Flex Time

Need to strengthen and align your spine? Gyrotonic might be the workout for you. Renee Robeson, of Flemington, is a fan.

Posted December 14, 2009 by Drew Anne Scarantino

Renée Robeson, front, and Katya Valasek round out their Gyrotonic workout at Sphericality in Flemington.

Photo by Chris Crisman.

Name: Renee Robeson

Age: 42

Profession: Prosecutor for Mercer County.

Fitness goals: Robeson has multiple sclerosis, so staying mobile and working on her flexibility, strength, and balance are top priorities. “At this point, it’s more than just exercise,” says Robeson. “I have small kids, and I want to do everything I can to stay active so I can take care of them.”

Workout of choice: Gyrotonic, a patented three-dimensional exercise system taught on unique weight-and pulley-based equipment that focuses on core strength and alignment of the spine. It is meant to combine progressive, circular, fluid movements and rhythmic breathing to strengthen without strain while simultaneously detoxifying and stimulating the body.

Location: Sphericality opened in Flemington in September after instructor Dorian Lipoczky decided to move from her home studio (sphericality.com).

Frequency/cost: Fifty-five minute class two to three times a week. The cost is $75 per class during peak hours, $60 during off-peak.

How’s it going? “At first I didn’t know anything about it, and then I saw the machines and thought, am I going to be able to do that? But you can,” says Robeson. “There are a lot of exercises I’ve done, and this is the one that’s more of a full experience. You’re not just taking care of cardio or strength. You’re taking care of everything—mind and body. It’s really a whole package.”

Robeson says Gyrotonic also helps raise her energy level. “On Fridays, I don’t even drink that much coffee at work anymore. It gives me enough of a boost of energy to get through the bedtime routine with the kids.
“Because it’s different, it’s in a way pushing me to go beyond what I’ve done before,” Robeson says. “I think I’m able to be in better shape than I ever have in my life. I have a lot more flexibility and a much stronger core, which, especially for me, is important for my balance.”

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