Gyrotonic Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unsure of what class level is appropriate for you, please contact us. If we cannot ascertain your level from a brief conversation, we will schedule an evaluation session to help with placement. If you are an existing client of The Yoga Lounge, your teacher can give you guidance on what level would best suit your skills, needs and goals.
To maximize your results, you should practice Pilates, Yoga, Gyrotonic or a combination or the three, at least three times a week, whether it be in private instruction, group classes or, after you have learned the fundamentals of the method, on your own at home. Your instructor can help you develop a schedule that combines studio instruction and, if you commit to it, at-home practices to achieve your goals. Many clients find that making time to practice at home is difficult given the demands of their personal and professional lives, but those who do so see the best results. While three times a week is ideal, clients will see and feel major changes in their bodies with a regular once- or twice-a-week practice. As with any endeavour, more frequent practice yields faster and more dramatic improvement.
This depends on what is going on in your body. In many cases, clients can work in a group setting safely and effectively. In other cases, a client first needs individualized instruction to develop a basic skill set and to learn how to modify exercises in a group setting. In some situations, The Yoga Lounge might require the permission of your physician before you start private or group instruction. Please speak with one of our instructors about the particulars of your situation.
‘Neutral Spine’ or ‘Neutral Pelvis’ refers to the anatomical placement of the spine or pelvis, particularly during exercises when the client is lying on his or her back. All of our instructors have specialized training to adapt traditional Pilates exercises, which were originally taught in a flat back position, to reduce strain on the hip flexors and maintain adequate strength in the muscles of the lower back.
Please contact our studios via e-mail (info@pilatesmanchester.com) to discuss your scheduling needs and work with you to find a time for your Pilates or Gyrotonic practice. We are committed to finding a schedule that works for you.
Yes, as long as your doctor approves your exercise plan. Many of our teachers have specialized training for pregnant and post-partum clients and can adapt or modify exercises to meet your body’s changing needs as you progress through your pregnancy and the post-partum period.
Pilates and Gyrotonic both can help your golf game. Pilates helps by strengthening the core muscles, improving balance and making you more aware of how to use your body efficiently. Gyrotonic exercises have similar benefits, but they also incorporate more rotation than Pilates, improving your range of motion in your swing.
Probably. You first should discuss your exercise plans with your doctor and, if applicable, physical therapist. Your health care provider can give your instructor valuable information about what kinds of movement you will benefit from and what, if anything, you should avoid.
Pilates exercises tend to be, especially at the beginning levels, linear; and Pilates equipment uses spring-based resistance. GYROTONIC movement is more circular, and the equipment uses weights and pulleys for resistance. The two systems use different means to reach similar ends, and some clients find they naturally gravitate to one method or the other. Clients who lack movement experience might find Pilates easier to understand initially. Those who suffer from neck or shoulder problems might find GYROTONIC exercise more accessible.
Yes! We have an online booking and scheduling system. You can find it here.
That depends on your body awareness and fitness levels. It is not uncommon for clients to report that they have difficulty “feeling it” when they first start their sessions. Your body should not feel like it has just been through a typical gym work out. Instead, it should feel stretched out and invigorated. As you begin to understand how to use your deep core muscles, you will probably have some muscle soreness, but nothing like you would feel if you have been lifting weights, which is a good thing!
Many clients find that they get taller from their new fitness routine because their posture improves.
Weight loss is the result of a properly balanced diet combined with regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training. At the beginning level, Pilates and GYROTONIC exercise can satisfy the strength training component of this trinity. As you progress to a high intermediate level (which takes at least six months to a year of regular training), you can also achieve cardiovascular benefits. For most clients, it makes sense to supplement Pilates and GYROTONIC with cardiovascular exercise.
Stacy Wade, Manchester:
“This is my second 6 week course in Sale using the reformer. I suffer with back pain caused by other underlying issues but am starting to see a difference in my posture and strength in weak areas. The classes compliment my crossfit training and my mobility is improving. The teachers are very informative and the classes are small and fun. Due to the intimate sizes of the classes you always have the full attention of the teachers who are there to help with your movements. I’ll be signing up for my next 6 week course as I’m slightly addicted now.”