct benefit in the other movement systems that I do – everything from free-weight training to martial arts. More and more, I am able to find “the line,” though it is truly more spiral than straight – to move using only the muscles needed to most effectively accomplish the action. I can train at intensity for much longer periods of time. Rather than increasing cardiovascular strength, Gyrotonic exercises seem to teach how not to waste energy by tensing unneeded muscles or moving in a crude or inefficient manner. Perhaps the best image I can come up with is a snake twining around a tree – nothing extraneous, nothing wasted – power and ease at one in the flow of muscle and bone.
Ellis Amdur
Classical Martial Arts Teacher
Author, Hidden in Plain Sight
www.edgework.info
Testimonial
The instructors at Gyrotonic Seattle studio are consistently well trained and knowledgeable. Each of them inspires confidence and expresses a maturity of understanding of the entire elastic human system and of how to teach each person effectively.
I have not only become stronger in my entire muscular self with Gyrotonic work, but have also increased my kinesthetic awareness and deepened my neural connections. An example is that I recovered from abdominal surgery with remarkable speed because of the strength and awareness that Gyrotonic has conveyed to me.
My physician has been deeply impressed by my level of strength and fitness at my middle age. I credit Gyrotonic with my flexibility, strength, joy in movement, ease in activity and inspiration for movement challenge. And did I mention that it is really really fun? I leave my Gyrotonic session feeling like I could bounce home on elastic energy!
Jeanne Barrett
AmSat certified Alexander Technique teacher
Client since 1997
www.activestillness.com