GYROTONIC NEWS & REVIEW:
By Columnist Dana Rader – Exercise Physiologist, GYROTONIC® & GYROKINESIS® Master Trainer:
Photo credit: Dana Rader GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Methods
I have enjoyed writing these posts over the past year, and for my last instalment I would like to touch on an element that is as essential for life as it is for movement breath. Breath is ever present every moment of our lives, but do we experience breathing and how do we utilise it in movement?
Our Breathing
When we exercise, most people notice that their breath changes usually increasing and becoming faster with physical activity. On the other hand, when meditating, we work with slowing our breath and this helps to quiet the mind. Yes, we have the capacity to consciously control our breathing patterns to an extent, because of this unique quality, breath becomes the link between mind and body.
Does Breath Create Movement?
In movement, we tend to cue inhalation (inspiration) and exhalation (expiration). Why bother to do this? When executing a spiralling movement that I discussed in last month’s article, we can exhale, or we can inhale in the spiral motion. When I cue exhale in the movement, I find that the client spirals further. However, when I cue inhale, I find the client obtains more length and height in their movement. These are the same movement, but with different outcomes and textures depending on the breath. So, yes, breath creates movement.
Does Movement Create Breath?
When I am teaching abdominal series, I cue what we refer to as a squeezing breath, which is like coughing (exhaling). However, even if do not cue the breath, I find that clients in most cases will use their exhale breath as they contract the muscles in the abdominal region. The founder of the methods I teach, Juliu Horvath is fond of using the comparison to “yawning”. We use this yawning effect in many movements in the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods especially to access the upper body.
A yawn requires a large intake of breath and this, in turn, stretches the fascia in our upper body region. Thus, opening the breathing passages, allowing breath in and as a consequence, and expanding the chest area. You can see when someone yawns how the chest area is open allowing the breath to flow in and extend the spine and upper body. You can even see the expansion in the cat picture (below) of yawning! So, yes, the movement itself can also create breath allowing us to create space in the body to move.
Mind-Body Connection
That brings us to the mind-body connection, is this important in movement as well? This undoubtedly is a subject to be explored for the next series. Until then, best wishes for a very Happy, Healthy Movement filled festive season.
Photo credit: Dana Rader GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Methods
GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of GYROTONIC Sales Corp. and are used with their permission.
About Our GYROTONIC News and Review Columnist
Cool concept. I like this.
Never take your health for granted. Always try to improve it and visit a health professional regularly to make sure your fit and healthy.
Love your work. You’re very dedicated to your cause. You can just tell by the amount of time you put into this 🙂
This is a really unique concept. I’ve not heard of this until now. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve seen this method mentioned in health and fitness trends before, but I’ve never really considered it as a health proposition. Now I see it more and more, I’m curious as to how it works and if it’s for me or not.
Amazing concept. This is becoming the next big thing in physical fitness. I find it fascinating.
I see tennis players are using Gyro to keep in optimal health. Andy Murray uses this technique to improve his game 🙂
Never heard of this exercise method before. It blows me away. Definitely different.
You’re very clever
Really fascinating topic here
Interesting concept and device.
This machine is fascinating.
I would like to try this. My movement needs improvement and I think this would do the trick.
Helping to improve joint flexibility and poise is vital as you age. It keeps you soft and supple, and allows you to do the things you love without any pain.
Never a dull moment on InShape. Thanks for your continued efforts.