Both methods are based upon the same movement principles. The Gyrotonic Method utilizes specialized equipment to guide, assist, and challenge the exerciser. Gyrotonic classes are conducted as private sessions or in a small group class. The Gyrokinesis Method is practiced on a mat and chair, without equipment. Without the feedback and guidance of the equipment, participants in a Gyrokinesis class are more dependent on their own proprioception to explore movement sequences. Gyrokinesis classes are usually taught as a 1-1.5 hour group class.

No. You don’t need a movement background of any kind to take a Gyrotonic or Gyrokinesis session. The Gyrotonic & Gyrokinesis Trainer will organize each session into beginner, intermediate or advanced exercise sequences depending on the needs of the client(s) she/he is teaching. In addition, the trainer will modify exercises to accommodate the unique needs, and abilities of each person.

The Gyrotonic Method is a great exercise choice for anyone who wants to safely & effectively recondition their body. For the absolute beginner, two or three private sessions with a Gyrotonic Trainer is the best way to get started. A skilled trainer will be able to assess your range motion and ability and will choose exercises and modifications specific to your needs and abilities.

Gyrotonic sessions are a great complement to a traditional physical therapy program and can make a significant contribution to the recovery process. Physical therapists use Gyrotonic exercises in their clinics to help their patients recover from injury and work with disabilities. Due to the focus on joint stability, muscle balance, and functional strength, Gyrotonic sessions are an ideal post-rehabilitation exercise option.

Gyrotonic Expansion System Method creator, Juliu Horvath was a professional athlete and originally developed the Gyrotonic Expansion System Method as a way to train and rehabilitate himself and other professional athletes. Whether a weekend warrior, or competing at a professional level, athletes can experience profound improvements in performance  and injury prevention with a regular Gyrotonic practice.

No.

Pilates is an exercise method that was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. The Gyrotonic Expansion System Method was developed by Juliu Horvath in the 1970s.

Both methods utilize specialized equipment to facilitate better movement patterns. Both methods emphasize mindful movement and the incorporation of movement and breath, but the equipment, strategies and exercise principles of each method are distinct from one another.

Juliu Horvath never studied Pilates, and Pilates did not influence the system he came to develop. He does have an extensive movement background, which includes swimming, gymnastics, dance, ice skating, qigong, tai chi & yoga. His experiences with those disciplines have contributed to his perspective on movement. But his biggest influence has been the energetic awakening he experienced when he sequestered himself in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and engaged in seven years of intensive study. The Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Methods are primarily informed by the profound awareness Juliu acquired during that personal experience and the lessons he continues to learn through self exploration, and his experiences working with hundreds of students over many years.

Students typically take 1-3 classes per week depending on what their schedule and/or budget will allow. Often students supplement their studio class(es) with a Gyrokinesis home practice, allowing them to incorporate either a Gyrotonic or Gyrokinesis session into their schedule on a daily basis. There are dvds available for students who want to enhance their studio practice with a Gyrokinesis home practice.

There is an in-depth Gyrotonic Teacher Training Program available for experienced Gyrotonic students who want to teach the Gyrotonic Method.

There is an in-depth Gyrokinesis Teacher Training Program available for experienced Gyrokinesis students who want to teach the Gyrokinesis Method.

Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis classes are taught at studios and facilities around the world. You can locate a studio near you with our studio finder. In addition, our collection of Gyrokinesis videos allows you to practice Gyrokinesis exercises in the comfort of your home.

There is an in-depth Gyrotonic Teacher Training Program available for experienced Gyrotonic students who want to teach the Gyrotonic Method.

It is not necessary to take all teacher training courses with the same master trainer. It can be constructive to continue to learn and grow with a specific master trainer. It can also be a good experience to study with different master trainers and benefit from varying perspectives and teaching styles. The student is free to choose with which master trainer(s) she/he will take educational courses.

To enter the teacher training program one must first be an experienced Gyrokinesis student. Students usually take classes with a Gyrokinesis Trainer for one year or more in preparation for the Gyrokinesis Teacher Training program. The Gyrokinesis Level 1 Teacher Training Program takes approximately 1 year to complete.

There is an in-depth Gyrokinesis Teacher Training Program available for experienced Gyrokinesis students who want to teach the Gyrokinesis Method.

To enter the teacher training program one must first be an experienced Gyrotonic student. Students usually take classes with a Gyrotonic Trainer for one year or more in preparation for the Gyrotonic Teacher Training Program. The Gyrotonic Level 1 Teacher Training Program takes approximately 1 year to complete.

Due to pandemic related  course delays, 2018-2022 pre-training students and apprentices are eligible for special extension terms.  You can access those terms at this link: https://www.gyrotonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Special-Extension-terms-2022-2023.pdf.

This document is also available in the resource library section of your trainer profile page on gyrotonic.com.

These special extension options are only valid until December 31, 2023.

Those who took their foundation course prior to 2018 are required to re-enter the program from the beginning.  If you are been taking weekly classes with a licensed trainer, you may have the option to proceed directly to the foundation course.  Please contact Sarah Simpson at sarah@gyrotonic.com for details.