From the Land of Strange Exercises: Gyrotonics

Even if it hadn’t been invented by a Hungarian from Romania who was a political refugee and principal dancer for the Houston Ballet, and even if it didn’t require a bizarre arrangement of wood and cable and straps that looks like it was constructed by Gepetto’s sadistic apprentice, and even if it didn’t cost $70 an hour for instruction, Gyrotonics would be strange. Exactly how strange is the subject of a short report by the Moving Crew, who suggests that the discipline’s growing popularity is proof that it does what it’s supposed to do. What’s that? The crews tells us that it promises to build strength and flexibility, lengthen muscles and
connecting tissue, create healthy separation within joints and enhance
muscle control and body awareness. They also tell us to be prepared for some unique moves, like the action described here: "I lean far forward, elongating and arching my spine as I hold the
handles and sweep my arms in front of me like I’m stirring two large
pots on the back burners of a stove." Read more.