In my practice I've struggled to gain a greater range of flexibility in my upper spine, between my shoulders and bottom of my rib cage. Similar to many people, this is where I hold a lot of tension. My shoulders creep up and forward to my ears. It's a tug-a-war with my body to relax and lengthen my spine as I work toward more articulation between each vertebra of my spine.  

Here is a video clip from Rome, where you can see ALESSANDRA Rusciano demonstrate a beautiful and expansive spine articulation and calmness of working from the inside out. 

Last weekend I met Dr. Tony Murczek at Hilary Cartwright’s Yoga for Dancers Workshop. There was lot of sharing and learning at the workshop. 

Dr Tony teaches Qigong in Portland, Oregon and is also a student of Gyrokinesis. In an interview with Yelena Foley of MotionLab PDX, Dr Tony discusses the similarities and benefits of practicing both Qigong and Gyrokinesis.

Visit the MotionLab PDX site and listen to Dr. Tony's interview. 

After a recent GYROKINESIS® class at Seattle Changing Room, my students talked about how they begun taking one Gyrokinesis class a week and then figured out how to add another class or session on the GYROTONIC® Expansion System machines.  They all agreed that once a week was a lifeline to stress relief and how they had begun their journey toward wellness. After class they felt great. I hear comments like "all my joints feel well-oiled and flexible." When talking a class or working out at least twice a week, they started to notice some exercises were easier to do. Once they could fit exercise into their schedules 3 or more times a week, real benefits and progress toward more flexibility and strength became reality. As a Gyrokinesis instructor, I can see when people are exercising regularly through their inner confidence and calmness that enables greater pleasure and enjoyment during class.

When I work long hours in front of a computer, going to Gyrokinesis classes or varying my Gyrotonic practice, bring better sleep and overall feeling of well-being. I'm working toward a greater range of strength and flexibility that gives balance and centering to my everyday activities.

On your journey toward wellness, try a Gyrokinesis class, like Wednesdays, 6:30 PM to 8:00 at the Seattle Changing Room, between Fremont and South Lake Union. The studio is on the lake side of Westlake avenue north.  My complete schedule is on my Home page. 

Walking from Fremont to Seattle Changing Room takes less than 15 minutes with views of water and east side of lower Queen Anne Hill. Walking south along Westlake, you can snatch peephole views of Lake Union between the yacht dealer showrooms and houseboat slips, Walking north, the view-oriented condos and apartments are best seen on foot. A walk before or after teaching at Seattle Changing Room brings the transition of the season into clear focus.


Join my classes at Seattle Changing Room
Saturdays, 9:30 am - 11:00 
Wednesdays, 6:30 pm – 8:00

@ Seattle Changing Room
2110 Westlake Ave North
Seattle, Washington 98109

If you are wondering what a Gyrokinesis practice looks like, take a look at this beautifully produced Gyrokinesis video. Classes are generally conducted with sounds of unified breath from students rather than the music featured in the video.

Watch Gyrokinesis taught by Maki Somekawa & Akiko Tokuka Video

Take time to let go of the day’s concerns and get ready to breatheMat and Stool deeply and release tension in your Gyrokinesis practice. The first half of the practice begins on a stool or chair placed on or near a mat. Beginning on a stool enables you to focus on your posture without worrying about balancing or sitting in uncomfortable positions on the floor. The idea is to increase your strength and range of motion with minimum effort. This sounds easy but you will find it is a journey toward deep body awareness. Have patience and respect for your body’s limitations. The mat enables traction and padding for both stool work and floor work, the second part of the practice.

Come to a Gyrokinesis practice and experience a fresh way of breathing and moving.

Experience a Gyrokinesis class and begin the journey toward increasing your range of motion and strengthen muscles for your overall physical health.

My Gyrokinesis practice began over ten years ago, when foot and shoulder injuries limited my exercise options. I studied classical and modern dance and quit counting the years when I passed 20 years of study.  Through my Gyrokinesis practices, I’ve regained most of my range of motion and greatly improved my overall strength.

I hope to see you in class soon.