GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM^®, which consists of the GYROKINESIS^® and GYROTONIC^® methods, is an exercise modality created by Juliu Horvath. Juliu’s method strengthens, stretches, and educates the body in multiple planes. Many exercises are circular and spiral-like enhancing natural and functional movement patterns. The hallmark of Juliu’s exercises is that it works the entire body through spinal motion and the articulation of involved limbs. This ultimately creates intelligence between the axial skeleton (skull, spine, sacrum, coccyx, ribcage) and the appendicular skeleton (shoulder and pelvis girdle, and upper and lower limbs). Juliu’s methodology was founded on principles and movements that freed him of personal struggles with injuries, and the desire to have an exercise system that promotes structural integration in a calm controlled environment. Before founding the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM^®, Juliu was a dancer for premier dance companies such as The Romanian State Opera Ballet, The New York City Opera, and The Houston Ballet.

GYROKINESIS^® and GYROTONIC^® exercises are similar in that both are designed to condition the body by creating balance with strength and stretch while offering optimal joint articulation. The exercises are intended to be fluid and rhythmic and synchronized with breathing patterns. It is common to hear GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM^® be compared to swimming, dance, yoga, tai chi, and gymnastics. This occurs because they all share the quality of requiring strength in any given direction that appears to be effortless but is actually quite sophisticated, however GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM^® is not derived from these other modalities.

Although GYROKINESIS^® and GYROTONIC^® exercises have their similarities they are also distinctively different. GYROKENISIS® methodology was originally known as Yoga for Dancers. It works the entire body without the use of equipment. The format for the class generally starts with exercises sitting on a stool, then moving to the floor, and finishing with grounding work standing up. GYROTONIC^® movement uses equipment for it exercises. Juliu wanted the use of equipment to support his exercises thus he invented various machines that brilliantly and safely move the body. A common characteristic of all GYROTONIC^® machines is that they aid the body in joint articulation without compression while creating proper muscle recruitment. Having the option to use machines is excellent because it offers an opportunity to push the boundaries of movement potential that might not be possible without the comfort of the machine. Currently, Juliu has invented six GYROTONIC^® machines which are the Pulley Tower, Archway, Leg Extension Unit, Jumping Stretching Board, and GYROTONER^®.

GYROTONIC^®, GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM^®, GYROKINESIS^® and GYROTONER^® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.