CALLANETICS CHALLENGE APRIL 2008

[ConnieB]

Hi everyone. Welcome to all the newbies.
Just checking in and a couple of questions.
I've completed 11 hours of 10/10 and am able to fit into a pair of jeans I haven't been able to get into for months. Yeah!!!!!
However, the thing I really dislike most about my body right now is that "back fat". What are the best excercises to target that?
And also, when doing the stretches for the legs, everyone in the tape can spread their legs what looks like almost 180 degrees, mine go maybe 90 degrees. When going over to the side, should I be going towards my legs or towards the floor on the outside of my leg since my legs are still relatively close together. I hope I am making sense.

Thanks
Connie

[ConnieB]

Hi Lisa

You were right about the Cardio Callanetics with the Fibro. I've been able to complete almost half and hour, but it is going to be something to work into slowly.

But I love what Callanetics is doing for me overall. If I miss more than two days in a row of Callan, my fibro really lets me know it!!

Connie

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by annacham

Hi
I have just done my 1st hour of evolution. I really enjoyed it. I liked the different yet similar exercises to 10 in 10. Some I found easier and some harder.

Sandra Hanna,
The hip and behind exercises I really didn't feel in my hip and behind,more the back of my leg and thigh, do you need to roll the leg forward like you do in 10?
Also, I loved the wave ab exercise, I really felt it in my stomach, yet was able to do all the reps, just using my stomach muscles, normally the rest of my body tires before my stomach. (even though i have weak abs). I loved using the cushion in the back for the stomach lying down exercise and i wondered if it would be ok to use that in the 10 in 10 stomach exercises as it really isolated my abs using that?

I hope this makes sense, thanks for everything,
anna

Hi,

Great that you felt the muscles in that area. When you do this exercise keep your focus on feeling the muscles working more at the base of the behind and back of leg and outer thigh.

You are in a more stretched out position then 10/10 so it will encourage the hips to smooth out and pull in. You don't roll the hip forward but make sure that when you lift the knee your hip remains stable and doesn't rise up with knee. As you become stronger you will feel as though your PF is lifting the knee.

TIPS

Keep the PF engaged as deep as you can and focus on stretching out through the spine/crown and through the knee or heel.

Keep your hip and waist relaxed - completely relaxed.

Keep your knee back level with hip or even a little behind. I always like to move the knee back an inch after lifting and before I start to pulse.

If you want to smooth out your hips and encourage 'pull in' this exercise is great for this so, as you train engage deeper and feel the energy flowing from the PF through to the counterpulls. Eventually you will start to feel a gentle stretching of hip and upper behind. I love this feeling

Check that you don't collapse on the supporting side; keep your shoulder over the elbow not dropping forward or back.

When working out in each and every exercise always remember that the more stretched out you are from the PF (through counterpulls) the more stretched and taut the muscles are and the deeper you will be working so the quicker you will feel and see the results.

I really recommend watching the Concepts chapter a least once a week until they become automatic. It really is worth the effort. Make a nice cup of tea (you can tell I'm a Pom ) and relax and watch and listen. Each time you do this you'll learn something new and when you apply it to the workout you'll progress faster.


Absolutely, use the pillow for your 10/10 workout; also, apply all the concepts to 10/10 it will feel different and challenging.

One point though about the pillow; the ab exercises also strengthen the supporting neck muscles, keep the skin tight and stretch the back so if you don't have neck injuries I wouldn't recommend always using it. A good exercise program wants to wholistic; strengthening the entire body and that's why I would never recommend focusing on only strenthening/toning/sculpting one part of the body.

Apologies about the lengthy reply but I do get carried way when on this subject of Callanetics.

Sandrax

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by ConnieB

Hi Lisa

You were right about the Cardio Callanetics with the Fibro. I've been able to complete almost half and hour, but it is going to be something to work into slowly.

But I love what Callanetics is doing for me overall. If I miss more than two days in a row of Callan, my fibro really lets me know it!!

Connie

I agree totally Connie. My weeble definitely wobbles. Have you tried Evolution yet? That seems to be a better option than the Cardio for me right now.

[siamesegirl]

Originally Posted by lisabinil

I thought you were too shapely for those measurements. Amazing job though you are really firming up nicely and your hard work is paying off. I can only dream & wish to someday be where you are!

Thanks, but i feel really,really embrassed that i mismeasured. I guess my brain was asleep when i did that! Sorry guys!

[ConnieB]

Lisa

No, I don't have Evolution. Although I've thought about ordering it. Since you find it easier with the Fibro I may have to think about it more seriously, because even as much as I love 10/10, I like to mix things up sometimes, so I need another alternative.

Connie

[ConnieB]

Lisa,

I just noticed you are in the Chicago area. Did you get to "rock and roll" with last Friday's earthquake? I'm about 60 miles from Evansville, IN and it woke DH and I up.

Connie

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by siamesegirl

Thanks, but i feel really,really embrassed that i mismeasured. I guess my brain was asleep when i did that! Sorry guys!

Don't be-you are a Callanetics success story! You inspire others.

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by ConnieB

Lisa,

I just noticed you are in the Chicago area. Did you get to "rock and roll" with last Friday's earthquake? I'm about 60 miles from Evansville, IN and it woke DH and I up.

Connie

I really like Evolution and it is doable with the Fibro-it would be a good changeup for you. Nope didnt feel a thing and I was up at that time.

[whalefrozentoes]

Yeah Noreen, don't be embarassed, you totally inspire others!!!!!!!


Forgot to mention, yesterday I was told by a friend I look really good, and today another friend asked if I've lost weight. I'm feeling alright, finally back to my fitness routines.

