Classes & Workshops

GYROKINESIS®
August 18 - 22: Charlotte Dance Festival Summer Dance Program, Open Door Studios in Charlotte, www.charlottedancefestival.org.

Pilates
Tuesdays

 

6:30pm - 7:30pm, The Perfect Step, Gastonia, NC

Private Pilates Equipment Training Sessions Available in Gaston County of Charlotte- Contact Caroline for more details.

GYROKINESIS®

GYROKINESIS® methodology is a body wellness method developed by Juliu Horvath.  He combined the key principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics and tai-chi to create a methodology of working the entire body through seven natural elements of spinal movement:  forward, backward, left side, right side, left twist and circular, as well as all other joint articulations. 

One of the many main principles is fluidity.  Through breathing the positions connect naturally to the next without holding any one position for a period of time.

With practice GYROKINESIS® training shows positive results in the reduction of such medical conditions as asthma, osteoporosis, arthritis and scoliosis.  Also, this method can develop a person’s awareness to sensing and living their life with their entire being.

The first level begins with an awakening of the body’s senses connecting with simple breathing patterns.  The class progresses into mobilization of the spine and pelvis while seated on a stool or chair.  The spinal movement patterns mentioned above extend into the arms and legs as the class progresses through the mat and standing exercises. 

For more information, go to www.gyrotonic.com.

GYROTONIC and Logo & GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Inc. and are used with their permission.

Pilates – Body Arts and Science International™ Pilates Program

Born in Dusseldorf, Germany, Joseph Pilates struggled with rickets and asthma as a child.  In the early 1800s, he was living in Lancaster, England developing a set of exercises on the floor using his extensive knowledge in yoga, Zen and ancient Roman and Greek exercise techniques that later became known as the Pilates Mat Class.  During World War I, he took an interest in rehabilitating patients injured from the war.  While the injured were bedridden, Joseph Pilates would attach springs from the bed in a manner for the patients to exercise.  In 1926, he and his wife Clara (a professional nurse) immigrated to America and opened the first Pilates studio in New York City.  Over the years, his exercise method and philosophy has spread from athletes to Hollywood celebrities.

The main focus of the Pilates method is the development of balance, breathing, concentration, control, coordination, efficiency, flow, harmony and precision.  With these ideas in mind, each exercise is focused on working the whole body by using the mind to control every action of the body.  Studio classes require the expertly designed Pilates equipment (Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel) that Joseph Pilates created.  The exercises on the equipment can aid in improving muscle awareness to further execute the Mat Work with more precision and quality.

Some health benefits over time in training in the Pilates exercise technique are posture improvement, alleviation of back pain, strong and efficient muscles without the bulk, reduction of stress and rehabilitation of injuries.