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Published on 7/24/08
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After an acquaintance commented that she nearly had an orgasm while navigating her way through a Gyrotonic session (a session she booked to tone her abs and arms, incidentally), it seemed like the Pilates-meets-dance-meets- martial-arts-meets-swimming system might offer more than a means to a tighter body. “You can see it in people’s faces,” explains instructor Ted Henigson. “There’s no orgasm, but the experience is definitely akin to a sexual peak,” a response that he argues has roots in the physical exercises as well as a more spiritual or mental connection.
While the undulating movements of Gyrotonic aren’t intended to express sexuality, the parallel is inescapable when observed in motion. And there’s a scientific basis, too. “As you lengthen your spine, you create more space between the vertebrae—all the nerves pass through these spaces,” he says, which means that you’re liberating them to feel more and you to move more. On a muscular level, you’re not only increasing flexibility, but “you’re strengthening the deep, small, underlying muscles of the core and especially the pelvic floor—what Gyro refers to as ‘the seed center.’” As you move through the program, he says, you’ll “become dramatically more sensitive to how your body works.”
The machine, which looks like a torture device, has myriad straps and rotating discs. “You must focus intently to coordinate your movements,” Henigson says. “It becomes about meditation in motion, requiring presence, attention and concentration—all components of an excellent sex life.” And, as an added orgasmic bonus, you create the “music” to which you workout through breathing, which have apt names like ‘sniffing breath’ and ‘pumping breath.’”
Henigson, above, is an instructor at Body Evolution (221 Second Ave between 13th and 14th Sts, 212-228-4202). To schedule a session ($75 per hour) contact him directly (ted@centerofmotion.com, 323-559-9876).
