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RESULTS flow through my neck, spine, and joints in a circular undulating pattern. Arching multidimensional and curling, twisting and turning, I feel my movements on the fitness system that Gyrotonic tower slowly unwinding the day’s tension. Breathing supports flexibility, deeply, I feel my mind calming, in rhythm with the peaceful wave ease, and grace. of this dynamic yet tranquil method of exercise. my facilitator, tara coyote, told me that Gyrotonic was created by Juliu Horvath, a former dancer who had been injured, which is what first piqued my interest, as I am also a dancer. She said, “Gyrotonic combines gymnastics, swimming, Kundalini yoga, and ballet in a series of three-dimensional circular and spiral movements. The exercises build strength, increase flexibility, elevate the heart rate, and massage the internal organs and nerves.” I had to see what this was all about. i had persistant pain for several years from a broken jaw, years ago. I also commute five days a week to work, from Sonoma to Marin County, and my back is tight from all the hours spent in a car. From my injury, I often experience pain in my neck and back, as well In the flow on a as achy joints. I needed a gentle form of movement Gyrotonic tower. that wouldn’t further compress my joints or compact my upper and lower spine like running or aerobics would. When I first tried Gyrotonic I thought I wasn’t getting any results, as it felt so easy. Afterwards, I noticed more flexibility and buoyancy, very similar to what I feel doing gentle dance movements. I’ve noticed my dancing has improved as my body feels more open and fluid. As I do a Gyrotonic side opener, it’s like warming up in dance, doing a side stretch. I love the dolphin diving exercise I do with my legs in the straps, which make me feel like I’m swimming and take the pressure off my joints. The addition of the weights on the pulley tower makes my muscles more flexible and increases my range of motion. All the usual exercise equipment I’ve seen before is linear, while the Gyrotonic machines all move me within a continuous circular/spiral pattern. After a long day at work, teaching, I usually come to my session feeling tired, yet when I walk out of Studio Equilibria’s door, I feel energized and renewed. I sleep better at night as well. Tara has a gentle way of guiding me and will correct and lengthen my stretch, sometimes by touching certain parts, such as my ribs, to help further the extension. The handle unit assists me in going deeper into my shoulders, back, and ribs, and I feel like I have Amity Hotchkiss more movement in my hips and spine. My joint pain has lessened, High school teacher and I feel like I have more space in my joints. There is so much Santa Rosa, CA more to explore with the movements, and I feel lucky to experiAge: 46 ence it with her one on one. Activities: Dancing, As I am in my mid 40s, I want an exercise routine that is fluid and backpacking, poetry, gentle and calms my nervous system. Gyrotonic is exactly what I hot springs soaking, writing, and being a need to take me into my later years. Arching and curling, I keep mom. spiraling deeper into the center of myself. Gyrotonic is a
I turn the handles and feel the motion
Tara Coyote teaches Gyrotonic in Fairfax, CA. www.studioequilibria.com 42
conscious dancer | spring 2010
Photos: above: Shelly Gerrish / below: Paige H. Needleman
My dancing has improved as my body feels more open and fluid.