Advanced Training.....
As Somatic-based Movement Therapists and Educators, we're fond of saying..."We pick up where Physical Therapy left off - or never happened!"
In addition to working with our general clients and their fitness and wellness goals, both Laura and Steve have 1,000s of hours of advanced training in both rehab Pilates as well as advanced coursework in the Gyrotonic Method of Movement. Additionally Laura and Steve have advanced training as Medical Massage Therapists (although neither of us currently practice massage therapy). In our Hawaiian Medical Massage Therapy school, our 1,250 hour program consisted of intense anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, assessment and treatment design, and therapeutic hands on work along with therapeutic exercise. The schools goal was for their graduates to work side by side with allied health professionals (e.g., Physical Therapists, Physicians, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, and other Massage Therapists). As Movement Educators, we believe that the more a client understands about their condition, what contraindications exist, and which options for alternative exercise therapy (and bodywork) exist, the more these clients can take their power back and get fully onto the road of healing.
We often say that our specialty is, "Fixing Broken Birds so they can Learn to Fly Again!"
Both Laura and Steve had extensive shoulder "re-build" surgeries. Laura's was from a slip and fall while Steve's was from a Moto X accident. Steve was fortunate enough to have his injury after we opened our studio in Hawaii. Laura worked with Steve to get his shoulder as strong and stable as possible BEFORE his surgery...as surgery was the only option to repair his shoulder. As soon as the Doctor cleared Steve for exercise, Laura began working with him in the Gyrotonic studio. He began the very same exercises she had given him prior to his surgery. At his 6 week follow up the Doctor exclaimed that he had never seen anyone "at Steve's age" recover so quickly from a surgery like as intense as his. He asked what we were doing. We responded with, "We are both Hawaii licensed massage therapists with specializations in medical massage and therapeutic exercise and we also happen to own a Gyrotonic studio." The doctor was so impressed, he told Steve there was no need for PT as we were clearly on the right path.
We've made it our life's work to help others with this amazing movement system the way it has helped both of us AND our many clients.
"I can finally walk again!"
Where she was at: A woman in her 40's came into the studio to begin Gyrotonic lessons, after hearing Steve and Laura speak at a local traumatic brain injury event. Her goal was to continue rehab for her injuries, as her health insurance had run out. She had been involved in a head on collision while both vehicles were driving 55 miles per hour. The other driver swerved into her lane and she was unable to avoid the collision. She broke over 100 bones in her body. She received a major head injury (traumatic brain injury or TBI). And she nearly bled out. The doctors had nearly given up hope that she would live. She was transferred to a critical care facility and then eventually a long term care facility. She could not speak, move, let alone walk at that time. She was later able to speak, move and walk with the aid of a walker and a caregiver to keep her from losing her balance. Her cognitive skills were also challenged. Eventually her insurance company would no longer authorize further physical therapy. She said that we were her last hope of recovery....
Benefits of the Gyrotonic Expansion System
Gyrotonic exercise begins with...
- Gyrotonic exercise (on the Pulley Tower and other specialized equipment) begins with private and/or semi-private lessons to ensure personal attention and focus.
- Small Trio group lessons in The Gyrotonic Method are available once students have a good understanding of the work.
- Gyrokinesis exercise (without equipment) is taught in private and semi-private lessons and small group lessons available upon request. Gyrokinesis exercise is incorporated into our Gyrotonic exercise sessions.
- Gyrokinesis classes are currently available online via Zoom during the Safer at Home time.
What are the benefits of Gyrotonic Movement?
