Juliu Horvath created GYROTONIC®equipment and exercises after many years of intense study and self-exploration. This unique system offers the same benefits also derived from yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming and tai chi, but is not derived from these exercises modalities.
GYROTONIC®methodology allows users to stretch and strengthen muscles, while simultaneously stimulating and strengthening connective tissues in and around the joints of the body. These exercises are synchronized with corresponding breathing patterns, thus enhancing aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation and promoting neuro-muscular rejuvenation.
GYROTONIC®exercises offer complete freedom of movement. Exercises are performed on the Professional Pulley Tower, and the system is fully adjustable and can meet the needs of many people with varying body types and levels of strength. The even and constant resistance in the handle unit and pulley tower, (through the triple reduction in the pulleys), completely eliminates the jarring that takes place at the beginning and end of exercises performed on conventional exercise equipment, when many injuries occur. The circular, spiraling and undulating movements that characterize the GYROTONICEXPANSION SYSTEM® help to increase the functional capacity of the spine, contributing to a spherical and three-dimensional awareness, resulting in increased equilibrium.
After experiencing many personal struggles and chronic illnesses, Juliu Horvath spent many years in self-exploration and study. These experiences not only led him to true healing, but he was also inspired to create a movement system that offers the same benefits offered by yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming and tai chi, but is not derived from these other exercise modalities. Some of the hallmarks of GYROKINESIS®exercises are the fluidity of the movements and the ease with which one can perform them.
GYROKINESIS® exercises allow one to work on the entire body through seven natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backward, left side, right side, left twist, right twist and circular, as well as all other joint articulation. This approach systematically and gently works the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating movements. These movements stimulate the body's internal organs while different corresponding breathing patterns are integrated along with the movements.
Fluidity is the key. Postures are not held for long periods of time. Instead, postures are smoothly and harmoniously connected through the use of breath, making exercises appear and feel more like a dance and swimming than like traditional yoga.
A typical GYROKINESIS®class begins with participants practicing self-massage and simple breathing patterns, something Juliu Horvath has named, "Awakening of the Senses." Then the spine and pelvis are engaged through simple exercises: while seated on low stools, participants mobilize the spine through a series of arching, curling, bending, twisting and spiraling movements. These same movement patterns are expanded to release the hip, knee, hamstring, quadriceps and so on, in all possible directions: front, back, twisting and turning. The corresponding breathing patterns executed during every movement stimulate the nervous system, open up the energy pathways and oxygenate the blood. The more advanced classes offer endurance training to participants prepared for more strenuous activities. All GYROKINESIS® classes, from beginner to advanced, encompass not only sitting but also laying and standing positions.
Those who practice GYROKINESIS® exercises tend to be more relaxed in their daily lives and can move with increased flexibility and ease.
Angelique is a third generation native to Southern California.Healthy living, spiritual pursuits, holistic healing, and anything out of the ordinary have always been of interest to her.A performer at heart, she started dancing at the age of four, and throughout her life has studied different styles of dance.Angelique was first introduced to GYROTONIC®in early 2000 through a friend. In the beginning, she trained as a client a few times a week, because she wasn’t satisfied with the results she was getting at the gym.Physically and mentally, it just wasn’t gratifying!The exercises had such a positive effect on her posture, ability to manage stress, and the appearance of her body, that she decided to become a trainer herself.She attended rigorous training courses instructed by Master Trainer, Lisa Marie Goodwin, of LA Body Kinetics, in Culver City.For several months she worked as an apprentice in her own studio until receiving her certification through the inventor Julio Horvath in August of 2001.In May of 2003, she became certified in GYROKINESIS®, after studying with Master Trainer Juergen Bamberger.In July of 2003 she became an authorizedGYROTONIC®Pre-Trainer through the recommendation of Master Trainer Donna Place, of Peaceful Waves, in Long Beach.And in April of 2004 she attended Level II GYROTONIC® Teacher Training instructed by Julio Horvath. In July of 2009 Angelique attended a GYROTONIC® GOLF WORKSHOP, by Dave & Jeannie Rasmussen in Tiburon, CA at Marin Gyrotonic. Every year Angelique attends a review course for GYROTONIC® as well.
