PILATES & GYROTONIC®

PILATES
Pilates differs from many traditional exercise programs in that it focuses both on strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight areas. It is designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body, particularly the abdomen and back, improving posture, mobility, and flexibility. Bone density and joint health improve with a Pilates program. Lung capacity is increased through the deep, healthy breathing that is a primary focus of Pilates.

With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds.

GYROTONIC®
The word GYROTONIC® is derived from the words "gyro" (meaning spiral or circle) and "tonic" (to tone or invigorate). GYROTONIC® incorporates key principles of gymnastics, swimming, ballet and yoga. Major muscle groups are worked on together in an integrated manner using fluid, circular movements. Specially-designed exercise equipment provides free range of movement and enhances coordination, strength and flexibility. The body is supported by the equipment, either in lying or sitting positions, as the participant moves through a series of rhythmical, low impact exercises. The motion patterns are natural, with no interruption, creating a bridge between contraction and extension through the rotating movement of the joints.

GYROTONIC® uses three main pieces of equipment, the Pulley Tower®, the Jump-Stretching Board® and the Ladder®. The Pulley Tower® emphasizes multiple joint articulations without compression, thus strengthening ligaments and attachments. The exercises are performed through spherical awareness and circularity of movement, enabling the user to perform under permanent guidance with variable controlled resistance.

The Jump-Stretching Board® works the body in a way that does not restrict natural movement, as does most linear exercise equipment, but rather enhances it. From mobilizing the joints, where many problems occur, to releasing tension in the muscles, this machine leaves you feeling mobile, free, light and strong.

The Ladder® is used for extraordinary shoulder and chest opening exercises as well as back strengthening and lengthening movements. It is adjustable for size differences as well as levels of fitness. The Ladder® allows for free-range movement of the spine.