Gyrotonic Mehodology

Thursday, July 10, 2008

This article came from Centered Riding.org and is useful for horseback riding, and in general. Thought it was neat and never heard of the term "Gyrotonic".

WHAT IS THE "GYROTONIC"® METHODOLOGY?

Juliu Horvath discovered the Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis® principles that form the foundation for this novel approach to Gyrotonics maintaining health and well-being. After experiencing many personal struggles and chronic illnesses, Juliu Horvath spent many years in self-exploration and study. These experiences not only led him to true healing, but he was also inspired to create a movement system that offers the same benefits offered by yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming and tai chi, but is not derived from these other exercise modalities. Juliu sought to create a system of exercises that anyone could perform, regardless of age or state of health. Some of the hallmarks of Gyrokinesis® exercises are the fluidity of the movements and the ease with which one can perform them.

The Gyrotonic® methodology allows users to stretch and strengthen muscles, while simultaneously stimulating and strengthening connective tissues in and around the joints of the body. These exercises are synchronized with corresponding breathing patterns, thus enhancing aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation and promoting neuro-muscular rejuvenation.

Gyrokinesis® exercises allow one to work on the entire body through seven natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backward, left side, right side, left twist, right twist and circular, as well as all other joint articulation.

This approach systematically and gently works the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating movements. These movements stimulate the body's internal organs while different corresponding breathing patterns are integrated along with the movements.

Fluidity is the key. Postures are not held for long periods of time. Instead, postures are smoothly and harmoniously connected through the use of breath, making exercises appear and feel more like a dance and swimming than like traditional yoga.

Gyrotonics2 A typical Gyrokinesis® class begins with participants practicing self-massage and simple breathing patterns, something Juliu Horvath has named, "Awakening of the Senses." Then the spine and pelvis are engaged through simple exercises: while seated on low stools, participants mobilize the spine through a series of arching, curling, bending, twisting and spiraling movements. These same movement patterns are expanded to release the hip, knee, hamstring, quadriceps and so on, in all possible directions: front, back, twisting and turning. The corresponding breathing patterns executed during every movement stimulate the nervous system, open up the energy pathways and oxygenate the blood. The more advanced classes offer endurance training to participants prepared for more strenuous activities. All GYROKINESIS classes, from beginner to advanced, encompass not only sitting but also laying and standing positions.

Those who practice Gyrokinesis® exercises tend to be more relaxed in their daily lives and can move with increased flexibility and ease. Gyrokinesis® can be a very useful bodywork modality for horse riders. It helps to promote a solid, yet fluid position on the horse. It establishes a healthy, supple spine which allows a continuously flowing motion to follow the horse’s movements/

Information taken, with permission, from //www.gyrotonic.com