What makes GYROTONIC® exercise different from Pilates?
Similarities
-Mind body exercise modalities – meaning the exercise requires the brain
to be engaged and you will complete your session feeling relaxed and fulfilled due to having practiced mindfulness during your session. This is also known as Neuromotor exercise and one of the 4 requirements to a complete exercise program per ACSM*.
-Low impact -safe for people with injuries
-Resistance and mobility training – get stronger and more flexible
-Breath work –
-Rhythm and flow
-Specialized equipment and instructor training
-Core strength and spine health
Differences
-Gyrotonic movement encompasses all plains of movement as the equipment allows for circular and spiralling movements.. Because of this style the body experiences more range of motion in all joints of the body than it would in Pilates leading to better lubrication of the joints.
– Overworking or “muscling” can occur if Pilates is facilitated as more than moderate weight training, and when this occurs, Pilates becomes more compressive versus lengthening and defeats the purpose of the Pilates exercise, which is to obtain long, lean muscles, and flexible joints. In Gyrotonic, this is less likely to happen due to the equipment design and the spiral movements. These factors combined encourage lengthening between the joints.
– There is only one certifying institution for Gyrotonic which keeps the field of providers more consistent and dependable as far as knowing what you will get out of your session. In Pilates, there are many certifying institutions and they are not all created equal. This can make it difficult to find the right fit and quality instructor. So unless an individual invests the time and money to find a good fit they may miss out on the value of Pilates exercise.
-Gyrotonic is more complex than Pilates- Because Gyrotonic has roots in swimming, tai chi, yoga, dance and the equipment allows and encourages spiralling movement, leading to infinite movement choices. This aspect also increases the benefits of brain health from Gyrotonic exercise.
– Gyrotonic has additional breathing applications for a deeper exploration of how our breath connects to increased efficiency in our movements and increased sense of well-being.
Can I do both?
Of course! Your Gyrotonic practice will enhance your pilates practice and your pilates practice will enhance your Gyrotonic practice.
Which one should I do if I only have the resources for one or the other?
Well, personally, if I had to choose I would do Gyrotonic because you get all the same benefits, plus more…see differences above.
*American College of Sports Medicine
https://odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
