While you may see some spectacular looking Gyrotonic exercises on the internet, in fact I adapt the sessions to your ability. We start with the basic breathing and movement functions, then work up from there. We only have one body and we work with what we have.

My aim is always to improve functional movement, whatever your physical capabilities, so you can enjoy your other activities whether they are dancing, walking, rock climbing or playing the violin.

Remember movement is good for you and you should choose exercise that you enjoy and that makes you feel good. For some people Gyrotonic exercise is the thing they love, for others it is what helps them do the thing they love better.

As with most things in life the more you practice the more improvement you make. Most people come once a week, and if you do other physical activities, that is probably fine. If you do not do any other activities or are recovering from an injury you will benefit from twice weekly sessions for a few weeks at least. I can also give you homework exercises to do at home. At the end of the day for most people it comes down to what you can afford.

Duet/semi-private sessions are a great way to share the cost with a friend or partner and keep each other motivated, but a private session entirely tailored to you, in a shared session you will get less personal attention, so if you have an injury, pain, or specific physical requirements it will be better to have at least some private sessions first. This also applies to Pilates and yoga, you should try to have private training if you are inexperienced, have an injury or specific needs.

Yes, you should always have private sessions if you have any injury worse than a pulled muscle.

It is always best to see a medical professional (doctor or physiotherapist) and check what movements you should & should not be doing, I am happy to talk to your physiotherapist if they are willing for us to work together (if your physiotherapist has not heard of Gyrotonic you can tell them it is similar to Pilates).

I will only give you exercises that do not cause pain and there are always many things we can do despite restrictions.

Both methods aim to improve core strength, flexibility and functional movement and many instructors teach both methods. Both systems use resistance, Pilates is usually spring based, while Gyrotonic uses a weighted pulley system. There tend to be more group Pilates classes available, which are good for those who are confident movers but if you can afford it private training, whether Pilates or Gyrotonic, will be much better for those with specific physical issues. You should always check the training qualifications of your instructor. Pilates exercises tend to be performed in 2 dimensions whereas Gyrotonic exercises tend to be circular and 3-dimensional. Some people describe Gyrotonic as swimming without water or dancing with machines.

Always ask your doctor or surgeon for advice but it is almost always best to be as strong as you can be before having surgery as this help the outcome and makes your post surgery rehabilitation better. Sometimes an exercise regime can enable you postpone or avoid future surgery, so don’t put it off!

Yes absolutely, movement and exercise can slow the progress of these conditions, working on neurological pathways, balance and co-ordination and the weighted resistance can be very stabilising. The exercises you do will be tailored to what you feel comfortable with, they can be seated, lying down or standing up as you need and I will work with you to find out what helps you the most.

Yes. The studio is accessible to wheelchairs within office hours and I can adapt the exercises and equipment for most wheelchair users. We will work within your personal capabilities and I will be guided by you to find what you are comfortable with.

Yes, Gyrotonic method can be extremely helpful for scoliosis. The amount of correction that can be achieved will depend on the severity of the scoliosis, your age and the amount of practice you are willing to do – the more frequent the practice, the quicker the results. If you have had any surgery or spinal fusion your movement may be more limited but this can always be worked around and movement will always help.

Not in itself. However I welcome all shapes and sizes in the studio, with a focus on how you feel and move rather than what you look like. Gyrotonic method can not only help you feel good, but improve sleep and reduce stress all of which make it easier to stick to an exercise and healthy eating regime. I am also happy to help you choose what other types of exercise may be suitable for you do in addition to Gyrotonic.

Most of the work involves ‘eccentric loading’ which builds strength without bulk, so Gyrotonic method won’t give you big muscles (you will need to lift weights for that) but it will strengthen your core, arms, back & legs, improve your co-ordination and balance.

Business expenses - approximately 30% of what you pay goes on business expenses (rent, utilities, insurance, website etc.)

Equipment - each piece of equipment costs approx. £5000

Training - Gyrotonic Instructor training has to be done in person and takes at least 1 year, it cannot be done online in a few weeks whatever previous qualifications you have.

My experience as a trainer includes:

28 years in dance training and performing

1 year initial Gyrotonic Instructor training (£4000)

1 year Gyrokinesis Instructor training (£3000)

1 year anatomy training (£1000)

Annual updates & further training (£2000) 

All of this helps me teach and help my clients in the best possible way and is why approx. £50p/hr seems expensive, but actually isn’t really enough!