The Gyrotonic® Method
The Gyrotonic® Method offers a powerful, body-centered approach to movement, mindfulness, and healing. This method integrates refined movement sequences with breathwork to sharpen mental focus and heighten body awareness, inviting a deeper and more intuitive connection to how the body moves.
The practice is built around fluid, multi-directional, and circular movement patterns that flow seamlessly from one into the next. These rhythmic and harmonious sequences are unique to the method and create a rich sensory experience—one that fosters calm, vitality, and ease within both body and mind. Each session becomes a focused exploration of coordination between movement, breath, and attention, cultivating a deeper understanding of the body’s mechanics and full movement potential. This embodied awareness naturally carries into everyday life, enhancing movement quality in sports, dance, recreation, and daily activities.
Handcrafted equipment, designed specifically to support the body’s natural biomechanics, plays an essential role in the Gyrotonic experience. These innovative machines provide tactile feedback and gentle, three-dimensional resistance—often compared to moving through water—offering support while minimizing joint strain. The result is improved spinal decompression, increased range of motion, deep core engagement, reduced joint compression, and enhanced recovery.
Whether you are seeking injury prevention, rehabilitation, or a transformative movement practice, Gyrotonic meets the body where it is—while creating space for growth, resilience, and longevity.
The Gyrokinesis® Method
The Gyrokinesis Method® is a whole-body, floor-based movement system designed to awaken the body from the inside out. Practiced primarily on a stool and mat, it offers a deeply internal approach to movement—cultivating awareness, mobility, and energetic flow without the use of equipment. The method integrates breath, rhythm, and intentional movement, creating a practice that is both meditative and physically invigorating.
Through continuous, flowing sequences, Gyrokinesis develops coordination, balance, and neuromuscular control while gently expanding range of motion. Emphasis is placed on spinal mobility and deep core support, allowing strength to emerge organically rather than through force. The rehabilitative nature of the work makes it accessible, adaptable, and profoundly effective for restoring functional movement and resilience.
Each movement is synchronized with specific breathing patterns that support circulation, stimulate the nervous system, and encourage a calm, alert state of mind. This conscious relationship between breath and movement helps reestablish clarity and connection within the body, fostering a sense of cohesion, ease, and internal support.
Gyrokinesis offers a powerful complement to Gyrotonic training while also standing on its own as a complete movement practice—one that nurtures vitality, presence, and freedom of movement both on and off the mat.
ELDOA®
ELDOA® is a precise, posture-based method designed to create space within the joints and spine—segment by segment. Each posture is carefully structured to target a specific vertebral level or joint, allowing decompression, improved alignment, and enhanced structural support throughout the body.
Using controlled tension through the myofascial chains, ELDOA works by generating space rather than forcing stretch. The postures are anatomically specific and highly efficient, with each position typically held for one minute to achieve optimal effect. This makes ELDOA a powerful and accessible practice that can be integrated into a daily routine, rehabilitation program, or used to complement other movement methods.
The benefits of ELDOA include spinal decompression, improved joint health, nerve relief, and enhanced postural awareness. It is widely used to support conditions such as disc compression, chronic neck and back tension, hip and sciatic discomfort, and degenerative joint stress. ELDOA is also highly effective post-operatively when applied appropriately and under guidance.
In group and private sessions, classes begin with preparatory myofascial work to support the fascia and nervous system, followed by focused ELDOA postures with continuous cueing and refinement. The practice encourages precision, patience, and presence—helping the body reorganize itself with clarity and support.
"When I do my sessions with Michelle I feel like I’m actually healing and creating positive change in my system. I’m learning to move properly for the first time in my life."
— Sanju Shampur
Gyrotonic®, Gyrokinesis®, and ELDOA® work together as complementary systems to support long-term spinal health, joint integrity, and intelligent movement. Each method offers a distinct entry point—through supported movement, floor-based practice, or precise postural work—while sharing a focus on organization, awareness, and efficiency of movement.
Sessions may integrate elements from one or more of these methods, tailored to individual needs and goals. Private and group sessions are available online and in person—please inquire directly for details and scheduling.
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Testimonials
What Our Clients Are Saying
Real voices from our community on how Body In Harmony has impacted their well-being, strength, and connection to movement.
