Juliu Horvarth |
The true art of exercise is to increase awareness of yourself and those around you. This is the message of Juliu Horvarth, 61, the founder of the Gyrotonic Expansion System, who was in London for the first time last week teaching his very active type of yoga. A former Romanian ballet star, Horvarth defected to the USA in 1970, where he pioneered his original exercise system, which ‘stimulates the nervous system, organises the bone structure and strengthens the supporting elements.’ Now taught in over 700 centres worldwide, what sets Gyrotonic apart are Horvarth’s patented machines. |
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The intricate Pulley Tower, with its counterbalancing weights, gives a feeling of weightlessness and allows a much fuller range of motion than would otherwise be possible. he says: “Using the machine, you can move all your joints in all possible directions and work on your spine.” Exercises such as the ‘dolphin’, ‘iguana’, ‘frog’ and ‘tiger paw’ are designed to trigger an internal momentum, which activates the chakras, the body’s spiritual energy centres. Horvarth hopes is that the heightened consciousness will encourage a revival of ‘courtesy, compassion, finesse and dignity.’
For more information visit: www.gyrotonic.com
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Siesta revival
The siesta is not an outmoded custom from hot climates but a universal right, which can relieve the angst and stress of modern life. The new champion of the afternoon nap is philosopher Thierry Paquot who believes: ‘The siesta can be practised in one thousand ways: by falling into a heavy sleep, dozing for a handful of minutes or by emptying one’s mind for a few seconds...’ Any such meditative moments, he claims, impose our own pace on to the workaday rhythm imposed by others. The Art of the Siesta by Thierry Pacquot is published by Marion Boyars (£8.95)
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Superfood
Number 6: Avocado
The super-nutritious avocado was considered a dangerous aphrodisiac by the Aztecs. During harvest young women were kept indoors. It was literally ‘forbidden fruit’ - and not the ‘vegetable’ it is often mistaken for. Once shunned, because of its high fat content, it is now recognised for its high content of fibre, vitamins and minerals. Ideal in salads, it is also a great choice for baby food. It is often recommended in anti-aging diets and for healthy heart maintenance.
Mark Winter
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