Among the fitness techniques, the Gyrotonic is gaining more and more followers. Find out all about this gentle and complete training method.

Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lady Gaga or even Madonna have already taken up the Gyrotonic. And for good reason : this unique and innovative approach gently combines stretching and muscle enhancement. What is it exactly ? How to practice it? Where to do it? What contraindications? We tell you everything.

It's what ?

Invented in the 1980s by Juliu Horvath, a former professional dancer, the Gyrotonic is a method of relaxing and strengthening muscles . It is inspired by yoga , tai-chi, gymnastics or even swimming and works on the entire muscle chain. This practice is aimed at both beginners and high-level athletes. Generally, a session lasts between 1h and 1h30 and takes place under the watchful eye of a teacher who will guide the use of the machines. This one adapts to the needs to compose a sports program adapted to each one: recovery from injury, postpartum rehabilitation, joint pain, physical preparation, fitness, etc. .

How to do with the machine?

The wooden machine holds a central place in the practice of Gyrotonic. Impressive in appearance, it can serve as an aid, a support or simply an accompaniment. It is a kind of bench, on which we sit or lie down to relieve the body of all its weight in order to focus on the areas to be worked on (legs, abs, arms, spine, etc.). He is accompanied by straps, weights and pulleys to facilitate the learning of movements and relieve the joints. The counterweight system is modular: you can use 10, 15 or 20 kilos for example. The goal is to insert the hands and feet inside the straps to perform a sort of circular choreography, to the rhythm of the breath. Result ? We work the body at 360° thanks to rotary movements.

What opinions?

The Gyrotonic appeals for a simple reason: it improves strength and flexibility from the first session. The body becomes coordinated, toned and elongated. So much that some feel like they've grown an inch or two after one lesson! This is all the more unexpected because the movements are ultra soft. But the benefits are also internal. This discipline has a positive impact on the state of mind. Most people feel a renewed energy, pleasant lightness and psychological well-being . If you combine the Gyrotonic with a healthy lifestyle, the effects can be spectacular.

Where to do it?

The Gyrotonic method is practiced in accredited wellness centers . They are mainly found in the Paris region but they are also developing more and more in large French cities such as Lyon, Annecy, Biarritz or Nice. Namely that regardless of the location, the courses are taught in groups of four maximum.

How much does it cost ?

The price of a Gyrotonic session varies between 25 and 70 euros , depending on location. Generally, packages of 6, 12, 24 or 48 sessions are offered. Namely that it is advisable to practice this method at least once a week to obtain real results. This high price is justified by the few courses available, the purchase of expensive machines (between 4,500 and 5,000 euros) and the teacher's diploma which is quite difficult to obtain. Especially since an update every two years is required to be able to continue teaching the practice.

What are the contraindications?

An initiation session to Gyrotonic is strongly recommended to familiarize yourself with the method. On the other hand, there are no particular contraindications, except of course for pregnant women . The practitioners are both men, women and children. The only condition is to measure at least 1m30 to gain access to the apparatus.

Source journaldesfemmes.fr