Client Stories
Transformative Journeys
Discover how our personalized approach to movement and wellness has helped Sanju achieve her goals and find lasting harmony in her body. (This testimonial has an audio track.)
Gyrotonic & Pregnancy
Mindful Strength in Motion
A calm, strength-focused Gyrotonic® session demonstrating mindful movement, breath, and adaptability during pregnancy—supporting mobility, stability, and body awareness.
Private and group sessions, including teacher trainings, are available with Michelle Malier in person by arrangement in the Greater Toronto Area, or online.
Online Gyrokinesis and ELDOA sessions are currently offered at scheduled times. Please inquire for availability.
Upcoming Events
Gyrotonic Workshop
Hosted by Infinity 8 Pilates
Markham, ON
June 13th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Gyrokinesis In-Person Outdoor Event
Hosted by Happy Valley Farms
King City, ON
June 14th
Session Pricing
Gyrotonic
- Introductory class: $80
- 3 Private Intro Classes: $255
- Single Private: $110
- 5 Privates: $500
- Semi-Private: $160
- 5 Semi-Privates: $740
Gyrokinesis
Group classes are offered online. Private sessions are available online. In-person sessions may be available by request.- For current offerings, scheduling, and pricing, please contact.
ELDOA
Group classes are offered online. Private sessions are available online. In-person sessions may be available by request.- For current offerings, scheduling, and pricing, please contact.
Have Questions? I’ve Got Answers!
The circular, spiraling movement patterns that incorporate the body as a whole are very unique to this method!
Other methods use a more linear approach (straight lines)
As the movements in Gyrotonic are more organic and free flowing, they are more natural motions for your joints.
These moves are also more practical, as a body does not simply move in a straight line throughout the day! it twists, turns, rotates and moves in many different ways. Movement patterns in Gyrotonic mimic and resemble real life movement patterns, making it so beneficial to enhance your daily life, your sports and prevent injury.
No. This method requires specialized machines that are not found in regular gyms. Certified trainers are qualified to instruct and guide students to receive the full benefits of this method while using these machines.
Gyrotonic equipment is designed with the whole body movement in mind. The specialized machines used for Gyrotonic training are built to allow unlimited and unrestricted range of movement and support. The machines are built to allow for the circular, flowing movements only found in this method.
Curious? Come and experience it for yourself!
Classes begin with a guided self-massage and simple breathing patterns to help wake up the body and the senses so that you are ready to move to your fullest potential! Classes are 1.5 hrs, unique to this method for this very reason. We take the time to prepare and wake up the body before we do our 1 hr class.
We start seated on low stools and progress to floor work and standing movement patterns.
Students are guided through patterns of moving the spine and pelvis through a series of arching, curling, spiralling, circular and undulating movements, which incorporate the entire body, even when seated on the stools!
Gyrokinesis exercise is very similar to Gyrotonic exercise in that it incorporates the same principles. The main difference is that no machines are used in Gyrokinesis exercise as it is practiced with stools and mats.
Without the feedback of machines, students have more room to explore movement patterns and awareness in their own body.
The Machines in Gyrotonic help to increase the range of movement and the movers self awareness.
I suggest you incorporate both into your workout routine to see faster results.
Generally, It takes about 5/10 sessions to understand the principles of these methods.
overall and specific increases in range of movement and muscle tone can be compared month to month as well as increased proprioception; self awareness of the body as it moves.
The overall reduction in perceived back and/or neck pain and stiffness and rigidity as the body begins to move more freely can be noticed after as little as 3 sessions.
The breathing and flowing patterns increase energy and mood, reduce stress, improve posture and gait and are often an immediate result of the class.
ELDOA is a french acronym meaning “Étirements Longitudinaux avec Décoaptation Ostéo-Articulaire.
In english this translates to LOADS meaning Longitudinal Osteo- Articular Decoaptation Stretches.
Decoaptation means “opening” and “creating more space”
Osteo-Articular means “bones – joints”
Together, it means creating more space between two bones that connect with each other.
ex. the femoral joint is both the femoral bone joining with the hip bone. The ELDOA posture for this joint creates more space between these two bones.
An Inversion Table passively decompresses the spine. The table and gravity do the work for you. Once you get off your table, gravity will once again start to decompress the spine, therefore pain reduction is temporary and must be repeated often.
