Grace Somatomorphic Technique

Grace Somatomorphic Technique, commonly referred to as GST, is a movement system that is used primarily forphysical fitness, as well as for rehabilitation and prenatal exercise.

GST was created by fitness instructor, dancer and actress Anna Rahe, whom runs a studio in Hollywood, CA. There are also online instructional videos and an officially published DVD, Intro to GST, for those located outside of the Los Angeles area to experience and learn GST.

Kath Duncan wrote that GST provided the "best aspects of barre classes, Pilates, yoga, plyometrics, strength training, cardio, dance and stretching (aka the best of everything).^[1]" Writing in Harper's Bazaar, Wendy Schmid described the technique as having "delivered for my back, backside, and beyond.^[2]"

An integral compenent of the GST system is based on Leonardo da Vinci'sVitruvian Man. The Vitruvian Man is considered the ideal "body map" for efficient proportion and balance. Furthermore, the body is divided into 4 cortiles, which divide the core into 4 regions.

1. 1st Coretile: Starting at the top of the pubic region through hips towards floor. (Direction: the muscle current flows front to back and down)
2. 2nd Coretile: From navel to bottom of ribs.
3. 3rd Coretile: From the bottom of the shoulder girdle to the collar bone. (Direction: the muscle current flows back to front and up)
4. 4th Coretile: From the collar bone to brow line.

The 1st and 3rd Coretile are often most referred to, because they act as the governing core tiles and directly relate to how the limbs interact with the spine.