- Promote long, strong, lean muscles
- Build profound core strength
- Increase flexibility, coordination, and balance
- Free the body of pain and restrictions
- Enhance joint mobility and articulation
- Restore proper body function and integration of all systems: muscular, skeletal, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, fascia
- Increase circulation of blood, lymphatic fluids, and energy
- Strengthen the nervous system and retrain neural pathways
- Alleviate poor posture and restore structural integrity through the application of specialized alignment principles
- Compliment/supplement physical therapy and other rehabilitative body work
- Help prevent osteoporosis (helps you build bone)
- Sharpen mental focus and cognitive abilities
- Help to slow the aging process through mental and physical stimulation and regeneration
- Enhance any form of exercise, sport, or performing art
- Have unique 3 dimensional movements that help us tap into aspects of our brains that linear 2 dimensional systems cannot access (dance, martial arts, swimming, and The Gyrotonic Method are unique in this regard)
- Enhance breath and respiration
- Improve balance, gait, and other activities of daily living
- Amazing compliment to other Mind-Body disciplines such as Yoga, Dance, Pilates
“The ultimate aim is to be at home in one’s body, experience greater freedom of movement, to feel unrestricted and uninhibited, to be free from pain, to be at one with the nature of oneself, and to experience exercise as a creative and delightful experience.”
– Juliu Horvath (creator of the Gyrotonic Expansion System)
You'll love how a Gyrotonic session feels in your body
"Gyrotonic & Gyrokinesis exercise with Laura gave me my life back"
After working on building my own company and raising twins on my own, the stress I was under had taken it's toll on my physical and mental state. I'd tried everything (yoga, pilates, massage, meditation) and nothing helped.
Then I heard about Laura and Gyrotonic exercise. I was skeptical, as I'd never heard of it before. By the end of the first session I was hooked. Not only did the movement feel SO good in my body, I felt as though I had gained a part of myself back that had been missing.
I've been practicing the Gyrotonic Method (on the equipment) and the Gyrokinesis method (in group class) now for 4 years and cannot imagine my life without them.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing this amazing system into my life.
~ Marta Barerras
Feng Shui Consultant
Kauai
Gyrotonic or Pilates
Gyrotonic & Gyrokinesis exercise is a great compliment to a Pilates or Yoga practice
Yoga, Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise are all amazing systems in their own right.
These systems have unique benefits and focus on different aspects of movement and fitness.
We believe that everyone can benefit from all of these amazing systems (just as we have).
Two Paths...One Destination
The Gyrokinesis Method
The Gyrokinesis Method
The Gyrokinesis Method
Imagine an experience that is the evolution of dance, swimming, chi kung and yoga that causes your mind, body and breath to ripple with energy. Envision your body undulating like an ocean wave and swaying like a palm tree. By activating your imagination, you just took your first step into the world of Juliu Horvath, the founder of the Gyrokinesis exercise program and the Gyrotonic Expansion System. After suffering a ballet injury, Horvath developed the Gyrokinesis program as a way to rehabilitate his body and spirit. In the process, he developed a movement method for strengthening and realigning the body. Through spiraling movements, breathing exercises and a pattern of motion that engages the body from head to toe, the Gyrokinesis experience fully invigorates your being as it oxygenates and strengthens your body. In a time where the average person spends most of his or her day collapsed in front of a computer screen, the Gyrokinesis system has never been more important; By developing a regular practice, one can counteract the impact of the technological revolution on our minds and bodies. Get ready for a physical and spiritual awakening, one twist at a time.
The Heart and Soul of the Expansion System
The Gyrokinesis Method is the heart and soul of the Gyrotonic Expansion system. Gyrokinesis exercises can be adapted to fit anyone's ability. People from all walks of life including accomplished athletes, fitness enthusiasts, senior citizens, and people recovering from an injury or dealing with a disability take Gyrokinesis classes. By the end of a Gyrokinesis session, one's entire system is awakened and brought into greater balance. Focus on the breath stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in a sense of calm, well-being and mental clarity.
The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is an original and unique method, which coordinates movement, breath and mental focus.
The Gyrokinesis Method is practiced in small group classes or private sessions under the instruction of a certified Gyrokinesis Trainer. Laura is our resident Gyrokinesis Trainer.
