Karen Burka first became acquainted with the Gyrotonic Expansion System in 1995 while doing her Pilates training at Long Beach Dance Conditioning in California. As a dancer with scoliosis, she found that it enabled her to move and keep her body aligned and healthy. Karen is certified in all of the specialized equipment, a pretrainer in Gyrotonic, and Gyrokinesis, and an apprentice master trainer in Gyrotonic. Karen has a diverse background as not only a dancer but as a clothing and textile designer, and wardrobe stylist to the stars. She has a sports medicine degree from San Diego State University and also teaches Hatha yoga, (children’s, aerial, and Thai massage.) Karen continues to further her education with Gyrotonic creator Juliu Horvath on a regular basis. She has also been working with Jane Mann who is a myofascial and microcurrent specialist. Karen is now offering tailored Fascial Facials and tutorials using tools to stimulate and rejuvenate the face.
The GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Methods are complementary exercise methods that fall under one umbrella- the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®. Both methods were developed by Juliu Horvath, an ethnic Hungarian, professional dancer from Romania. Horvath suffered a series of debilitating injuries during his dance career, and began developing what are now known as the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Methods as a way to heal himself and regain his strength and agility.
GYROTONIC® exercises are performed on custom-designed GYROTONIC® equipment, whereas GYROKINESIS® exercises are performed on a mat and chair. Both GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® exercise sequences are composed of spiraling, circular movements, which flow together seamlessly in rhythmic repetitions, with corresponding breath. Each movement flows into the next, allowing the joints to move through a natural range of motion without jarring or compression. These carefully crafted sequences create balance, efficiency, strength and flexibility.
Since the thirty plus years since Horvath began developing the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods, the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® has grown to include a global community of over 7,800 GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Trainers teaching in 52 countries.
Karen also offers group and private GYROTONIC®, GYROKINESIS® sessions.
We will be updating the schedule regularly so please check back for more offerings.
The current online schedule is below.
Wednesdays 3-4PM PST
Thursdays 9:30-10:30AM PST