The Gyrotonic Method: how Hong Kong’s Grace Lau hopes dance-based exercise can enhance Olympic medal hopes
- The 30-year-old karate kata specialist incorporates the system into training regime, hoping it will enhance her flexibility and muscles
- Dawnna Wayburne, of Hong Kong’s Iso Fit, says the exercise – started by a Hungarian dancer – is becoming increasingly popular among elite athletes
Hong Kong medal hope Grace Lau Mo-sheung is taking all steps possible to prepare her body for her one and only shot at the Olympics by introducing the increasingly popular Gyrotonic Method into her training regime.
The Miami-based 30-year-old said she has started practising the system, created in the 1980s by Hungarian dancer Juliu Horvath, to enhance her flexibility for her karate kata discipline, which requires precise, measured and rapid movement during routines.
“I’m not just focusing on karate skill training and strengthening,” Lau told the Post. “I’m also practising the Gyrotonic Method to fix my body structure and enhance the ability of my muscles.
“It will be my only Olympics, and in spite of the Covid situation, I will enjoy it as much as I can. Besides, I will do my very best and hope that I can achieve a medal for the Hong Kong team, for Hong Kong karate, for my family, for my friends and for myself.”
The patented Gyrotonic Method is described as being ideal for “anyone wishing to gain strength, flexibility and coordination”. It is finding increasing favour with athletes, fitness enthusiasts and it is also used in medical rehabilitation centres.