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What is a Gyrotonic workout?

When it comes to the world of fitness, it can seem like there's a new type of class or workout popping up every week.

But alongside HIIT and stretching classes, Gyrotonic workouts appear to be the next big trend - with Tracee Ellis Ross already reported to be a fan.

Inspired by yoga and holistic in nature, this method was developed by professional dancer Juliu Horvath to improve strength, flexibility, and agility.

"Gyrotonic classes link slow, controlled, circular movements with breath, to create greater mind-body awareness, long and lean muscles, improved posture and balance, increased mobility and a stronger core," explained triyoga Gyrotonic teacher Karrie Dene. "Gyrotonic is a powerful, low-impact workout for everyone, no matter their experience or fitness level."

Gyrotonic classes use specialised equipment, specifically, the pulley tower. The tower uses various pulleys and weights to apply constant resistance to the circular and rotational movements.

"This enables Gyrotonic exercises to become multi-directional and three-dimensional, working the body as an integrated whole, through flowing, larger ranges of motion, resistance and breath patterns," the expert continued. "Pilates and Gyrotonic classes often feature under the same umbrella as both methods aim to increase flexibility and strength and can involve equipment. However, the movement experience is very different. One way to describe the difference is to say that Pilates is like classical ballet and Gyrotonic is like contemporary dance."