CALLANETICS CHALLENGE APRIL 2008

[ThyckeCutie]

1hr 10 in 10 completed

[Danipower714]

1 hr of 10 in 10 completed

[SummerSue]

Secret Girl:

SummerSue- I love that quote you have from Callan! Where did you get it?

It's a quote from the Forever Fit book. It really resonated with me so I thought I'd add it to my sig so I can keep it in view!

[Cherryanne]

4th hour of 10 in 10 completed last night. I'm feeling a little frustrated because I'm not seeing a whole lot of progress but I do seem to be becoming more flexible. I had a really hard time with the hip/behind exercises though which was frustrating since I didn't have any issues with these the first time I did it. I could barely lift my left leg off the floor. And my neck is still really straining during the ab exercises. As much as I try to relax it I still end up having to take breaks more for my neck than my abs. Does anyone have any advice? I know this is a good program and I don't want to lose steam. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[annacham]

Cherryanne,
I have done 15 hours of 10 and still get a stiff and sore neck. From what i have read, here and elsewhere, the weaker your stomach muscles are the more your neck has to work. It does get better, I do about 50 of the stomach ones then put my hands behind my neck just to support the neck, be careful not to pull on the neck tho'. I have always had a weak neck anyhow (and get tension headaches in my neck alot) and i do feel it getting much stronger and not so sore the rest of the time, so I know this is working. Keep going it does get easier. Good luck. I haven't had amazing results yet either but I know they are coming!!!

[Lynelle]

1hr 10 in 10 completed

[SummerSue]

Cherryanne,

As much as I try to relax it I still end up having to take breaks more for my neck than my abs.

I have to do the same thing - and I get frustrated because my abs aren't getting worked as well as they could be because of my weak neck!

But, annacham had some good ideas for modifying to push a few more ab pulses out - I do these too. This is one of those patience situations, I'm afraid. I'm just going ahead with faith that it will work, and enjoying the new way my body feels along the way!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Cherryanne

4th hour of 10 in 10 completed last night. I'm feeling a little frustrated because I'm not seeing a whole lot of progress but I do seem to be becoming more flexible. I had a really hard time with the hip/behind exercises though which was frustrating since I didn't have any issues with these the first time I did it. I could barely lift my left leg off the floor. And my neck is still really straining during the ab exercises. As much as I try to relax it I still end up having to take breaks more for my neck than my abs. Does anyone have any advice?

"CALLANETICSTEACHER/AGNES: If the stomach exercises are killing the neck, you can place your hands under your head holding the elbows outwords. Feeling that your neck gets knackered is normal to begin with. The more you can curl up, the less you will feel the neck pulling. However, RELAX your neck and shoulders at all times!"

Cherryanne, don't get discouraged on the leg/hip/behind form. When I first began, I strugged with the form on those more than anything else. Some days it felt right, other days --- all wrong! I just kept trying. Some days I wouldn't make it all the way through the reps because I was focusing more on perfecting form, than getting all the reps in purely by momentum -- which is a total waste of time. The form will come, and so will the reps. So if you can only knock out 60-70 reps, but you're focusing on form and FEELING it in the muscle being worked, you're doing everything right.

[MOMMYREBECCA]

I'm on my 3rd day and 3rd hour of 10 in 10. I really feel like my behind is lifting already. When I do the the hips exercise my leg starts to shake a little does that happen to anyone else?

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by MOMMYREBECCA

I'm on my 3rd day and 3rd hour of 10 in 10. I really feel like my behind is lifting already. When I do the the hips exercise my leg starts to shake a little does that happen to anyone else?

Only a little?

You're good. Hold on tight -- the magic carpet ride is just beginning!

[schrovet]

Yesterday I did my 7th hour. I am starting to be less sore but still feeling it.

I wanted to share a pic of my barre at home. My husband has a power tower apparatus that I used to rest my barbell on. One day I looked at it and decided it would make a great ballet barre.

I added another bar lower for the kneeling exercises.

Lisa

[ScrtGrl]

Good morning Callan friends!

Just wanted to check in. Definitely have been noticing some results this week. My behind has lifted a bit and my abs have pulled way in. Someone at work yesterday said I was looking really "skinny!" I'm not sure if that is exactly the case but I do think it looks like I've lost a little weight. I tried on my "dream jeans" though a few days ago and could barely get them over my thighs- let alone button them. So I still have a ways to go...

SummerSue- thank you for the response. I absolutely believe in that quote! For me personally, my extra weight has been the result of eating (and eating too much) for all the wrong reasons. Along with my Callan I have been doing a 12 week online course which deals with WHY I eat so much in the first place- ie emotional eating. It has been incredibly helpful and I have cut WAY down on my food intake. So that quote really resonated with me too. I have never heard anything on what Callan thinks about food/dieting/nutrition so that was interesting to me.

I'm afraid I don't know how to use the quote function but to the person with the neck problem- I get that too. However, over time it has gotten much, much better. I still need to take some breaks but from what I've heard eventually the abs get strong enough to where it isn't an issue.

KUTHGW everyone! Today I'm going to revisit the Concepts and read over the suggestions I printed out from Sandra's responses. Then it's off to Evolution! Looking forward to it!

Oh also, I wanted to mention to the people who were asking about when to go to SuperC. Last year I started doing it too early, I wasn't ready at all, and because it is so difficult I got burned out really fast and ended up not wanting to do Callan at all. I would second what Twyla says (and this is my plan this time around) to not move on to that level until 10/10 is a complete breeze. It can be very easy to become discouraged and I would much rather this time stick with 10/10 & Evolution for longer and delay the results of Super in order to maintain a routine I can really stick to.

Have a peachy day!!!

Secret

[ScrtGrl]

Lisa, that is so cool! I am so jealous! I wish I could have something like that, although in NYC I'm lucky just to be able to fit my bed in my room.

[WyomingDiva]

I was just browsing this thread and remembering when I used to do Callanetics regularly.

I think I will have to find and dust off my tape/dvd (have both) and give this a whirl again. I do remember how absolutely WELL it worked on pulling in my body and making me very strong.

Thanks, ladies!

[Cherryanne]

annacham-Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement. I definitely have weaker stomach muscles and I too have always had a weak neck. I'm glad to know that you've been able to get stronger. It gives me hope!

SummerSue-Thanks so much for your encouragement! I really appreciate it! It helps to know I'm not the only one having trouble with that area.

WATCH-ME-SHRINK-Thank you for the advice on the hip/behind exercises. You described exactly what I was experiencing. It really does feel right one time and wrong the next. I'm happy to know you got past this since your results are so amazing!

[missmattie]

Another hour of 10/10 done.

[siamesegirl]

Hi everyone,
Going to play catch up, Wed 1 hour of Super C & just now i finished up another 1 Super C workout.

[newbody]

[quote=Sandrahanna;10177193]

Originally Posted by newbody

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

Hi Sandra,

I didn't start Evolution, nor I will as I said per my previous concerns. I am a certified fitness trainer and have some idea of the natures of the exercises. Given that, I also do not want to create any injuries and want to help women create their feminine physique.

Callan in her original series 10/10 had amazing 'cast', women and men in all forms, ages and shapes. This is what makes this program last and all of us able to relate. (another similar program to Callanetics on the market is Yoga Booty Ballet - which I definately recommend and endorse and no, not paid for it). Callan in her program created feminine long, lean machines out of all of us. With Super C, there are problems, the main being Callan's physique now also getting compared to a blond participants of the series who was the first authorised Callan instructor/studio owner. Two of them look even today when thiness is in, very anorexic. It is hard to relate at all. Thankfully, the other women and men are very 'normal' and approachable and makes you forget that I've cringed seeing that sceletal image.

Similarly, to answer your question, I have checked the Evolution and your site and observed that all presented pictures and models are of 'rectangular shape' and video features the same body type.

Hourglass, the most coveted shape that every woman can easily have with proper exercises is dissapearing. It would be my personal and professional advice to stick only to original Callanetics.

[newbody]

Originally Posted by 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

Hi there, I am that 'disgruntled person' and it is my obligation as a trainer when I observe wrong advice to correct and point out. There are a few people here that are bullies and / or promote. I have stormed down on Sandra as she represented her self as instructor, who also uses every opportunity to point out her video. While I cannot blame her to self-promote herself, I certainly will react when advise given is not only out of line, but harmful.

The idea of this board is to create support not for a few to dominate and direct.

I was glad that Sandra took responsiblity and accountability for her incorrect statments and comments, and hopefully more education will continue on this board.

Sometimes forcefulness is needed as complacency can be costly as it was the case here.

[SummerSue]

Finished one hour of Evolution. Done with 2 noisy boys surrounding me - wasn't the most relaxing, but it's finished!

[3Diva]

1 hour 10 in 10 done.

(I can't believe I'm exercising at 10 o'clock at night.... Ack, I've joined a cult and I LIKE IT!!!!)

This Saturday (hour 8) had some overall improvements from Wednesday. Mainly I noticed that my legs were stronger during exercises #1 and #2 where I normally feel quite the burn and have to shake them out a few times between the reps. I only felt one "burn" the whole time. I was also a lot slower and more controlled during #2.

The big news was that I felt the stomach exercises in MY LOWER ABS! Yes, I *am* getting stronger every hour. This is so cool. I can't wait to see some tightening in the mushy blob below my navel!

My neck and back are really doing well, too, so hang in there those of you struggling with neck strength. It started improving for me around hour 5 and dramatically by hour 7. (I know, everyone is different...)

Anyway, must go sort some clothes before another day of chaos begins.

[3Diva]

Originally Posted by SummerSue

Finished one hour of Evolution. Done with 2 noisy boys surrounding me - wasn't the most relaxing, but it's finished!

That makes it at least 1.5 hours done then, the extra tension probably strengthened your pulses...

Congrats on your dedication. I am exercising after mine are asleep to avoid these problems!

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by Everal

Sandra, thank you for answering. Somehow I missed this response earlier, before I posted my previous posts.

However, I still have some questions:

What does it mean "works the abs deeply" and what is the concern with this? What does deep muscle work have to do with pregnancy? It is a matter of comfort? Or one of possible danger to the pregnancy?

I am not asking about a time in which I know that I'm not pregnant, but rather about the time period in which one is not sure yet. It is the folloiwng warning that has me concerned:

"Under no circumstance should any woman in the first trimester do these exercises." This appears at the beginning of the Quick Stomach dvd.

If this is just one of those "We have to say this" type of warnings, then I am fine with that. I am a sensible person. However, if there is more here than I relalize, if somehow doing this might cause some problem, then I very much would like to know.

I am not a newbie to the world of pregnancy and childbearing. I have 9 children already. I realize that many things in life have a warning about doing/talking/eating/drinking during pregnancy, and many are actually fine. However, this warning was so strong that it causes me to want to know better what it really means.

Thank you for your further input.

Hi

Apologies for the delayed response but I've been unable to get on the site for a few days.

When we train in Callanetics we relax all the muscles we are specifically targeting to enable all the available energy to go to the area ie abs, hip and behind etc.

So, when we are working the abs and working in a relaxed state this targets the deep abdominal muscles to create toned and flat abs. Also, it is mainly the strength of the abdominals that is enabling us to hold the position for a length of time - depending on how strong your muscles are.

There is a warning to prevent a 'possible' miscarriage. I have never heard of anyone having a miscarriage practising Callanetics and my students were certainly working their abs deeply and intensifying before knowing they were pregnant.

However, this doesn't mean it can't happen and, as a teacher, I would always highlight this warning. It really is your choice. I still recommend that you get your doctors advise if you are concerned and when doing the abdominals don't intensify the exercise workout.

I hope this helps and Wow 9 children? congratulations
Sandrax

[Sandrahanna]

[quote=mevluvmark;10199354]Sandra, i have been gone for about a week due to TOM and i can't believe that someone would have any negative thing to say about you. For you have help so many including myself. I deeply appreciate you for taking out of your busy schedule to help us. Never once did i think you had any other motive other than to help us reach our goal. Pleasseeeeeee continue to help us i pray. As for evolution, i love it as much as 10/10, for it work different muscles. You are a very good instructor and teacher my hat is off to you

Guess what, even though i had TOM (i have very bad ones at that) i was still able to do the 40 min. toning on cardiocallanetics a couple of times. I will start back at the 1 hrs program in the morning. I might have been knock down for a few days, but i'll never, never, never give my callan up