The GYROTONIC® Method and the Pilates Method are complementary movement systems.
Both systems aim to work out all movements of the spine while simultaneously developing breathing, strength, flexibility, and endurance. The exercises involve smooth transitions, creating a flowing rhythm that integrates breathing and movement without interruption.
similarities…..
The website gyrotonic.com has further explanation and video samples.
This video link will provide an idea of both systems.
Now for more of the differences…
Put very simply, the Gyrotonic method mobilizes the whole body and all its joints and works to increase its range of motion.
The Gyrotonic Method:
The Gyrotonic method uses a lot of fuller range circular movement. The equipment tractions the limbs so there is no resistance at the starting position.
The Pilates Method:
Pilates equipment uses springs to create the resistance. As soon as the body is moving there is resistance from the springs. The exercises involve stabilizing one part of the body (often the core) while moving the limbs, or the opposite, stabilizing the limbs while moving the core.
History
Both systems use specialized equipment created and originally hand-built by their founders. The equipment (apparatus) guides the client in the movement, offering support and assistance or resistance.
Both systems have a group, non-equipment component: GYROKINESIS® method and Pilates Mat.
Both were developed initially for rehabilitative purposes.
• Joseph Pilates was sick as a child and passionate about building strength to fortify the immune system. He started creating his method by working with injured soldiers during WWI.
• Gyrotonic founder, Juliu Horvath, has lived with hip dysplasia, which affected him as a young dancer and developed his method to heal himself after 3 herniated discs and other injuries.
• Both systems are adaptable for individual needs and can effectively be used for strengthening, post physical therapy, or when recovering from large changes to the body such as delivering a baby, surgery, injury, or illness.
Both are Mind-body exercise systems influenced in part by yoga:
• Joseph Pilates, back in the 1920’s, was most likely the first person to create and promote Mind-Body exercise in the United States. His rhythmic and controlled breathing, timed with movement, promotes strong lungs, abdominal strength and coordinated diaphragm/pelvic floor function to work in harmony with the exercises. He referred to the 18-inch-wide circumference around the body’s center as the POWER HOUSE. He invented and built six kinds of apparatus, plus smaller gadgets. He said, “It is the mind that creates the body.”
• Gyrotonic exercise, founded in the early 1980’s, takes this approach even further – incorporating not only a strong mental aspect, but an energetic component as well – that resembles Tai Chi or Qigong. Juliu Horvath identifies a smaller and more refined, energetic center within our core strength – the SEED CENTER. It would resemble our second Chakra, or the Hara.
In addition to the hundreds of exercises that feel like swimming or dance, Juliu has developed a vocabulary of various breathing exercises that accompany the complex, circular movement. The breath quality changes to affect the body’s response and is timed with the movement to create rhythm for the body to move to. Juliu connects eye movements to intention and believes, “The body follows your intention.” Juliu is still continuing to develop this exercise form.
Both systems are best learned initially with a private instructor. Like any system of movement, progress is best with a dedicated, regular practice. Clients can supplement or replace their individual lessons with small equipment groups.
The mat version of each discipline, Pilates Mat & Gyrokinesis, are also wonderful, more affordable options, taught in group format.
Advanced students may do Independent Workouts when given permission.
The link below offers additional insight to both Pilates and Gyrotonic methods: http://www.shuriulo.com/pilates-versus-gyrotonic®-exercise/