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| <back | home How do we sustain our energy in times of difficulty? by Christine Wilson It’s that time again, when “getting in shape” tops most New Year’s resolution lists, a boon to everyone from exercise gadget vendors to gyms to the diet pill industry. So why do most of these good intentions begin to fade, even as January fades into February? As a Registered Nurse and a Gyrotonic Master Teacher, I believe that the common mindset regarding fitness, the old adage of “no pain, no gain,” simply sets us up to fail. But why should pain ever be a requisite for good health? Exercise should not leave us aching and exhausted. It should fill us with energy and leave us feeling invigorated, balanced and centered. Now, isn’t that an exercise plan we all could stick with? Also problematic is our narrow focus when it comes to fitness. Sure, it may be gratifying to fit into those old jeans or show off your toned biceps on the beach this year. But what about the rest of your life? How do our conventional modes of exercise serve us in all the diverse ways we work, play, and function every day? Gyrotonic takes a holistic approach to fitness and health, focusing on the whole being. Certainly, weight loss is a component of that. But the scope is much broader, with benefits such as increased flexibility, enhanced energy, injury prevention and even injury rehabilitation. The Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methodologies were conceived by Hungarian dancer and gymnast, Juliu Horvath, to combat crippling injuries from years of intense dance practice. Horvath refused to accept traditional medicine’s harsh diagnosis and, regarding the body as a system capable of self-healing, created these new disciplines to heal his body. Gyrotonic was conceived using key principles of tai chi, yoga, gymnastics, swimming, and dance. It is a system of movement that gently works the joints and muscles of the body through rhythmic, flowing motions that are synchronized with corresponding breathing patterns. One component of Gyrotonic training utilizes specialized equipment that permits the body to move with support and resistance. Another component, Gyrokinesis training, involves stool and mat work, thus making these movements accessible to anyone to facilitate three-dimensional movement and expand range of motion While our society has taught us that the key to a healthy body is tackling those flabby abs or declaring war on a sagging derriere, Gyrotonic recognizes that all of the body’s systems are interconnected and interdependent. True fitness comes from addressing the whole body, as well as the mind and the spirit. On a purely physical level, Gyrotonic exercises strengthen, stretch and elongate muscles for improved balance, coordination, muscle tone, and flexibility. They release tension held in the muscles is released and gently ease stress. Internally, Gyrotonic exercises stimulate organs through gentle and rhythmic motions of the spine in all possible movement directions. These movements, in harmony with specific breathing patterns, enhance circulation of blood and oxygen, improve cardiovascular strength, and increase metabolism, a critical factor in weight loss. Less tangible, but equally important, is the effect of these exercises on the mind and spirit. The spine is the key element of movement and has a direct link to the central and peripheral nervous system. These are responsible for all biological functions of the body, including our hormones and emotions. The circular and spiral movements of Gyrotonic mimic our internal and external energy pathways, thus balancing chakras, energizing body systems, and promoting the flow of chi (energy) throughout the body. In the Eastern philosophies, chi is the key element of health, and the stagnation or absence of chi is signified by the presence of pain. Opening our energy pathways and stimulating natural energies from the source or core will free the body to move through life with joy. The results that I’ve seen from my work with Gyrotonic continue to impress me. I have a client with multiple sclerosis who came in using an electric wheelchair and is now walking with some assistance. There are clients who were due for spinal surgery and have since recovered from their injuries and live pain free. One client has lost over 100 pounds through Gyrotonic, in combination with nutritional and lifestyle changes. Rather than the superficial, short-term fitness goals we often limit ourselves to, Gyrotonic improves every aspect of our lives. It retrains the body to move with greater efficiency and ease, reducing injury and discomfort. It helps the body rehabilitate itself from old injuries, especially those of the knees, hips, spine, lower back and shoulders. In practical terms, when our bodies are in balance, our lives are in balance. We work more efficiently, participate in hobbies and sports with greater success, and have more to give to the world. We generate the energy necessary to reach our full potential. Perhaps most importantly, Gyrotonic is accessible to everyone, not just the young or the super-fit. And it integrates with other modalities such as Pilates, yoga and various athletic activities. As we evaluate our personal goals for 2006, let us remember that our bodies are miraculous and wonderful instruments with capabilities far beyond the narrow limits we often set for them. Make a resolution to explore these capabilities and realize your body’s full potential. Your body, your life and your world will reap the benefits. Christine Wilson owns Infinite Dynamics Gyrotonic and Pilates Studio, located at 811 El Capitan Way, Suite 100 in San Luis Obispo. You can contact her by calling (805) 594-1061. <back | top^ |