I think it’s important to switch up your exercise routine not only because it forces different muscles to work, helping to avoid injury and increase performance, but it also keeps your mind interested in working out. And I don’t mean skipping down the block instead of running or using resistance bands rather than weights - but instead challenge yourself to something more out of the box.
I’ll be reviewing the trends in aerobic exercise as I try them out myself. The first on my list was Gyrotonic. I was introduced to the practice at a community fair last weekend where a local studio was offering a free class - check your local communities centers for summer promotions and always ask about new client specials. Most studios offer some kind of deal and it’s a great way for you to try out something new while saving cash.
A little background on Gyrotonic: It’s also known as the Gyrotonic Expansion System (GXS) and was developed in the 1960s by Juliu Horvath, a former ballet dancer. After injuring his Achilles tendon, Horvath started practicing yoga and went on to create “dancer’s yoga” which turned into Gyrotonic. The exercise itself focuses on moves found in swimming, gymnastics, dance and tai chi. It’s even currently being used at the Olympic swimming training facility. It’s similar to Pilates in that the main objective is to increases flexibility and muscle strength. However while Pilates focuses on a linear core strength, Gyrotonics uses what they call the “5th line” in your body allowing the bones to elongate the limbs from the core. Sounds a bit technical I know, but it’s supposed to have long term muscle and joint benefits that other practices like Pilates and yoga do not.
Now I love Pilates and yoga and bring elements of both practices into my daily workouts, so I was a bit skeptical when hearing all this. It didn’t help much that when I arrived at the studio for my class I saw 10-12 giant medieval torture-like contraptions that were holding people’s legs in the air, swinging them around. I mean come on, what happened to a good, old-fashioned walk around the lake exercise. Was all this really necessary?
I picked a machine and reluctantly followed my instructor, also a Pilates instructor, as she lead myself and two others through a series of stretches and core strengthening moves. Almost immediately the instructor pointed out my level of flexibility and obvious dance background, but countered that by standing behind me lifting up my lower back as I twisted in and out of each movement. She told me my back is where I hold my tension and that would be my biggest challenge as well as my biggest reward here. That’s a pretty damn big challenge if you ask me. But as I continued, I became more aware of my body and the areas that needed strength or flexibility or nurture.
After completing the class, I can absolutely see the benefits of adding Gyrotonic as a compliment to your workout routine, especially for those with previous injuries as it continues to the strengthen the body without adding pressure or force to it. You don't have to be an athlete or a 20 something gym rat to enjoy its benefits. So Grandma - I expect to see you at a class.
I’ll be reviewing the trends in aerobic exercise as I try them out myself. The first on my list was Gyrotonic. I was introduced to the practice at a community fair last weekend where a local studio was offering a free class - check your local communities centers for summer promotions and always ask about new client specials. Most studios offer some kind of deal and it’s a great way for you to try out something new while saving cash.
A little background on Gyrotonic: It’s also known as the Gyrotonic Expansion System (GXS) and was developed in the 1960s by Juliu Horvath, a former ballet dancer. After injuring his Achilles tendon, Horvath started practicing yoga and went on to create “dancer’s yoga” which turned into Gyrotonic. The exercise itself focuses on moves found in swimming, gymnastics, dance and tai chi. It’s even currently being used at the Olympic swimming training facility. It’s similar to Pilates in that the main objective is to increases flexibility and muscle strength. However while Pilates focuses on a linear core strength, Gyrotonics uses what they call the “5th line” in your body allowing the bones to elongate the limbs from the core. Sounds a bit technical I know, but it’s supposed to have long term muscle and joint benefits that other practices like Pilates and yoga do not.
Now I love Pilates and yoga and bring elements of both practices into my daily workouts, so I was a bit skeptical when hearing all this. It didn’t help much that when I arrived at the studio for my class I saw 10-12 giant medieval torture-like contraptions that were holding people’s legs in the air, swinging them around. I mean come on, what happened to a good, old-fashioned walk around the lake exercise. Was all this really necessary?
I picked a machine and reluctantly followed my instructor, also a Pilates instructor, as she lead myself and two others through a series of stretches and core strengthening moves. Almost immediately the instructor pointed out my level of flexibility and obvious dance background, but countered that by standing behind me lifting up my lower back as I twisted in and out of each movement. She told me my back is where I hold my tension and that would be my biggest challenge as well as my biggest reward here. That’s a pretty damn big challenge if you ask me. But as I continued, I became more aware of my body and the areas that needed strength or flexibility or nurture.
After completing the class, I can absolutely see the benefits of adding Gyrotonic as a compliment to your workout routine, especially for those with previous injuries as it continues to the strengthen the body without adding pressure or force to it. You don't have to be an athlete or a 20 something gym rat to enjoy its benefits. So Grandma - I expect to see you at a class.
Remember that it's just as important for our bodies to stretch and rest as it is for them to hit the pavement or master a squat hold.
You can find more information on Gyrotonic including studio locations here: http://www.gyrotonic.com/
You can find more information on Gyrotonic including studio locations here: http://www.gyrotonic.com/
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