Exercise goes circular!

A unique system of exercise that allows 360-degree movement, Gyrotonics incorporates movement principles from yoga, swimming, dancing and Tai Chi with the assistance of a specially designed machine with weighted discs fitted to a pulley tower.

“Gyrotonic training is three-dimensional exercise. It helps strengthen muscles using flowing, circular movements and increases flexibility, coordination and balance, as well as enhancing joint mobility and articulation,” says Kularat Thaweenuch, an instructor at Sukhoyoga Studio, which was initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi. 

Created by Juliu Horvath, a Hungarian swimmer, gymnast and ballet dancer, Gyrotonic training was initially developed for dancers in the US but quickly caught on with a wider audience. Although still relatively new, it has now become popular in many countries, not least because it is ideal for every age group, youngsters as well as elderly individuals suffering from arthritis.

“The circular movement is unique to this form of exercise. For example, the Hamstring series, which helps firming, can be done in 360 degrees not just as left or right,” she adds. “Gyrotonic movements also give full spinal mobility to move in all directions. It releases tension in the upper body and improves co-ordination through movement. The exercise is ideal for those suffering from the office syndrome.” 

Sukhoyoga Studio’s 90-minute class comprises five series of movements: Arch and Curl, Upper Body, Abdominal, Hamstrings and Upper Body Opening. The first two sessions are conducted in a private class so that the instructor can introduce exercisers to the machine, assist in adjusting the machines to fit varying body types and strengths as well as supervise how participants can control their bodies. Other sessions will be practised in a group. There are eight Gyrotonic machines at Sukhoyoga.

Kularat further explains that Gyrotonic exercise synchronises with yoga breathing systems while incorporating ballet dancing and Tai Chi movements. “The breaststroke has been applied to Gyrotonic to create movement without impact,” she explains. 

With the flowing movements, the constant resistance in the handle unit and pulley tower eliminates the jarring that takes place on exercises performed on conventional equipment. When doing the Arch and Curl series, the exerciser is sitting upright on the bench with left and right hands holding the handle, then crossing them over and bending. This circular, spiralling, and undulating movement that characterises the Gyrotonic expansion system helps to increase the functional capacity of the spine, contributing to three-dimensional awareness and resulting in increased balance. 

Many people want to have firm abdominals but find it very hard to do sit-ups. The Gyrotonic machine makes this easier by using the pulley tower. The sit up motion is the same but the exerciser holds weighted straps in their hands, then lays back down on the bench. While sitting up, the weighted strap help pulls you up, though lying back may be difficult, as here the weight acts as a counter balance, requiring use of the arm and body muscles. 

“Women will like Gyrotonic method more than men because it promotes strong and lean muscles,” the instructor notes. However, she recommends exercisers to be consistent with the lessons to see benefits, suggesting three times a week for three months.

The Gyrotonic method can also help prevent injuries as it stimulates synovial fluid, which is the fluid that protects the joints. And, in addition to the exercise technique, the lovely garden of Sukhoyoga also improves the sense of well being. 

 

 

PLANES OF MOVEMENT

<< Gyrotonic system can be adapted to any level of fitness, age or ability, and is widely recommended for therapeutic purposes. 

<< Sukhoyoga is at 904 Sukhothai Road, behind 904 Silpacheep Store. It’s open daily from 8am to 8.30pm. Call (02) 243 1773-4.

<< The studio is currently offering a promotion package of two private classes plus five group classes for Bt7,900.