San Francisco GYROTONIC®

I’ve enjoyed numerous sessions at SF Gyrotonic and each was both therapeutic and fun. Usually I am able to work with Debra Rose, the superb master trainer who helped develop the training curriculum. She’s the best movement teacher. She’s extraordinary. On those occasions when she’s out-​of-​town, the other teachers I’ve had are also excellent — knowledgeable, cheerful and with keen eyes. The administrative staff are top notch. The studio is in a very old building with character. The studio is moderate in size and has a full complement of Gyro equipment, some of the machines are collector’s items, crafted by the originator. This place is the real deal. Gyrotonic is a great method for helping everyone move better — for rehab, prehab, to prevent injuries, improve performance, or improve the mind.

In the past 6 months, a few body practitioners mentioned that my thoracic spine is unusually stiff and is likely the cause of my upper back tightness and pain. After much research, I decided to try SF Gyrotonic — located in the in the same building as Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet, where I used to rehearse.
Gyrotonic has some similar movements to Pilates in utilizing the core, but the movements are circular, using the full ROM all your joints and especially the spine — cervical, thoracic and lumbar. It’s a great way to lengthen, strengthen, and increase your range of motion.
The 3 private lessons I’ve take with Peta were great! I took some private lessons with another instructor at another studio and found that Peta is so much better. She was very clear and encouraging. Gyro makes me feel longer, taller (quite a feat since I stand a towering 5 feet nothin’) and my body feels strong, more balanced, and somehow more relaxed — more supple. It’s a great feeling.
Prices for privates and group equipment classes are very reasonable and more affordable than any studio I’ve ever seen — group classes are about $ 15 if you prepay. Try it — it just may be the solution to what ails ya!

4 stars for the fabulous service, facilities, staff, quality, and experience! I would add one more if it wasn’t just my first time here.
I was recommended SF Gyrotonics by the dance medicine supervisor of St. Francis Hospital whom I met with on my recent visit to the bay area — since he said it would be a great thing to fuse with my pilates training.
I was greeted by one of their receptionist (who was a certification trainee of their work-​exchange program which is excellent that they have that!) who was very friendly and helpful. Although I was only there to hopefully speak with the owner and Gyrotonic master trainer, Debra Rose (who was out of the country at the time), the receptionist signed me up for a free demo session!
They accommodated me for a Sunday morning session with an instructor named Muffie, who was amazing! From the midwest as well she and I not only had great conversation but she gave me a wonderful introduction to Gyrotonics. Filling me in on the history, about the facility, and her training she lead me through some of the basic warm-​ups, exercises, and get some experience on the machines. A friendly, calm, and comfortable vibe was kept throughout the session. I felt although we were just going through basics that Muffie really paid attention to my specific needs and body type — which made the session very personal and beneficial.
From my understanding that they have a variety of group classes, work-​exchange programs, private sessions, workshops, and certification programs available as well. As stated before all done in a very clean, relaxing, and welcoming environment with the best equipment and instructors.
I left feel rejuvenated and mobile in my spine. I will definitely be coming back.
P. S.: they are located in the same building as the Lines Ballet Company! The old building also has a really cool old school gate elevator that is ran by an attendant who is very nice! The elevator ride was definitely an exciting part of my visits to SF Gyrotonics!

When I say «Gyrotonic», people usually get this confused look on their face, unless they are a dancer, yoga instructor, physical therapist, or a Gyrotonic instructor (Hi Lulu!).
Gyrotonic, developed by Romanian ex-​ballet dancer Juliu Horvath, is a form of bodywork done on machines, somewhat comparable to Pilates, using a combination of movements from tai chi, swimming, gymnastics, and yoga. One of the bigges differences is that Pilates uses linear motion mostly to target your core muscles, and Gyrotonic uses circular motion to open up your body and strengthen various body parts. Every time I take a Gyrotonic class, it’s really relaxing but it’s quite physically challenging!
This center is located on the fourth floor of the Odd Fellows Building, and is used by all sorts of folks, including the dancers of Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet company. It’s a small studio, but all the necessary equipment is there… and they also offer Gyrokinesis mat classes as well. The owner of the studio, Debra Rose, is one of only a handful of master trainers in the world. They offer workshops for Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis instructor certification and are probably THE main facility for training in Northern California.
For beginners, SFG offers a beginner course series that is four weeks for $ 125, where you learn the basic exercises and how to use the machines. Several of the trainers at SFG are awesome — the person who I usually like to take class from is Maurya Kerr, a former dancer with LINES ballet and a patient and observant teacher.
It is definitely a studio worth checking out if you are looking for a new form of exercise, particularly if you have any nagging injuries (mine is a hyperflexible spine that gets a little out of whack every now and then). I feel a little bit taller every time I leave there!