Increase your energy levels and shrink your belly in minutes a day with a totally different way of moving
By Alyssa Shaffer

What if you could boost your energy levels–not to mention flatten your belly, strengthen your back, and improve your flexibility–in just minutes a day, without even standing up? That’s the genius behind Gyrokinesis, a seated workout that combines the core-strengthening benefits of Pilates, the flexibility of yoga, the grace of dance, the fluidity of swimming, and the energy lift of tai chi in one simple, dynamic routine.

“Most types of exercise use linear motions–forward and back or side to side. Gyrokinesis is more about three-dimensional movements, including spirals and circles,” explains Justine Bernard, DPT, a physical therapist in Washington, DC. These actions better mimic the way your body moves in everyday life to target more muscles–including your deepest abs–and work your joints in a greater range of motion.

Gyrokinesis was created in the late ’70s by Juliu Horvath, a former ballet dancer from Romania, after he suffered a career-ending injury. While it’s helped many dancers, including Bernard, recover from debilitating injuries, the practice is growing and helping even nondancers. Ten years ago, there were only about 175 studios worldwide offering Gyrokinesis; today, there are more than 2,000–and 6,200 instructors.

Unlike yoga, which requires a certain amount of strength and flexibility, Gyrokinesis can be done while sitting on a low stool or chair, making it easy for people at any fitness level and a perfect at-your-desk workout. And doing flowing movements increases your heart rate and breathing to carry more energizing oxygen throughout your body. “When I did it in the morning, it gave me a big boost that stayed with me for hours,” says Avery Brandon, 41, of New York City, one of our readers who road-tested our 15-minute routine for 2 weeks.

Read the rest of the article on Prevention Magazine.