Specialized equipment and GYROKINESIS
The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is an original and unique method, which coordinates movement, breath and mental focus.
The Gyrokinesis Method is practiced on a mat and chair, without equipment. Without the feedback and guidance of equipment, participants in a Gyrokinesis class are more dependent on their own proprioception to explore movement sequences.
The GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Combination Unit is the result of over thirty years of research and development, and is the most widely used piece of Gyrotonic Equipment. The Pulley Tower provides smooth, even support and resistance via a unique, weighted pulley system. The adjustable bench and rotating handle unit can be customized to fit the individual proportions and movement capacities of each user. The design of the equipment supports the full and natural range of motion of the joints, allowing for three-dimensional, functional movement, thus eliminating the sharp starts and stops where most injury occurs.
An ordinary painter’s ladder provided the inspiration for what later became the GYROTONIC ARCHWAY; while experimenting with the painter’s ladder, Juliu Horvath envisioned and developed a multitude of exercises that users could perform on such a structure. The unique qualities of the ladder shape allow users to stretch and strengthen certain muscle groups that would otherwise be more difficult to access if the movements were attempted on other structures, and recent additions such as a rotating propeller and adjustable arms make the GYROTONIC ARCHWAY a truly unique piece of exercise equipment. Proprioception is uniquely developed on the archway because most exercises are done with the body parallel to the floor, sideways, upside down, or backwards. Strengthening of ligaments and attachments between bones and joints are developed by using the body’s weight and traction.
The Jumping-Stretching Board. Over 60 unique exercises can be performed on the JSB; some of the advanced features include: the main track can lay flat, can lay parallel to the ground, or can be raised on an incline, and a new pulley system was added so that one can add slight resistance while performing various exercises. The torso is a main focus on the JSB and strengthening the areas around it as well as lengthening occurs at this level.
THE GYROTONER®
Juliu Horvath developed the movements that one can perform on the GYROTONER® so that various muscle groups, tendons and ligaments in the spine, arms, hips, legs and ankles, among other body parts, could be strengthened and stretched simultaneously while the user consciously engages breathing patterns when executing the movements. The main influence on the gyrotoner is the upper body, shoulder, elbow, and wrist areas. Articulations of all the bones and joints in these areas are done with circularity, grace and ease. The freedom of movement in these areas stimulates the energy channels running throughout the body and the overall effect on the mind and body can be profound.
Leg Extension Unit On most exercise equipment designed to strengthen the legs, a simple back and forth motion on a pivot can cause stress in various muscles and ligaments, especially in and around the knee. Juliu Horvath designed the Leg Extension Unit so that, as one flexes the quadriceps while performing one of the key leg exercises on the apparatus, an additional mechanism allows the leg to naturally move outward, away from the body, providing a more gentle, fluid environment in which the leg can move. In addition, over 30 unique exercises can also be performed, using the hand/foot straps and various accessories.
