GYROTONIC: EXERCISE BEYOND THE ORDINARY ROUTINE

Gyrotonic® (jy-ro-TON-ic), a machine-guided form of exercise that combines the flowing movement of dance, the benefits of yoga, and the "burn" of a good resistance workout, is now available in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood.

"For people who would like to do yoga, strength training, and still get a cardio workout but just dont want to spend all of their free time exercising, Gyrotonic is ideal," explains Clare Cleveland, certified Gyrotonic® trainer and co-owner of the newly-opened Marina Gyrotonic. "But Gyrotonic also goes beyond most traditional exercise systems by unlocking patterns of tension in the body and re-educating the neuromuscular system. The result is posture and movement that is more relaxed, balanced and effortless."

As featured in Vogue, Forbes, and Time magazine, this growing exercise discipline was created by Juliu Horvath, a Hungarian raised in Romania, in the 1980s as an aid to help dancers gain strength and flexibility. Its popularity among non-dancers has grown exponentially ever since and Gyrotonic® centers are now open all over the world.

Horvath's patented machine design uses the organic beauty of wood and operates with hand- and foot-operated wheelbases and pulley suspensions that allow some 160 variations on 50 sets of exercises. Users turn, twist, bend and stretch using the pulleys and resistance of the device. Quality, rather than quantity, of movement is the focus.

"Exercise intensity can be varied by changing the pace and levels of resistance, to meet clients needs," Cleveland says. The system is highly adaptable and can be used by people of all ages and levels of fitness and ability."

ABOUT MARINA GYROTONIC®
Marina Gyrotonic® opened in July 2002 and is located at 2266 Union Street in San Francisco. Co-owners Clare Cleveland and Michael Luque are both certified Gyrotonic® instructors. Private instruction ranges from $60 to $70 per hour, with semi-private sessions from $42 to $50 per hour. Independent or classroom situations are $15 to $20 per hour. First-time customers can receive $10 off their first session and for a limited time, a promotional package of three one-hour private sessions are available for $150 (a $60 savings off the regular price). For more information, call 415-561-0746 or visit http://www.marinagyrotonic.com.