What is the difference between gyrotonics and pilates

Angela: I was originally certified by Romana Kryzanowska in pilates and taught pilates for years and worked with a number of different pilates organizations over time.

I was introduced to Gyrotonic training when I was studying Feldenkais and I was very interested in the organization of organic movement. So I started to pursue Gyrotonic training and initially, because I had so much experience with pilates, I was approaching Gyrotonic training with a pilates brain. Mike: Any Gyrotonic instructor you ever meet will tell you, one of the most common questions you'll ever get asked in your career is "What's the difference between Gyrotonic training and pilates?

And if you don't do pilates, like me, it's kind of a tough thing to answer. And you don't even like that question. Angela: I don't even like that question because I feel like it compromises both systems when you try to compare them. And yet the first thing people will say when they're talking about Gyrotonic training is "Well, it's like pilates. Angela: It's got unique equipment, yes.

It both strengthens and stretches. It's good for posture. It's good for core. You work through the spine. Even today I have people come into my Gyrotonic studio and say "Oh, you teach pilates, right? But really, it's like comparing oranges and tomatoes. Yes, both are from the produce department of the grocery store. Unless you've got really good co-ordination, picking up the different circular movements can be a bit like rubbing your stomach while you pat your head. You need to give yourself time to see your body change as you learn the different moves.

Sports medics have attributed a more upright and elegant posture to the continuous involvement of the supportive muscles as they are strengthened and stretched. Gyrotonics is beneficial for anyone suffering from joint pain because the unique way of securing the pulleys on the GXS machines allows movement without impact.

The major muscle groups work together as well as interdependently, which, over time, leads to increased coordination with more efficient muscle recruitment. Fans attribute increased energy and raised spirits to the circular, spiralling motions and specific individual breathing patterns, which help relax tight muscles and stiff joints. Gyrotonic movements free the spine to move in all directions, so improving back suppleness.

All you need to know about What's it all about? What the expert says The gear When it comes to kit, all you need is a T-shirt, a pair of comfortable leggings and some socks. Read all about it All the training, equipment, teacher training certification and DVD products - just about anything to do with gyrotonic, in fact - goes through Julio Horvath's website, gyrotonic. The downsides: It's pricey.

The benefits: Improves posture Sports medics have attributed a more upright and elegant posture to the continuous involvement of the supportive muscles as they are strengthened and stretched. Puts no stress on joints Gyrotonics is beneficial for anyone suffering from joint pain because the unique way of securing the pulleys on the GXS machines allows movement without impact. Leads to better co-ordination The major muscle groups work together as well as interdependently, which, over time, leads to increased coordination with more efficient muscle recruitment.

Many clients want to know the difference between Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise systems. Ron explains the difference and how both systems are applied to rehabilitation. It is particularly useful in the treatment of spinal injuries, and for individuals with chronic neck and back pain, sciatica, shoulder impingement, injuries from car accidents, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, repetitive stress injuries, and performance and sports injuries.

Recognizing that what patients really want is to experience a pain-free lifestyle, both Pilates and Gyrontonic movement systems seek to prevent and eliminate musculoskeletal pain by restoring the body to its maximum functionality and most efficient state. Using Pilates, an exercise regime first developed for rehabilitation in the early 20th century, patients work on strengthening the muscles from the inside out. Layers of muscles in the torso are trained to protect the lower back, which allows the body to perform movements with ease and fluidity.