Healing Journeys with Suzie Daggett
I recently discovered two innovative ways to keep fit in body/mind/spirit. I had the opportunity to try out a Gyrotonics machine – a fluid system of exercises, like yoga with resistance, and, The Power Plate – a whole body vibrational therapy tool. These very different machines can help to strengthen our bodies, which can assist your mind and your spirit to soar. I interviewed Karen Attix, a professional dancer and movement artist with the Gyrotonic Expansion System, and Scott & Barbie Jackson of Scott Jackson’s Real Life Fitness with The Power Plate. Both machines are new in the exercise world, and we are lucky to have them in Nevada County for you to experience.
Karen, why were you drawn to Gyrotonics?
I danced professionally with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and various Bay Area groups. Working as an art administrator, I continued my kinetic journey, studying jazz dance, skiing, cycling and getting a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. After I started doing Pilates and Gyrotonics, I found I was ready to instruct others. Gyrotonics made me feel so elongated and open relieving my chronic neck pain. After a few sessions, my left leg, injured by skiing and Tae Kwon Do, started to strengthen and gain more articulation and power.
What is Gyrotonics, and can it help someone who is not athletic?
The Gyrotonic exercises, based on the moves of swimming, classical ballet, yoga and tai-chi, not only help the dancer to perfect her turn or the golfer to improve his swing, it also helps the injured to rehabilitate and ordinary men and women to reshape their bodies, lose weight and gain flexibility and coordination. Unlike Pilates, Gyrotonic moves are circular, not linear, so you are using the fullest range of muscles available and, most important, exercising the joints by creating actual space for the bones to move.
Is there a connection to the mind-body-spirit with this work?
Gyrotonic is a somatic discipline like Yoga, Pilates, Alexander Technique or Feldenkrais®. The exercises actually allow you to clear your mind and focus all of your attention on the simple act of extending your arm or knee. Having tried many of these disciplines myself, I feel Gyrotonic is the most successful in uniting mind, body and spirit or for me. Based on the spiral energy of the spine, you can experience and discover "the mind of the spine" and grow young!
How does Gyrotonics enhance your client’s quality of life?
One client, a 77 year old with severe osteoarthritis in her left hip, came to me using a cane. In six months, she was able to leave it at home. We were able to release the tight fascia and educate the right muscles in that hip to allow the thigh bone to move as freely as possible. The Gyrotonic Expansion System is an incredible tool to learn how to listen to your body, to be present, relaxed AND alert in your own bones, muscles and breath.
Karen Attix, Certified Pilates & Gytrotonic Trainer, 530-575-1452
Scott & Barbie: Why were you initially drawn to adding The Power Plate to your Fitness Center?
Our tag line is cutting edge. That includes equipment as well as education. Whole body vibration has been around for decades in other countries, so the research is sound. We like to challenge ourselves and our community to think outside our own 'box' and since this piece is new to the U.S., it fits that mould. Most people think they are in touch with their bodies, but in fact, they are mostly in their minds. One of our biggest jobs is to teach folks how to get back in touch with their bodies. The Power Plate helps them achieve a great workout in a shorter time frame while they are mastering that task.
Explain how the vibrations result in over all well-being and health.
The vibrations in The Power Plate are designed to stimulate blood flow, oxygen and endorphins thereby complementing rather than competing with the natural vibrations present in the body. Exposure to this type of vibration increases the serotonin levels while suppressing the cortisol levels creating any all-over sense of peace, energy and well-being.
What can it do for those with injuries or specific body problems?
Vibration training is very unique in that you need only be in contact with the plate to benefit. For example, bone density, lymphatic drainage and circulation is improved by having your feet in contact with the plate (standing, sitting or placing your feet on it). This could greatly benefit folks with osetoporosis or diabetes. Extensive studies have shown that clients with many other conditions may benefit from whole body vibration such as; fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy, balance issues, emphysema, MS, arthritis, rheumatism, limited mobility (wheel chair).
What are the benefits of using the Power Plate?
In addition to the benefits previously listed, pain management, flexibility, balance, hormonal, muscle strength, range of motion, sports performance, hastens healing, increase metabolism, shorter workout time, feeling of well being.
Scott and Barbi Jackson, Scott Jackson's Real Life Fitness
530-265-4041
Healing Journeys is a column written by Suzie Daggett for the Grass Valley Union newspaper. Suzie interviews a variety of health practitioners most Fridays in the Wellness section. Click here to read past articles. Enter "Suzie Daggett" in the search box to get listing of all articles. |
