There’s a new workout in town.
Gyrotonic, which is inspired by swimming, tai chi, yoga and dance, involves graceful movements done on wood-framed equipment.
Like yoga, it takes a while to learn properly, but once you get it, it is an amazing workout that will leave you sweaty and out of breath but calm.
The goal of Gyrotonic, which is very new in Canada, is to build strength and coordination, says Crispin Redhead, a trainer and former dancer who runs Gyrotonic Toronto.
The exercises are designed to increase the space between the vertebrae by moving several parts of the body simultaneously. The movements are fluid and somewhat unconventional — twists, bends, spirals and stretches.
They were developed by former dancer Juliu Horvath in the 1960s. Redhead learned the techniques in New York City and brought the machines and the discipline to Toronto.
Redhead has clients from age 14 to age 84. They include athletes looking for a balanced workout, professional dancers who want to improve their performance, as well as regular folk toning muscles or rehabilitating an injury.
Sessions are one-on-one and customized to suit individual strengths and problem areas. For more information, visit http://www.crispin.ca
