The Gyrotonic Expansion System® is a unique system of equipment and exercise that incorporates movement principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming and tai-chi. It was created by former dancer and gymnast Juliu Horvath.

In this system all movements originate from the spine and come back to it. This way circular, spiraling and undulating movement patterns come to life. They stimulate the vital forces of the body to circulate through its energy pathways. The gentle and even resistance provided by the equipment reinforces that stimulation and strengthens the nervous system at the same time. An internal massage of all organs takes place. Corresponding breathing patterns which are synchronized with the movements enhance aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation and promote neuromuscular rejuvenation. The muscles are being stretched and strengthened, while connective tissues in and around the joints are being simultaneously stimulated and strengthened.

The Gyrotonic® equipment offers complete freedom of movement while being fully adjustable to all sizes and all levels of strength. It is used worldwide by people of all ages in therapeutic, dance, sports specific and general conditioning facilities. To be entitled to the professional use of the Gyrotonic Expansion System®, you must be a certified Gyrotonic® Instructor. This is how you can get certified:

GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® Foundation Program:
Level I Teacher Training Curriculum Contents:
the Level I Teacher Training certification program consists of 4 steps:

1. Gyrotonic® Foundation Program Pre-Taining
2. Gyrotonic® Expansion System® Foundation Program: Level I Teacher Training
3. Gyrotonic® Foundation Program Apprenticeship
4. Gyrotonic® Certification Exam

1. Gyrotonic® Foundation Program Pre-Taining:

this is a prerequisite for the Foundation Program/ Level I Teacher Training. It consists of a minimum of 20 hours on the Gyrotonic® equipment and a minimum of 4 hours of Gyrokinesis® taught by an instructor who is both certified in Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis®. Purpose of the Pre-Training is to learn the exercises of the Foundation Course and to be able to perform and name them. In addition participants should be familiarized with key principles of Gyrotonic®. Costs of the training may vary between different instructors.

2. Gyrotonic Expansion System® Foundation Program: Level I Teacher Training:

it consists of 48-60 hours of training, dependent on the size of the group and number of the participants per machine. The course is usually taught over a course of 2 weeks in sessions of 4-6 hours daily with one day off in the middle of the course. The course introduces teaching techniques and principles underlying the exercises taught on the Pulley-Tower Combination Unit. The exercises will be dissected in terms of body mechanics, energetics, form, rhythm and overall purpose. Students learn in supervised groups, taking the role of teacher and student alternately to facilitate the learning process. The methodology is taught through verbal instruction and physical guidance ( specific hand holds), reinforcing the correct execution of breathing patterns synchronized with corresponding movements. Participants will learn to conceive and prepare individual Gyrotonic® training programs. A certificate of apprenticeship, signed by Juliu Horvath, will be issued upon completion of the course.

Tuition varies between studios: from about $1750 to $2000 per person (consists of a standard base rate of $1500 for the training course plus additional costs for travel expenses and studio rental)

3. The Gyrotonic® Apprenticeship Period

takes between a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 12 months . During this time the experience of the Teacher Training Course should be further developed by teaching at least 55 hours of one-on-one sessions. Also an amount of 20 hours of assisting or reviewing and updating with a master teacher have to be completed. Observing teaching sessions of certified Gyrotonic® teachers is highly recommended.

4. Gyrotonic® Foundation Program Certification Exam:

this exam is a 3 day workshop taught only by Juliu Horvath. It can be taken after a minimum of 3 months after having completed the Level I Teacher Training. It must be taken within a maximum of 12 months after having completed the Level I Teacher Training, otherwise the Training Course has to be re-taken)

Costs are $350 plus studio rental and travel expenses.