Origins and fundamentals of Pilates and Gyrotonic®

 Fundamentals of Pilates

Utilizing his phenomenal intuitive sense of the correct physiological use of the body, Joseph Pilates developed over 500 effective and specific exercises to be performed on his uniquely designed variable resistance spring controlled apparatus-the reformer, the trapeze table, the wonder chair and barrels.

This exercise system strengthens the "powerhouse"- abdomen, back and buttocks so stabilizing the body and enabling it to move freely. It dramatically and rapidly improves strength, flexibility, posture and overall alignment of the musculature and skeleton without increasing bulk. It is an indispensable tool for athletes and unconditioned people alike enabling them to develop coordination, aesthetic form, strength and balanced posture.

Pilates is not just exercise. The very specific movements and breathing patterns require focused attention engaging both body and mind.

The GXS or Gyrotonic® method

A brief history

Juliu Horvath, founder of the Horvath Method, is a Hungarian raised in Romania. He began his professional career as a ballet dancer after competing for years as a gymnast and swimmer.

Soon after defecting to the US in the late 1960's, Juliu gave up dancing in order to pursue the study of yoga. He soon realized that he could successfully combine the benefits of all these disciplines - swimming, gymnastics, yoga and dance - into one exercise system in which all the major muscle groups work interdependently and in an integrated manner. Together with this concept he created his first exercise machine, a truly innovative and unique piece of work-the Pulley Tower Combination Unit.

Over the years he has added several other  machines to his range, all equally innovative and  effective in maximizing the benefits of the  exercises performed on them.

In November 2001, Iso Fit became the first   Gyrotonic® center in Asia to have the   Gyrotonic® Jumping Board available for client  training with its unique sliding platform design  which works in conjunction with parallel bars  enables the exerciser to strengthen and tone the  core trunk muscle and extremity and develops a  sense of balance and co-ordination.

 

Juliu continues to run workshops around the world and his work is being recognized as truly unique and innovative.

The Gyrotonic®  Expansion System works for all people at all levels of the exercise spectrum who wish to gain strength, flexibility and coordination.

Gyrotonic Method - A brief history

The GYROTONER®, the only one in Asia, is a remarkable piece of equipment that looks like a Harley Davidson. A brand new addition to the range of Gyrotonic® equipment available to clients at Iso Fit.

It is used by straddling the GYROTONER® seat or standing alongside it. The exerciser places a hand on each handle and practices the "arch and curl." Movements work the spine's ability to move and twist as required in daily life, open up the intercostals [the short muscles between the ribs] and tighten the oblique abdominals. Another move, a figure eight, requires more coordination. Placing two hands on one wheel handle, the exerciser stirs the wheel around and around stretching the spine and challenging the body to move in wider and wider circles.  Other exercises challenge the lower extremities, arms and shoulders. Sports specific training (including swimming, tennis and golf) as well as gentle therapy, are very much part of the repertoire. 

Fundamentals of the Gyrotonic® Expansion System (The Juliu Horvath MethodT)

This system works to exercise the musculature while mobilizing and articulating joints. The uniqueness of the system is that it stretches and strengthens at the same time thereby increasing range of motion and developing coordination.

The Gyrotonic® system served by a series of specially designed exercise equipment, was specially designed to incorporate the key principles of gymnastics, swimming, yoga and dance through which major muscle groups are worked interdependently and in an integrated manner.

Unlike most conventional exercise machines where linear or isolated movement patterns are performed, creating uncoordinated strength, the Gyrotonic® Expansion System emphasizes multiple joint articulation and the strengthening of the surrounding ligaments and tendons. The motion patterns are turbulent free and pure.

The exercises are performed through spherical awareness and a circularity of movement, enabling the user to perform under prominent guidance and variable controlled resistance.

In contrast to exercises that are performed under water, where it is difficult to regulate the exactness of the movement patterns and correctness of position, on the GXST equipment the exercises are performed with maximum adjustability to the range of motion and controllability of the position, while giving the same pleasurable, healthy resistance of water.

Through uniform and permanent resistance through all the changes of direction as well as through the pivot axis, the concentric and eccentric forces exerted by the involved muscle groups are maximized and evenly distributed between the agonistic and antagonistic muscle groups, creating a balanced support system for the skeleton. Special attention is paid to increase the functional capacity of the spine resulting in a superior well proportioned body that is significantly less prone to injuries and long term accumulation of microtrauma. The physique obtains extraordinary flexibility and essential strength and is charged with increased vitality and vigor.

Each exercise is synchronized with a corresponding breathing pattern creating a gentle or forceful cardiovascular aerobic stimulation depending on the intensity of execution.

Currently the GXST system is used worldwide with great success amongst athletes and sports people, in the rehabilitation of injuries field as well as general body conditioning and fitness development amongst people of all walks of life from children to senior citizens.

“GYROTONIC®/GYROKINESIS®/GYROTONER® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corporation and are used with their permission”.