Have questions? I’ve got answers!
How is the Gyrotonic® Method different from other training methods such as pilates?
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.
Can I do Gyrotonic training in a regular gym?
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.
How are Gyrotonic machines different from other exercise equipment?
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!
What can I expect from a Gyrokinesis class?
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!
How is Gyrokinesis training different from Gyrotonic training?
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.
How soon can I feel the benefits of the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods®
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.
What Does ELDOA stand for?
ELDOA is a french acronym meaning “Étirements Longitudinaux avec Décoaptation Ostéo-Articulaire.
In english this translates to LOADS meaning Longitudinal Osteo- Articular Decoaptation Stretches.
What does Decoaptation and Osteo-Articular mean?
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.
What is the difference between ELDOA and an inversion table?
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.
How are the myofascial stretches different from other fascial stretches?
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.
Can anyone benefit from these 3 methods?
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.
Can athletes benefit from these methods?
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!
I have scoliosis, can these methods help me?
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
Do these methods replace my current exercise program?
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)
Can these methods help me pre and post surgery?
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.
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