The Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods are complementary exercise methods that fall under one umbrella- the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®. Both methods were developed by Juliu Horvath, an ethnic Hungarian, professional dancer from Romania. Horvath suffered a series of debilitating injuries during his dance career, and began developing what are now known as the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Methods as a way to heal himself and regain his strength and agility. Gyrotonic exercises are performed on custom-designed Gyrotonic equipment, whereas Gyrokinesis exercises are performed on a mat and chair. Both Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis exercise sequences are composed of spiraling, circular movements, which flow together seamlessly in rhythmic repetitions, with corresponding breath. Each movement flows into the next, allowing the joints to move through a natural range of motion without jarring or compression. These carefully crafted sequences create balance, efficiency, strength and flexibility. Since the thirty plus years since Horvath began developing the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods, the Gyrotonic Expansion System has grown to include a global community of over 7,800 Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Trainers teaching in 52 countries.