Chanrou® Medical Devices
GYROTONIC®
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® was founded over 30 years ago by Juliu Horvath, a Romanian ballerina of Hungarian descent. He suffered a severe spinal injury during his dance career, and in his recovery, he began practicing yoga and gradually developed this system.
This exercise system not only effectively trains muscle groups but also allows for proper movement and rotation of the body's joints. Unlike other exercises, GYROTONIC® achieves the effects of extending the body, strengthening muscles, increasing joint range of motion, and improving coordination in the most effortless way. The "Gyro-" in the system name represents spiral movement, while "tonic" means strengthening; the combination of the two creates a unique exercise method.
This exercise combines elements of yoga, tai chi, gymnastics, and dance. The full-body workout activates the nervous system, strengthens and stretches muscles and fascia, while relaxing joints and soothing nerves. GYROTONIC® not only improves muscle strength and endurance but also promotes blood circulation and improves metabolism, thereby enhancing overall coordination and making the body more relaxed and flexible, allowing for effortless handling of daily life or athletic challenges.
GYROTONIC® is an original exercise system that emphasizes holistic physical and mental development. It increases physical activity and improves muscle strength and movement efficiency by clearing energy blockages in the body and stimulating the nervous system. This exercise can be practiced individually or in groups under the guidance of a certified coach.
GYROTONIC® Equipment List
Chanrou® Mat
GYROKINESIS®
GYROKINESIS® is a full-body, multi-directional spinal exercise, also known as "Gyrokinetic Exercise" or "Spinal Spiral Exercise." It involves a series of fluid, rhythmic movements combined with different breathing techniques, performed on a chair or mat. It activates the whole body, strengthens cardiovascular function, connects the nervous system, helps create space and range of motion in the joints, strengthens muscles while stretching myofascia, exercises the core, and balances mind and body, contributing to a better quality of life.
GYROKINESIS® courses are suitable for anyone and have no age or ethnic restrictions. They can be attended by experienced athletes, fitness enthusiasts, seniors, and those recovering from injuries.
After completing a GYROKINESIS® course, the entire central nervous system is awakened, and the body achieves greater balance. The extensive breathing during the course stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing a calming, harmonious, and invigorating feeling to the mind and body.
Chanrou® Sports Founder
Juliu Horvath
Juliu Horvath is the founder of the Gyrotonic® Method and Gyrokinesi® Method. Born in 1942 in Timișoara, Romania, he had a strong interest in sports from a young age, excelling in swimming, gymnastics, and rowing. He began studying dance at the age of 19 and became a principal dancer with the Romanian National Ballet at 21. He settled in New York City, USA in 1970.
In New York, he took on various jobs to make a living and performed in public ballet productions. Later, he became a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet. In 1977, while with the Houston Ballet, he suffered an ankle injury that ended his dance career. After returning to New York, he began practicing yoga and in 1977 moved to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he built a cabin to study yoga and meditation.
During his six years on St. Thomas, he gained new insights into movement and therapy and began creating his own unique method of movement. In the 1980s, he returned to New York and began teaching a new system of movement called "Yoga for Dancer," which later became known as the Gyrokinsis® Method. As demand grew, he further refined the system, creating the Gyrokinsis® Instrumental Method.