Frog 2 from the Hamstring Series on the Pulley Tower targets one of the most neglected muscle groups in conventional training: the adductors. For many people, inner thigh weakness is a hidden problem — you don’t notice it until you need stability in a rotated position or you’re moving in multiple directions. This exercise addresses that gap by building real adductor strength through variable positioning and coordinated breathing.
One of the things that makes GYROTONIC® training a nearly limitless exercise system are the creative variations. With few exceptions, every upper body exercise on the Pulley Tower is first done seated. The side seated side bend is a staple of the Handle Series. Now get up on your feet and add a sumo squat!
In almost every session I teach, I have my clients on their feet for at least one exercise. Most Activities of Daily Living are done when you’re on your feet so your training should prepare you for real life. Stepping, being one of the 7 Primal Movements, is an essential activity to train. A big upper body stretch while stepping really challenges balance and proprioception (awareness of the position and movement of the body).
GYROTONIC® training is unique in many ways. One of the most unique, and IMHO best, differences about Gyrotonic training is the focus on all the ranges of motion of almost all the joints of the body. The muscles of the hips joints are strengthened in some way in every exercise system, but a focus on the rotational movement of the hips joints, with resistance, is truly unique.
While the movement is small, it’s effective. You’re isolating the muscles of rotation. In the video, I’m using the Pulley Tower to strengthen the internal rotators of the right hip joint and the external rotators of the left hip joint. Then I’d switch sides of the bench and do the completing pair of exercises.