What is GST™?
GST™ is a dynamic exercise system that radically transforms the body’s shape, size, and functionality.
What does GST™ stand for?
Grace Somatomorphic Technique
Grace Somato-what?
Somatomorphic means body transformation: soma means body, morph means to change or transform.
What is GST™ similar to?
GST™ is like a hybrid of Pilates,Yoga and Capoeria.
So, what makes GST™ different?
GST™ shares a common lineage with Pilates, but radically departs from its older cousin in style, philosophy and methodology. Pilates, yoga and weight training, for that matter, primarily focus on holding the body in specifically aligned positions to execute movement. GST™ emphasizes moving the body through many positions using oppositional force and proper muscle actions. GST™ teaches practitioners 5 body techniques that constitute the fundamentals of permanent, radical body transformation. Taught on original, spring-loaded equipment, the GST™ Movement System uses these 5 movement building blocks in original, innovative choreography that gives participants an unparalleled experience of athleticism and artistry.
So, is it, like, for dancers?
GST™ is for absolutely everyone who wants to fix body issues and injuries once and for all. Everyone can move and look beautiful doing it!
Well, why GST™ and not something else?
GST™ is the only exercise system that distinguishes between the systems of the body in movement: Spinal, Respiratory, Muscular, Skeletal and Fascial. GST™ identifies a specific technique for each system according to the role it plays in executing physical actions. GST™ is the only exercise system that focuses on identifying and manipulating fascia’s role in creating and reinforcing body types, movement patterns, and chronic injuries.
Will GST™ make me lose weight?
GST™’s primary function is to transform the body’s shape and proportions. While GST™ does tone and exercise the body, it is not intended as a weight loss or management system. That being said, people who practice GST™ regularly report changes in their appetite, decreased cravings, improved digestion, more efficient metabolisms and overall increased sensitivity to what their bodies want, need and like.
For people who want to tackle weight issues aggressively or to simply get a handle on their nutritional health, GST™ has a dietary component called the Signature Diet™. Specific to individual body types, the diet program educates people about healthy eating, is useful for detoxification and weight concerns, and helps people develop lifelong eating habits that encourage weight loss and body-weight consistency. Used in conjunction with the three main components of GST, the Signature Diet can radically affect body weight.
How often should I do GST™?
We approach GST™ like piano lessons. You go to piano to learn from your teacher, but then you practice piano every day on your own. In the beginning, it is most beneficial to take 2-3 lessons a week in order to learn your actions. You can also begin taking GST™ classes immediately to practice those actions. Eventually, the greatest transformation occurs as you practice the 5 Body Technique actions anywhere and everywhere throughout your day.
When will I see results?
Some people show rapid results in a few weeks, but this also depends on how much your body really needs to change. Generally speaking, you should see changes in 1-2 months. To get an idea of how quickly you might see results, there are four factors to consider. 1) How you are inherently put together 2) Your current body shape 3) How quickly you are able learn and master the 5 actions and 4) How often you perform these actions.
I like my workout! So, why should I do GST™?
GST™ is first and foremost a body technique. It teaches you specific body actions that can be applied to any type of movement to get the body you want. If you learn the techniques and apply them to your current workout, you can transform the shape of your body. Having said this, some people have trouble transferring the technique into a workout without assistance. In addition, because movement is an essential ingredient for body transformation, many exercise styles simply don’t provide enough diversity of movement to apply the 5 Body Techniques consistently and accurately. GST™ is a complete transformational system where the 5 GST™ Body Techniques are designed to work with the GST™ Movement System to maximize understanding, execution, and transformation.
Is GST™ “cardio”?
In short, GST™ is more cardioesque than Yoga and Pilates. You will sweat and feel liked you “worked out” with out the exhaustion/monotony that characterizes many popular exercise classes and workouts. GST™ classes keep you moving through exercises that tone and stretch the body through a wide range of motion that forces your muscles expend more energy for a longer period of time. Cardiovascular workouts are designed to balance three factors for maximum effectiveness: frequency, intensity and duration. The simple answer to the cardio question is: the better you know GST™ and your body, the more you can make your workout “cardio.”
How Does GST™ address body injuries?
GST™ is ideal for rehabilitation because of it emphasis treating the whole body in relationship to the injury instead of rehabbing just the injured part. It not only teaches the body new ways of moving to restore organic function, but it also correct old compensatory patterns that resulted from the injury, preventing re-injury in turn.
Will GST™ help my back pain?
Yes! GST™ exercises use traction to stretch and decompress the body, which changes the structural misalignments that create tension and back pain. If you have back pain, we encourage you to take a few private lessons to get some pain relief before you join classes. Most back pain is significantly improved (and sometimes completely eased) within one or two lessons. GST™ Bodywork is also incredibly effective for ending back pain and improving overall movement.
Can I do GST™ on my own at home?
Once you learn the 5 Body Technique actions and some simple exercises from the Movement System, you can and should do this at home. In GST™ your body is your exercise equipment! GST™ also has beautiful, unobtrusive equipment that can be installed in your home or even used “on the go.” Visit the online shop to view equipment and place orders.
Where can I find more information about GST™?
GST™ is currently working a book with simple exercise suggestions due out in early 2009. Until then, look for GST classes in your area or participate in online tutorials (coming soon!!).
