The Person Who Invented Private Gyrotonic Training

By Amanda Collins


Gyrokinesis and gyrotonic exercise methods are the two techniques comprising the Gyrotonic Expansion System. Movement in gyrononic method utilizes support and resistance using a special equipment. The equipment enhances functional capacity. The principles used in this kind of training are the same as those employed in gymnastics, dance, swimming, tai chi, and yoga.

In gyrotonic training, continuous, flowing motion are emphasized together with synchronized breathing patterns. One can attend sessions in private gyrotonic training in fitness facilities such as studios and gyms. These facilities also provide group sessions besides private ones. Group sessions are administered by one or multiple trainers to several trainees.

The development of gyrotonic expansion system was done by someone named Juliu Horvath. He is of Hungarian ethnicity and a citizen of Romania. Year of chronic injury drove him to develop this system. Initially, he worked as a gymnast and dancer. In his 20s he had become a ballet dancer with the Opera house of Romania. The US granted him asylum after he defected from Romania. He also lived in a refugee camp in Italy for months.

Vertebral discs in the back of Horvath got herniated, ending his career in the process. He moved to the Virgin Islands to try and rehabilitate the injuries. While on the island, Harvoth devoted to a life of yoga. The next 6 years of his life were spent on yoga and serious meditation. He started the development of the Yoga of dancers while still devoted to this life.

From the Virgin Islands, Horvath went back to New York and started to teach the new method he had developed. He became the first person to establish a Gyrotonic studio in 1984. The classes offered by Horvath were mostly suited for professional dancers. However, the demand soon grew and the number of clients increase exponentially. To cater for the increased demand, Horvath refined routines in his classes to suit every client despite age, body size, or health condition. The new method was called the Gyrokinesis Method.

People who practice this method benefit in many different ways. Some of the benefits accruing from the method include cardiovascular stimulation, increased mobility of joints, and enhanced circulation. Other benefits are enhanced sense perception, strengthening of nervous system, flow of energy, mobilization of spine, greater balance, stimulation, and enhanced coordination. People achieve this benefits to varying levels.

The specialized equipment needed for gyrotonic training was also developed by Horvath. In fact, all models of this device, which are currently available were developed by Horvath. The design of the equipment is such that it can accommodate natural body movements the body can make. A curvilinear wooden framework is usually included into the design. Customization is possible through the many adjustments the device incorporates. Customization is meant to allow the machine to accommodate different physiques and levels of physical fitness.

Trainers use five major models of the device on a commercial scale. The Pulley Tower Combination Unit is the one in widest use compared to the other 4 versionas. The other four units are normally classified as specialized equipment. The four models are the Jumping Stretching Board, Leg Extension Unit, Gyrotoner, and Archway.




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