Trends: Gyrotonics, the Newest Exercise Craze in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Pilates and yoga allow people to stretch their bodies and straighten muscles. But sometimes we are limited by our own bodies.

The hot exercise trend right now helps move people past those limitations. It's called Gyrotonics. This exercise system was developed by dancer Julio Horvath. It combines elements of Kundalini yoga, swimming, tai chi, gymnastics, ballet and resistance training.

Vicki Sullivan opened the first Gyrotonic Studio in Jacksonville at the Body Balance Institute.

The big visual difference with this exercise is three dimensional movements.

Sullivan says it expands a person's range of motion.

"There is some powerful core work but at the same time it creates expansion," says Sullivan. "Expansion of the joints, and muscles. You're creating a energetic, rhythmic workout."

The majority of the Gyrotonic work is done on one machine. It looks like a weight machine equipt with pullies and adjustable weight plates.

"The weights and pullys are adjusted so it's smooth and continuous motion," says Sullivan. "There is no beginning and no end. It's as if you were swimming."

Most of the people who do Gyrotonics on a regular basis say the benefit is more flexibility, better posture and a relief from pain.

Scarlett Broom has been taking Gyrotonic sessions for 10 months.

"When I came here I was having a lot of problems sleeping and pain in my joints," says Broom. "Now I can tell you I have no pain. I stand up straighter and I pay more attention to my body and how it's moving."

The release of pain comes from the expansion of the joints, says Sullivan. The Gyrotonic exercises often move in large circular motions which turns the joints in ways they don't often get to move. Those same movements allow users to stretch muscles they haven't been able to reach.

"Some of my places that were tight that I had been trying to get to, I reached immediately with Gyrotonics," says Sullivan.

For Ryan Ketterman the benefit he is looking for is flexibility. He is an avid surfer and started Gyrotonics to get better balance and flexibility for his sport.

He says he also sees a much bigger range of motion. And he adds the benefits go beyond surfing.

"I spend a lot of time behind the computer," says Ketterman. "During daily work I am not doing a lot of range of motion stuff. It (Gyrotonics) really helps open me up and keeps me aligned the way I should be."

Sullivan says there is a learning curve with the exercises.

"As a client begins to understand the principles and foundations it becomes much faster and more rhythmic," says Sullivan.

Once Broom learned the moves, her workout became intense. "I've gotten to the point where I leave here sweating," says Broom. "You get a complete workout."

Sullivan says the other aspect of Gyrotonics exercise is the positive energy created.

Much like pilates and yoga, Gyrotonics is also a way to clear your mind and breathe in positive energy, according to Broom.

"I feel happy," says Broom. "I feel stronger and more at peace".

The Body Balance Institute off Hodges Boulevard offers both private and group Gyrotonic sessions, as well as pilates sessions.

The hour-long Gyrotonic workouts cost from $35 to $65 dollars.

Click here to contact Body Balance Institute