Fabulous Fitness . . . why Ballet and Gyrotonic are good for the travelers body
Long hours of flying can do a number on your body. Prolonged sitting, for example, strains your back, weakens your seat, and tightens your legs. It’s super important to stay body aware throughout the duration of a flight by stretching, staying hydrated and stretching some more. Because I log so many hours in on a plane from week to week I find it so important to incorporate a variety of exercise routines in between traveling to avoid additional body aches. And I emphasize the importance of variety; not only is it the spice of life, but it also helps to prevent injury by giving your body alternative options for focus and strength. I enjoy running, yoga, and pilates, but my three of most favorite forms of exercise are ballet, Pop Physique, and Gyrotonic.
Here’s how and why you should enjoy these workouts too!
BALLET
I’ve studied ballet on and off since I was three years old. I’ve had terrible turn-out, the ability to rotate the legs outward at the hips, my entire life (hence the “off” part.) This played a tremendous role in my feelings about ballet initially. As a dance major at the University of Maryland at College Park, I was required to take it, and now after all these years later I’m grateful for that. I really grew to love it after I stopped auditioning and dance was no longer my only focus in life.
I had my ballet barre custom made by Twelve14designs and this allows me to do my exercises at home at my leisure. Sometimes I venture to Ballet Bodies on Beverly Boulevard to take a class in between trips. For those of us who aren’t aiming to star in the next music video, the classes here are a great relaxing fit.
If staying at home is more your speed, you don’t need to have your own barre. A countertop or sturdy chair is a great substitute. Regardless of what you use, ensuring you keep your body aligned throughout the exercise is the key. Grab a book or video, like my personal favorite, Ballet Beautiful and you too can explore routines that are a good fit for your body. Barre work can do wonders for your strength, flexibility, and posture, leaving you feeling ready to take on the world.
GYROTONIC
Stay with me here. This form of exercise is an art, although when I talk about it people usually look at me cross-eyed. But it is my absolute favorite method of getting strong and staying in shape and you should really know about it! I discovered Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis in the 90’s and it continues to be my preferred method of training.
Julio Horvath, a professional dancer from Romania, created the complementary methods of Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis as a way to heal himself after many debilitating dance injuries. (You probably are now noticing the dance theme here.) The Gyrotonic method allows joints to move through their natural range of motion without compression or jarring movements. The circular and spiraling motions in repetition, along with the complimentary breathing patterns, help to lengthen and strengthen muscles, stimulate circulation, and improve coordination. You leave the workout feeling challenged, more flexible, stronger, and more agile.
When I am in LA, I love to study with Tara Russell. She is one of the best teachers I’ve studied with and is deeply passionate about the progress and development of her students.
The Gyrotonic link above will connect you with certified instructors and locations, but if you can’t find one nearby you can also buy the DVDs and do the Gyrokinesis work at home.
Enjoy your body conditioning! And let me know how it goes!
Bisous.
T
Check out Naomi Campbell talk about her love of Gyro:
