CALLANETICS CHALLENGE APRIL 2008

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by Snuckles

For me, I either skip the before neck exercises or do them after I finish the abs segment.

Please try not to skip the neck exercises. It is so important to do them before you do the ab workout - especially if you have tight neck muscles.

The ab workout tones the neck also and you will find that after a while and once your abs strengthen you will no longer feel it in the neck and you can relax more.

Try this though and see if it helps: Once you've rounded in place your hands behind your head and neck, keeping your elbows out to the side. Allow your heavy head to sink in to your hands - you'll feel this working the abs deeper. But try to stay as rounded in as you can.

You can also place a firm cushion or pillow under your mid back to help.

Sandrax

[ThyckeCutie]

Completed 1hr of Evolution

What am I doing wrong if I feel it in my upper thighs socket/ side of my private area when doing the 1st stomach exercise? or does my lower abs lie beneath? Does this happen to anyone else. This is tough.

Newbody, if you feel that way just do it w/o the weights. there are 2 people not using weights. they are an OPTION, YOU DONT NEED TO USE THEM. CHILL OUT! Its still a good workout w/o the weights. Otherwise stick to Super C if you are against it

[lildragonfly]

Thycke I dont think you are doing anything wrong. Are you engaging your PF?

[CurlyKasia]

Twyla, thanks a lot for posting the arm exercises!

[ThyckeCutie]

Originally Posted by lildragonfly

Thycke I dont think you are doing anything wrong. Are you engaging your PF?

Yes I am and sometimes I think Im holding it so tight that its about to break. I think its getting stronger to be honest. And im learning to engage it more and more by practicing while Im not doing Callan. Where do you feel it at lildragonfly?

[lildragonfly]

I feel it in my lower abs and my upper thigh by pelvic bone

[ThyckeCutie]

Ok great. Maybe I am doing it right and my lower abs are weaker then I thought

[Sandrahanna]

[quote=newbody;10176711]Hey there, thx for posting the alternative, but keep in mind that this 'modern' weight training and abs exercises actually defeat the purpose. The attractiveness of a female body is in the waist to hip ratio. This ratio is defeated with abs exercises as it will create strong side muscles and remove this ideal figure. Callanetics and gymnastics are the two that work on great waist. Pilates and running, most weight training, and 99.99% of all market abs exercises are catering to men and their testoteron driven ability to get great abs. Good for them, it is easier for them, but if you are doing Callanetics to look good, keep to creating a small waist and shapely hips. That is the key.

I am doing p90x and learned this the hard way. I used to have 15" difference between my waist and hips, now is it 10. In addition, starting Callanetics pushed all the goosh in the waist area so now I am really unhappy getting this feared rectangular shape. I am now going to focus on SuperC only and drop p90x for a month or so and see.


Hi,

I'm confused as to this 'modern way' of exercising you are referring to. Evolution is pure Callanetics and a CallaneticsEvolution body shape is lean, strong and shapely.

There is no weight training involved in he program. We have very small round hand weights 0.5kg and 1kg are the weights my advance students use if extra upper body shaping is required. It is presented as a choice only on the DVD not as a requirement.

The waist exercise in Evolution is phenomenal at creating a smaller waist. The advanced position has the demonstrater in a wider format with legs bent deeply which isolates the obliques even more to create an even smaller waist.

My students loved this new way of sculpting the waist from get go and even though I mix up my exercises I don't often stray from this one - they won't let me

Sandrax

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by newbody

Again, Callan warned against the use of weights and on Amazon there are countless of reports of injuries with weights. What is confusing is that this program is using Callan's name for it suggesting connection and building on it and yet, the very principle is violated. Does anybody know how to contact Callan and get her opinion??

Hi again,

Callan was referring to weights around ankles not hand weights. Light hand weights have been used in Callanetics Studios for ever.

Callan is and always will be an integral part of every Callanetics DVD that is produced.

It's a shame that you can't borrow an Evolution from someone so that you can experience it yourself.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by newbody

Ok, let me get something clear. I do not know Callan nor do I presume what is in her head, but...from her demeanor and one entire page in her 10/10 book she warned about the use of weights. In addition, 'a teacher' made a very interesting and inappropriate comment which made me run in the opposite direction, but I am curious now. I highly doubt that Callan endorsed it but I will find out in a day or two and let you know. In the interim, I advise everyone not to use weights.

Callan as a person is so precise, all her exercises and sections in the book were so detailed and she kept stressing time after time not to do weights. Obviously a tons of people on Amazon reviewing it gave lots of reports of in fact injuries that resulted from this exercises. Also DVD is rated low and many suggest going back to original Callan.

Someone said that Sandra is one of Evolution teachers so she obviously has self-interest. I am now even concerned with her advise as she thinks 'how can anybody injure themselves with the weights'.

I also had my own Callan studio, and not a single person was injured with the original program. Please beware of advise on this board and stick to original Callanetics.

I'm still not sure why you are so aggressive about this program. However, you are entitled to your own opinion.

If you saw how small these weights are you may understand my comment. I seriously didn't mean it in a flippant manner. Callanetics is all about safety - that is why we demonstrated different positions for different levels.

All Callan's principles are upheld throughout every exercise. I am a Callanetics devotee from the 80's and wouldn't do it any other way.

My aim on this site is to help where I can and no more.

[CallanFan]

sandra,

i'm having some trouble figuring out the direction of the classic callanetics pulse in the evolution hip & behind exercises. in the first one (knee bent), i could swear you say "up & down" (which i interpret as meaning from floor to ceiling) but it looks like judy is moving back and forth, as in 10 in 10. i am certain the straight leg variation is up & down, but in what direction is the pulse for the bent leg?

[CallanFan]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

My aim on this site is to help where I can and no more.

you have helped many people here immensely with your clarifications and suggestions, and i for one sincerely appreciate it!

[SummerSue]

Sandrahanna:

Please try not to skip the neck exercises. It is so important to do them before you do the ab workout - especially if you have tight neck muscles.

The ab workout tones the neck also and you will find that after a while and once your abs strengthen you will no longer feel it in the neck and you can relax more.

Try this though and see if it helps: Once you've rounded in place your hands behind your head and neck, keeping your elbows out to the side. Allow your heavy head to sink in to your hands - you'll feel this working the abs deeper. But try to stay as rounded in as you can.

You can also place a firm cushion or pillow under your mid back to help.

Thank you again for this advice. I seem to engage the front muscles of my neck when I try to curl or hold position in ab exercises. I'll try the cushion next.

And may I say that I greatly appreciate you taking your time to assist us all.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by CallanFan

you have helped many people here immensely with your clarifications and suggestions, and i for one sincerely appreciate it!

Thanks heaps for that.

[siamesegirl]

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Sandra, Agnes and Twyla, Ben.
You have been an asset to this board, Sandra i have never once thought that you were here to sell Callanetics DVD's. You have been very, very supportive and i'm sorry you got attacked by someone who may have been misinformed. We are all here to support and learn from one another about Callanetics.
My hat goes off to you all.

[Sandrahanna]

To all LCF

I want everyone to know that I'm not on this site to promote Evolution. I love Callanetics. I've always been and I still am a huge fan of Callan's original program. I teach these exercises in my studio every day.

It was pointed out that I made a statement regarding using weights. And, after going back and reading what I wrote I have to concede that it was a ridiculous statement. I was caught up in Ben's funny description and the visual and responded hastily and definitely unprofessionally. I apologise for this.

Of course, as newbody stated, it is always possible to injure oneself using weights - even small, light handweights. This is why, in the DVD, only the advanced position shows weights being used and in my studio only the advanced students use them.

Like newbody, I have never had a student injure themselves in my studio practising both traditional Callanetics and Evolution.

Actually, we don't define the exercises this way in a studio we just call them Callanetics
Exercises which is what they are.

My purpose on this site is to help everyone get as much out of their workouts as possible.

Have a great weekend all and happy pulsing.

Sandra x

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Sanda, hope you're feeling the outpouring of gratitude as it's very clearly intended...sincerely, and straight from our hearts....for all that you do for our challenge.

Thanks so much for clarifying the standing leg question I posted earlier. Makes perfect sense. I've been engaging the PF in those during Super, with more focus on THAT than on leaning my torso. I like that.

Also, I am following your lead and incorporating Callan/Evolution pulses throughout the day, both at the office, or standing in the kitchen cooking....this is a great way to stay on top of form and maximize the effects.

[lildragonfly]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Sanda, hope you're feeling the outpouring of gratitude as it's very clearly intended...sincerely, and straight from our hearts....for all that you do for our challenge.

Yes I second this, we appreciate you very much!!

[FitNFree40]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

To all LCF

I want everyone to know that I'm not on this site to promote Evolution. I love Callanetics. I've always been and I still am a huge fan of Callan's original program. I teach these exercises in my studio every day.

It was pointed out that I made a statement regarding using weights. And, after going back and reading what I wrote I have to concede that it was a ridiculous statement. I was caught up in Ben's funny description and the visual and responded hastily and definitely unprofessionally. I apologise for this.

Of course, as newbody stated, it is always possible to injure oneself using weights - even small, light handweights. This is why, in the DVD, only the advanced position shows weights being used and in my studio only the advanced students use them.

Like newbody, I have never had a student injure themselves in my studio practising both traditional Callanetics and Evolution.

Actually, we don't define the exercises this way in a studio we just call them Callanetics
Exercises which is what they are.

My purpose on this site is to help everyone get as much out of their workouts as possible.

Have a great weekend all and happy pulsing.

Sandra x

You have been SOOOOOO helpful to all of us. I personally haven't asked any questions but I have gained so much from reading your answers to others. Someone who hangs out at places like this to sell something, doesn't do what you have done. You've taken the time to respond with well thought out posts full of great advice. You genuinely care and that is evident!

[ThyckeCutie]

Originally Posted by lildragonfly

Yes I second this, we appreciate you very much!!

Tritto!!!

[missmattie]

Sandra,

I just want to add what others have said too. Please, please don't take what one disgruntled person says to be the feeling we all have. The rest of us really, really appreciate you and all the advice you have given us. Those of us that actually HAVE CallaneticsEvoultion understand exactly what you mean about the hand weights and have NEVER once thought you were here to do anything but help us. I got the Evolution DVD for Christmas, way before I had ever even heard about this board and your explanations have helped me tremendously because there were parts of it that I was unsure of and I'm working my body so much better now. I really feel like we are a big, worldwide family here and you are an integral part of that now. I think I can honestly say that we love you and appreciate you so very much.

Kathy

[metqa]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Please try not to skip the neck exercises. It is so important to do them before you do the ab workout - especially if you have tight neck muscles.

The ab workout tones the neck also and you will find that after a while and once your abs strengthen you will no longer feel it in the neck and you can relax more.

Try this though and see if it helps: Once you've rounded in place your hands behind your head and neck, keeping your elbows out to the side. Allow your heavy head to sink in to your hands - you'll feel this working the abs deeper. But try to stay as rounded in as you can.

You can also place a firm cushion or pillow under your mid back to help.

Sandrax

Congratulations Harley Girl!

Thanks for the re-post about the knees, Twyla.

Thanks for this comment Sandra, My neck has always been a sore spot (no pun intended) for me with any lifting or holding exercises. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do the program as is because of it, but I do think I feel my neck NOT hurting as much as before. That is a big improvement. the Video said if there is still pain after the 4th hour to see a doctor, in my case there is still pain but less. I can get almost to 50 counts before I have to yield.

I really hope my neck gets stronger, as i seem to pull it every couple of months just from normal looking around

[missmattie]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Hi Kathy,

Your pelvic floor seems like it is getting stronger if you are feeling this. The PF muscles are directly attached to the inner thighs and lower abs. So, when you engage it automatically stretches the inner thighs and the thighs turn outwards (creating an outward rotation of the leg).

So you start to be more aware of this the stronger you become. Don't worry about it - it's the body doing what it does naturally. Just don't contract into this rotation. Meaning once you engage your PF and you before you start to pulse relax every other muscle in the body. Use deep breathing to help you relax. I know this is challenging but achievable and the results you get from working with a relaxed body is sensational

The muscles start to vibrate as they approach fatigue. Deep breathing helps as do breathers. However, if it takes away the ab work try bending your legs slightly.

Good luck
Sandrax

Sandra,
Thanks for making me feel better. I thought I was doing something wrong and now I find out that my PF is actually getting stronger. The ab exercises are the hardest part for me (probably because I need them the most ) and it was on the 3rd ab exercise that my legs started to vibrate so I'm sure you are right about the fatigue.
Thanks once again for you great advice.
Kathy