Joanna Parker Gyrotonic Joanna Parker Gyrotonic

I’ve had two back operations over the last two decades so I need to exercise regularly to keep supple and strong. I used to do pilates but then I discovered Gyrotonic which I prefer so much more.The flow of the exercises and concentration mind to body makes it fun, stimulating and really effective. Gyrotonic demands an interaction that I didn't get with pilates. It's an added bonus that Joanna has a medical background. I’ve come across quite a few physios in my time. Joanna is one of the best. Combined with her gyrotonic training and her own personal history, this gives her a real edge over most gyrotonic teachers. Her sessions are fun, flexible and firm, and she tailors each one to your needs. I’ve been doing gyrotonic exercise for about 4 years now and, quite simply, it is the best way for me to keep pain free. It is also a brilliant way to get back into shape after childbirth, and the core stability comes in very handy when picking up or keeping up with a toddler!"

Charlotte

 

"I started Gyrotonic exercises about a year after the birth of my second child. I was finding that lifting two young children was giving me severe lower back pain that hadn't responded to other treatment. After three sessions I could feel the difference. After a few more sessions the pain had completely gone."

"I have a scoliosis which causes my back to feel very stiff sometimes. Gyrotonic exercise has been fantastic at reducing the stiffness and increasing my range of movement. It has also helped improve my posture. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with back problems as it is a very gentle form of exercise with fantastic results!"

Alex

 

"After two major gynaecological surgeries I subsequently had to undergo abdominal adhesion surgery.  Already suffering chronic illnesses I developed deep lower back pain and reduced leg and hip mobility.  I was unable to return to Pilates exercise classes or cycle, or walk any distance.   I was experiencing falls and had immense difficulty and discomfort getting up from a crouch position and up out of seats!  I was unable to sleep lying down.  I was not used to constant pain or the physical restrictions on leading a normally active lifestyle; gaining weight and feeling emotionally low.  I was only 55 years old but was more imprisoned by my ailments than age was to my 80 year old aunt.

Seeking various treatments for pain management whilst undergoing the investigative medical consultations I read about Gyrotonic exercise.  As I was increasingly concerned also about my lack of exercise, I thought Gyrotonic training may be both therapy and exercise, (as opposed to other forms of treatment which I presumed singularly therapeutic).

Even after a few sessions with Joanna I felt the benefits of being strengthened, more mobile and energised.  With the support of the equipment and Joanna’s help I am able to stretch and work the ‘difficult’ hip and leg.  The stretching, circling, spiralling and undulating movements have increased the fluidity of my spine and whole body and I can move with increased flexibility and ease.   The form of the movements and the breathing patterns are insightful and enable ‘the mind to understand the body’, changing the way I breathe and move and feel.  I soon realised I was able to wear clothes and belts which had become not just uncomfortable but too small!  I also knew my posture had improved and I ‘walked tall and sat straight’.

I have also realised that growing older and becoming less and less mobile is not necessary; Gyrotonic exercise will keep us active with our bodies strengthened, ‘young and mobile’.  Having seen the improvements and the benefits I was gaining my husband now sees Joanna for regular sessions.

Joanna is an extremely skilled and motivational instructor.  She shows sincere empathy and is very perceptive and professional in her personal approach.  I am without doubt that Gyrotonic training has given me ‘back my life’ and I am continuing with twice weekly classes indefinitely."

Susan

 

 

"Following a whiplash injury, my shoulders and neck began to stiffen up. It reached the point of having pain radiating down my arms and into my hands. Painkillers kept me working. My normal exercise dwindled and I gained weight. Daily chores like cleaning out the animals and doing the gardening became too difficult as the rest of me began to seize up. I am in my early 40s. After about 6 months,  I finally sought help from Jo in the form of physio. My mobility improved signifcantly and I was ready to restart exercising. Jo recommended Gyrotonic; suggesting it would help me further.

I have just completed my 10th session and can honestly say I feel so much better. I am standing tall and straight again, and am getting back to normality rushing around doing all the jobs I have neglected!  I have never been a flexible sort, and over the years have tried various gyms and classes, but never have I received the benefits I have gained so far from Gyrotonic. This injury, coupled with  a very sedentary job has caused me to look to the future and re-think how I can safe-guard myself for later in life. Gyrotonic, for me, is definitely a step in the right direction.

Toni

 

"I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to take some Gyrotonic sessions with Joanna. I feel so much more upright and physically able now. I enjoy the gentle movements which really stretch and strengthen me. It is challenging as I have had to think about muscles I did not know I had; but they all work more in harmony now."

Liz