Looking for a way to jazz up your workout routine? The latest craze is karma for your body in the form of a holistic approach to fitness called Gyrotonics® and Gyrokinesis®.

For all the details, Amaze sat down for a virtual chat with Kinespirit Studio Director and Master Trainer, Jennifer McCasland Daly, a Gyrotonic Master Trainer, currently in the Gyrokinesis Master Trainer program (to be completed in 2007).

What exactly are GYROTONICS and GYROKINESIS?

GYROTONIC® is a movement technique based on the principles of dance, yoga, tai chi, and swimming. It is a full body experience that works in a circular and fluid modality. It strengthens muscles, increases flexibility and coordination, and enhances overall mind-body awareness.

It is a technique that focuses on the mobilization of the spine and joints to ease pain and eliminate restrictions in the body. Gyrotonic is performed on equipment with a weight and pulley system. GYROKINESIS® is the mat class of Gyrotonic. It is performed without any equipment or weights, but rather on stools and mats. Both techniques are most successful when done in conjunction with each other.

How do they differ from other types of exercise?

Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis are different from other techniques for a variety of reasons. One, they create three-dimensional, fluid motions, as opposed to static, linear exercises as most weight resistance programs do. Two, they are ever changing and evolving techniques, so that the client never gets into a boring routine. Three, they address the entire body, while other exercise systems isolate body parts, Gyrotonic is able to work the entire body at all times.