Gyrokinesis

I was walking past Body Evolution this weekend and was intrigued by this friendly looking fitness studio. I have definitely heard of Gyrotonic Expansion System & Gyrokinesis, as well as those Pilates machines, but never really had the opportunity to try it out. As I was sniffing around, the owner (Billy Macagnone, who is on the back of the little brochure I picked up) sauntered outside and convinced me to come in for an introductory session which was a great deal.

My instructor, who is also a professional dancer and very graceful (I believe her name is Savene, or Savina), led me through a variety of seven principal exercises. Its amazing how much I could see how my normal posture is not as powerful or graceful as someone who is a lot more conscious about the spine and movement. After some mat work, Savine led me through back and shoulder exercises on a machine, and then leg & hamstring exercises on the machine using pulleys.

I have to say, it was fascinating, and I felt great after my hour long session. Some of the exercise feel a bit foreign at first, but I can see how they would open the joints, improve flexibility and overall posture and balance. I would definitely recommend checking it out, and this studio is a fantastic little find on a leafy, quaint part of the East Village.