Pinnacle Performance

GYROKINESIS®

Posted by: PinnaclePerformance on September 17, 2014

The GYROKINESIS® methodology is based on principles that offer the same benefits also found in yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming, and tai chi, but are not derived from these other exercise modalities. Some of the hallmarks of GYROKINESIS® exercises are the fluidity of the movements, the ease with which one can perform them, and the feeling of being energized and centered during and after class.

GYROKINESIS® exercises allow one to work on the entire body through seven natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backward, left side, right side, left twist, right twist, and circular, as well as all

other joint articulation. This approach systematically and gently works the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating movements. These movements stimulate the body’s internal organs while corresponding breathing patterns are integrated along with the movements to enhance cardiovascular strength, breath capacity, and detoxification. Postures are smoothly and harmoniously connected with fluidity and breath which makes the exercises appear and feel more like a dance, tai chi, or swimming than like traditional modes of holding postures and stretches.

A typical GYROKINESIS® class begins with a series of breathing patterns. Corresponding breathing patterns are executed during every movement. These breathing techniques stimulate the nervous system, open up the energy pathways, oxygenate the blood, and enhance endurance. Following breath-work, the spine and pelvis are exercised through simple movement patterns. While seated on stools, participants move the spine through a series of arching, curling, side bending, twisting, and circular movements. These same movement patterns are expanded to release the hip, knee, hamstrings, quadriceps, shins, calves, ankles, and feet. The seated exercises are followed by floor-work which includes a series of stretches for the torso, legs, and hips followed by spine extension, postural exercises, and abdominal work. Every class ends with functional standing exercises and a movement sequence which balances the energetic and physical body. GYROKINESIS® is often described as meditation in motion. Those who practice GYROKINESIS® exercises tend to be more relaxed in their daily lives and can move with increased awareness, endurance, flexibility, and ease.

GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.

CoreAlign

Posted by: PinnaclePerformance on December 10, 2013

We are excited to introduce to you the CoreAlign®, a functional movement apparatus to improve balance, gait, stability, and core control. The CoreAlign® is a newer exercise discipline, and Pinnacle is the only studio in Utah that has it. We will be offering 6-week introductory series with Master CoreAlign Trainer, Tessa Hale beginning Jan 6th. We will offer both a Restorative CoreAlign Introductory Series for individuals who seek to improve balance and gait efficiency, and a CoreAlign Introductory Series for individuals seeking to improve performance and neuromuscular control during sport and recreation.

Tessa Hale became a CoreAlign Faculty member this summer and is excited to start CoreAlign classes in January. So, to capture your interest and give you a taste of this new form of exercise, we are offering the CoreAlign Preview! The preview classes will be held Wednesday evenings at 5:15pm and Saturday mornings at 11:am through the month of December. The one-hour class will begin with the basics of safety, set-up, injury prevention, and self-monitoring. Then we will experience a variety of the basic exercises. We will add in dynamic movements that allow for increased heart rate and simulation of functional movements like walking, running, skiing, etc.