Pilates and GYROTONIC are both amazing systems in their own right. Both systems have unique benefits and focus on different aspects of movement and fitness. We believe that everyone can benefit from these amazing systems.
Both systems:
- have a focus on core strength
- increase flexibility, balance and coordination
- can be taught privately or in a group setting
- have an option without equipment
Pilates exercise is mainly a two-dimensional, linear technique. It's exercises include flexion, extension, side-bending, and rotation, generally one of these at a time for beginners, two or more at the more advanced levels. At the Fundamental Level, Pilates exercises focus on isolation of muscular groups, lengthening while strengthening muscles, sculpting and toning without bulk, opening joint space, improving range of motion, and maintaining a stationary and stable neutral pelvis and spine. As a student progresses to more advanced levels, exercises challenge the whole body in integrated movements and exercises begin to flow more like a dance.
Pilates focuses primarily on the muscles, both intrinsic (small) and extrinsic (large), along with a focus on improving breath capacity. Pilates is a mind-body system known for its ability to improve overall range of motion, to correct posture, reduce stress, help people ease back/neck/shoulder pain, and find pelvic and spinal stability. Pilates is used in rehabilitative settings world-wide and has been featured in numerous studies showing its effectiveness. Many top professional athletes and dancers have cross-trained in Pilates since the early 1900s to improve their performance and prevent injury. Pilates sessions can range from gentle and therapeutic to advanced cross-training for athletes and dancers. Work on the Jumpboard can enhance the workout with aerobic and phyometric components.
The Pilates repertoire is performed on four unique pieces of equipment (Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels). Each is designed to challenge the body in different ways and in different ranges of motion. Most of the equipment utilizes spring resistance, so you're able to work against the spring tension in all aspects of an exercise to develop balanced strength, flexibility and stability. Exercises include footwork, feet in straps, the 100s, long spine, frog, butterfly, teaser, swan dive, breaststroke, boxing, walk-over, elephant, and mermaid.
GYROTONIC exercise is a three-dimensional, circular technique. It's exercises include flexion, extension, side-bending, and spiraling (rotation), generally two or more of these in each exercise. GYROTONIC exercise focuses on moving the entire body at all times (like a dance), maintaining a dynamically stable pelvis and spine, with specific breathing patterns.GYROTONIC exercise focuses on the muscles, and also focuses on the fascia, skeletal system, and nervous system. It provides training in full mobility of the joints and spine. Additionally, there is a focus on the energetic aspects of the body-mind-spirit connection (like Tai Chi). GYROTONIC exercise is known for its fluid and undulating movements (like waves or swaying palms), its ability to either provide a gentle session or a cardio enhancing session, and for its dynamic and playful nature (exercises include arch and curl, dolphin, frog, golden flower, laughing Buddha, canoeing, eagle, waves, spiraling, and snow shoes). Professional dancers and athletes have been cross-training in GYROTONIC for the past 30 years as most movements done in sport or dance can be incorporated onto the equipment.
The main piece of GYROTONIC equipment (the Pulley/Tower) is a weight and pulley system, which provides both resistance and assistance in all movements, all while encouraging a decompression of the joints, along with the unique "handle unit" featured to the left. The system also includes the GYROTONIC "specialized equipment" (the Ladder, Leg Extension Unit, and GYROTONER) with each piece designed to challenge and open the body in specific ways.
We typically recommend for our students to begin with Pilates in order to build a firm foundation in core activation and stability, especially if back pain, instability, or a recent injury are an issue. Yet some of our clients have been drawn to the GYROTONIC system from the start. At present, about 80% of our students enjoy a combination of Pilates lessons and GYROTONIC and/or GYROKINESIS sessions.
For our Pilates students, we offer a "cross over" program. We find that our students, after learning Pilates with us, can easily cross over to GYROTONIC movements with grace and ease utilizing the principles they've already learned in our Pilates program (and vice versa).
We firmly believe that these three movement systems dove-tail together beautifully, with each one enhancing the qualities and benefits of the others. While each person may have his or her favorite, we believe everyone can benefit from the gifts that each unique system provides.
Still not sure where to begin? Check out our Complimentary New Student Consultations and together we can find the best way to begin your journey into Intelligent Exercise with Profound Results.