Research Corner - Q&A Gyrotonic by Marci Clark | Date Released : 24 May 2008 0 comments Print Close Question: Can you please provide some information on Gyrotonic or Gyrokinesis? Answer: Gyrontonic is an exercise method that utilizes a specially built machine that allows a user to move the body in a circular or linear movement. The Gyrotonic equipment consists of a narrow stationary mat surface with pulleys that can be attached to the hands or feet in a similar fashion to working on a Pilates reformer. There are also two pads in the front of the machine that can be rotated completely around with the hands while seated on the mat enabling the user to rotate, flex and arch their spine in one fluid movement. This exercise method is similar to Pilates exercise in that it can be performed on the equipment or on a mat. The mat form of this exercise is termed Gyrokinesis. Gyrotonic or Gyrokinesis exercises improve core stability, increase flexibility and strengthen the connective tissues of the joints while coordinating movement with breath. When performing the Gyrotonic exercises on the equipment, the user can move freely around the machine in all planes of movement. The best description of the exercises in the mat form is that they combine yoga, Pilates and dance therapy for a fluid workout. The fluidity of the exercises, whether on the mat or the machine, is what attracts many dancers to this form of exercise for rehabilitation of injuries. Also, Gyrokinesis is gaining much more popularity in recent years in fitness and wellness centers due to the general public looking for mindful forms of exercise that improve spinal health. Back to top About the author: Marci Clark Marci Clark, co-founder and Training and Education Director of SPIN Pilates, is an international presenter on fitness and wellness programming with over 19 years in the fitness industry. She began her career by becoming an aerobics instructor after receiving her Bachelors in Communication from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As the fitness industry evolved, she was able to quit her day job in sales and open her own personal training business before moving on to become the Fitness Director for STRIVE Fitness in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1999, Clark received her Pilates certification from the PhysicalMind Institute and went on to study with acclaimed instructors from Ron Fletcher, Romana and STOTT. That same year, she launched one of the nation’s first reformer programs at STRIVE and co-founded a local training and placement service for Pittsburgh area instructors. The business grew into PHI Pilates— the first organization to cater to facilities and fitness professionals. Under Clark’s direction, PHI educated over 10,000 instructors and made a once exclusive form of exercise more accessible to the general public. Clark’s business acumen and industry experience have made her a sought after consultant. She has helped numerous facilities launch successful and profitable Pilates programs by advising on areas such as scheduling, pricing, staff training and programming for special populations. She is widely published in the areas of Pilates, fitness programming and business applications and has served on the board of directors for several industry organizations including NEHRSA and AFPA. In addition to her Pilates expertise, Clark also holds ACE and AFAA personal training and group exercise credentials and is a certified Spinning instructor. In 2006, Clark left PHI to co-found SPIN Pilates in conjunction with Mad Dogg Athletics, creator and steward of the renowned Spinning indoor cycling brand. Full Author Details Related content Content from Marci Clark Will Doing Yoga Make Me Fit? Chrys Kub | Articles Pilates Reformer and Strength Training Kristy Hoornick | Articles Irish Dance Sara Fisher | Articles Functional Balance for Dancers Noah Hittner | Articles Callanetics Marci Clark | Articles Gyrotonic Marci Clark | Articles Neutral Spine Defined – Part 2 Marci Clark | Articles Neutral Spine Defined - Part 1 Marci Clark | Articles Pilates Tools for Any Group Exercise Instructor Marci Clark | Articles Pilates for the Personal Trainer Marci Clark | Articles Educated Answers for the Pilates Instructor Marci Clark | Articles Pilates and the Cyclist Marci Clark | Articles Pricing Mind Body Programs Marci Clark | Articles Building a Pilates Team Marci Clark | Articles Mind Body Programming for Profit Marci Clark | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top