The Gyrotonic Method
The Gyrokinesis Method
The Gyrokinesis Method
In line with more traditional types of yoga and martial arts techniques, creator Juliu Horvath's goal with The Gyrotonic Expansion System is to bring the mind, body and soul in to union. This ancient spiritual approach towards overall health has been focused into the emergence of an exercise system that has been created to answer the growing needs of a fast paced, dynamic culture. It is modern day yoga for the modern day individual.
Unlike anything you have experienced, The Gyrotonic Method will spiral your spine and limbs, open your energy centers, safely and effortlessly increase the range of motion in your joints, all while building strength, stamina, flexibility, power and endurance. For those seeking an alternative in place of traditional linear modes of exercise The Gyrotonic Expansion System (made up of The Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Methods) is a low-impact expansion system that can be practiced by everyone regardless of age or fitness capability. A 60 minute Gyrotonic session can be a relaxing and rejuvenating movement experience, or an invigorating and aerobic workout, depending upon the goals and needs of the client that particular day. Whether you are an advanced athlete, a golfer looking to improve his or her game, a beginner student, or perhaps recovering from an injury, Gyrotonic sessions increase flexibility and range of motion dramatically, while at the same time toning and strengthening the entire body.
Is Gyrotonic exercise new?
While the system has been around for a few decades, many have not heard of The Gyrotonic Expansion System. Juliu Horvath, a modern visionary in the world of mind-body development, created the Gyrotonic equipment and exercise after years of intense study and self-exploration seeking to heal his own body. It is a sophisticated mind-body fitness system that ingeniously combines exercise with the energetic awakening and transformation of Chi Kung (and other forms of internal martial arts), the flexibility and balance of yoga, the strength and body toning of weight training, the grace and elegance of dance, the internal focus and calm mind of Tai Chi, along with improved core strength, coordination and aerobic conditioning.
The system has therapeutic applications for people recovering from life's ailments - shoulder injuries, hip replacements, strokes, breast cancer, and surgeries, as well as applications for special times in life - pregnancy, menopause, and aging. The system is applicable to athletes, dancers, golfers, tennis players, martial artists, and us "regular folks" who may be living with chronic back pain, neck and shoulder tension, and more.
The Gyrotonic Equipment
Gyrotonic exercise is performed on unique and beautiful hand-crafted wooden equipment which offers both support and the resistance of water. Exercising on the equipment provides similar benefits as yoga and swimming (producing long lean strong muscles and increased flexibility). Exercises include unique arching, spiraling, curling, and undulating movements (combined with breath, rhythm and flow) with counter balanced weights (yet without any strain to the body). The levers, pulleys and handles provide continuous resistance, developing muscles that are generally ignored in standard exercise approaches, while allowing your body to move in ways no other exercise system does. It is really one of the most ingenious systems available for the human form. In some circles, it is considered the couture of exercise.
Circular rather than linear in nature, Gyrotonic exercise incorporates spiraling and undulating motions on multiple movement planes, moving smoothly back and forth from contraction to expansion with the feel and support as though moving through water. Working on the equipment, allows a release of chronic tension in joints and ligaments while at the same time strengthening the surrounding muscles and connective tissues increasing the functional capacity of the spine and keep the body's energy continuously flowing. Fully adjustable to the needs of every body type and strength level, Gyrotonic movement is used worldwide in therapeutic, dance, sport-specific and general conditioning facilities by people of all ages. It is a system that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western disciplines resulting in total equilibrium and complete freedom of movement.
The main piece of Gyrotonic equipment is the Pulley Tower; however the very first piece of equipment that Juliu created was the Gyrotonic Ladder.
Blossoming Lotus GYROTONIC® ~ Unleash YOUR Potential™
The Gyrotonic Method is practiced in Private, Semi-Private lessons, and in small Trio Group Lessons under the instruction of a certified Gyrotonic Trainer.
“When you are thankful for life, thankful for everything that surrounds you, it manifests in a certain kind of feeling in the body. An expression toward life. A prayer without words. A prayer of the body.”
~ Juliu Horvath , Creator of the Gyrotonic Expansion System