An ELDO actively decompresses the spine. You do the work. When you release the pose, Gravity will once again start to compress your spine, however The Big Difference between the two is that the active ELDOA stretch also works to Strengthen the area being decompressed so once gravity starts weighing down on your spine again, you will have gained some strength to help fight against it! and with time you will see great benefits and can do the poses less and less. Its not temporary, its a big investment for your spinal health.
Foam rollers, using a ball or a machine to roll out the fascia is wonderful, but this is passive, does not use the entire fascial chain around the muscle and even though it will help to release tight fascia, it will not help much to gain and create more supple, moveable fascial connective tissue.
The Myofascial stretches done in the ELDOA class are active stretches and incorporate the entire body, and so you are stretching the entire myofascial chain linked to that muscle. As these stretches are active you have the added benefit of gaining and retaining more flexibilty that you just created in the fascia of the muscle.
Absolutely! Beginners with no practice or exercise experience can greatly benefit from these methods. All 3 are low impact and supportive of the joints and muscular system. There are so many options and modifications and progress is quick, so you will be doing more than you thought you could in no time!
If you are a more advanced mover, you will be challenged to go even deeper and gain new awareness of your body, your strength and mobility.
What I especially like with these methods is that you start at your own pace, by working within your bodies abilities and not overextending or exerting yourself risking injury. The outcome is actually quicker, longer lasting results! The goal of these methods is to improve your overall strength and mobility while decreasing and preventing any risk of injury.
These methods are Highly recommended for athletes!
The Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods are very popular with professional dancers and martial artists as it helps them gain more flexibility and strength safely without the injury often associated with more traditional forms of training found in these art forms.
Because of the rotational force required by the spine used in Golf and Tennis, the Gyrotonic and ELDOA method are their best friends! their “secret” to longevity in the sport. These two methods go hand in hand to counter the effects of the repetitive rotational patterns and rebalance the body.
swimmers, soccer and basketball players, NHL and NFL players as well as track and field athletes all benefit greatly from these methods especially when combined! They are a complimentary power pack for spine strength.
Tiger woods, Shaquille O’Neal, Andy Murray and singing sensation Lady Gaga are just a few pros that practice the Gyrotonic Method
Pro Golfer Ben Crane and goal tender Connor Hellebuyck are among the many that practice the ELDOA method
Whether your a seasoned athlete, aspiring to be one, an amateur or a weekend warrior, I can help you get the most out of your sport, improve your technique, prevent injury and help to recover from past injuries so that you can progress and flourish for many years to come!
ELDOA is very successful in normalizing spinal deviations such as scoliosis
Paul Horvath, Julio Horvath’s brother (Julio created the Gyrotonic Method) developed a special program from his many years as a gymnast, gymnastics coach and physiotherapist. Working at a rehabilitation clinic in Germany he introduced the Gyrotonic method as a primary treatment modality and created the therapeutic program “Gyrotonic applications for Scoliosis”
Both methodologies use very specific exercises to help release/ease the pull in one direction of the spine and give more strength to the weaker area. If a muscle (s) are contributing to holding the scoliotic curvature, the exercises aim to correct it and support/hold better alignment, creating spinal balance and health.
Benefits can be felt within a couple months of regular practice
No, these methods are complimentary to your current exercise program or routine.
The ELDOA are targeted fascial stretches that only take a few minutes and are wonderful to add into your current workout routine (do them at the end of your routine for the most benefit!)
The movements of Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis are used to emphasize your current routine! take the skills you learn in these methods and apply it to your exercise routine and daily life for great benefits. (add some spiralling and undulating movements at the beginning of your routine to prepare your spine, and increase awareness during your warm up)
Yes! these complimentary methods are highly recommended pre and post surgery!
These methods may even prevent surgery from being necessary.
Pre surgery, these methods help prepare and strengthen the musculature, which helps avoid complications post surgery, speed healing and help with pain management.
Both these modalities are used in mainstream rehabilitation centres in Europe and are slowly becoming more and more popular here in North America.
Not only do they support your body where it is post surgery and help you recover faster, they help to re-educate the mind body connection so that you do not develop any bad habits while healing. The body tends to “favour” an injured area and does not necessarily do what is needed to ensure proper healing. These modalities work to rebalance and re centre the entire body.
One on one sessions are recommended for pre and post surgery clients to focus on your specific needs.