Today I went for a pretty good bike ride, out for about an hour, and did a 10 min intense race through the city streets. I met a friend at a juice bar, then we decided to hit another new one that just opened up a few miles away.... he was driving, so I said we'll race. He didn't think I'd beat him, but not only did I win, I waited for about 8min for him!!! (had to run a couple yellow lights... but 'tis ok)

Today when I did SuperC, I think I engaged the PF.... I dunno. Something felt a bit different. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. I love how quickly Callanetics works... I can't wait until I hit 20hrs!!!

[ConnieB]

Lisa

Thanks for the advice on Evolution, I might just have to order it.

Noreen, your success is inspiring with the 35 inch waist!

Good night all

Connie B

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by siamesegirl

Thanks, but i feel really,really embrassed that i mismeasured. I guess my brain was asleep when i did that! Sorry guys!

Hi,

This is why I don't measure my students, it's so easy to make a mistake I found. So, I take pics and then I tell them to keep a record of their measurements if they like. However, most don't bother as how their clothes feel tells it all.

You've had a great inch loss Noreen, it shows what discipline and desire can do.

Sandrax

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by lisabinil

Don't be-you are a Callanetics success story! You inspire others.

Ditto

[missmattie]

Noreen,
I agree that you don't need to be embarrassed at all. You are a true inspiration and I have learned so much from you. Your posts are one of the main reasons I joined LCF! I think you look great.
Kathy

[metqa]

I've been really out of it and just finished reading 10 pages of Call Challenge.

I did another hour but didn't post, but changed my sig. I did part of 10/10 while at work and need to do the second half to call it an hour.

Other day, I rushed to find something for an interview. I've been wearing the same jeans for almost half a year since I stopped fitting my slacks. Well I grabbed a pair of work slacks and pulled them on and rushed out the door not thinking about it till I got in the car and realized I wasn't cut in half. I actually got them on and buttoned without fanfare. I guess it must be Callanetics cause I'm doing everything else wrong. I took photos for myself, but I don't see difference, so I guess I will try on old clothes to check progress.

Also Thank you Watch-Me Shrink for that explanation about the clicking knees that you answered for Whalefrozentoes. That is a much better explanation for what seems to be bothering me with Callanetics. I will also make a point to drink more water before doing this. I gave my best MSM vitamins to BF. I wonder if he'll share?

Thanks everybody, your posts, about everything, are so informative.

[TripleCharm]

Originally Posted by cherlouisiana

TripleCharm, are you seeing much change at 6 hours?

cherlouisiana, I am seeing some change already: my pants that were much too tight when I bought them (in hopes of fitting into them soon) are now fitting perfectly, and my bum seems to head north. My stomach appears a lot flatter, too. I am not measuring again until I complete at least 10 hours, and I'll take pictures then too to see if you all can see the difference.

[scrappychik]

Originally Posted by siamesegirl

Thanks, but i feel really,really embrassed that i mismeasured. I guess my brain was asleep when i did that! Sorry guys!

AWWW,don't be! I am a totally visual person and your pics say way more than the numbers posted. You look amazing!!! Thank you for sharing and inspiring us newbies

[Lynelle]

Did my 10th hour of 10/10. I'm definitely seeing results, but it's not as dramatic as I have hoped. I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong. I'm still struggling with form on the behind exercises, especially the one with the leg bend.

Edited to add: Welcome to newbies and Noreen, you look great!

[onaisland]

Originally Posted by siamesegirl

Thanks, but i feel really,really embrassed that i mismeasured. I guess my brain was asleep when i did that! Sorry guys!

Ditto what everyone else said--you kept this challenge going. Actually, I'm relieved your hips aren't a 27--you'd look like a little boy

[annacham]

Sandra,

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definately watch the concepts chapter some more. Thankyou for explaining about the hip & behind exercises, that makes sense now. I had to laugh when you said about try not to collapse on the supporting arm as i started out in the correct form but WITHOUT REALISING IT by the end of the reps i was slumped over , I'll have to watch for that.

Thanks too for the advice about the pillow. It would be good to use it in the last two sets or so of ab exercises as the rest of me is starting to tire, but i will gradually use it less and less as I get stronger.

Thank you for all your advice and help, it's very much appreciated
anna

[annacham]

Noreen You look wonderful and are a great inspiration with your regular posts and enthusiasm

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by annacham

Sandra,

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definately watch the concepts chapter some more. Thankyou for explaining about the hip & behind exercises, that makes sense now. I had to laugh when you said about try not to collapse on the supporting arm as i started out in the correct form but WITHOUT REALISING IT by the end of the reps i was slumped over , I'll have to watch for that.

Thanks too for the advice about the pillow. It would be good to use it in the last two sets or so of ab exercises as the rest of me is starting to tire, but i will gradually use it less and less as I get stronger.

Thank you for all your advice and help, it's very much appreciated
anna

Even advanced students, and teachers, find themselves slipping out of their 'peak' position. You'll start to recognise when you have collapsed as you won't feel the exercise or pulses work as deeply.

I can't stress enough the importance of the counterpulls; as tedious and repetitive as it may sound on the DVD it's there as a constant reminder because it is so important.

Maintaining a stretch out of the pelvic floor through the spine/crown (counterpulls) when you are training muscles in the butt, legs etc means that you will feel more stretch in the butt/legs so your pulse will penetrate deeper to change the shape of the muscle. The desired change being a more lengthened muscle for that long, lean, look.

The muscles must be stretched out to their maximal length before you pulse. As you become stronger and more flexible 'your maximal length' will change.

You know, don't worry about this when you first start the program but after a few sessions and when you are more comfortable with the exercises begin focusing on your form. You will probably find that you will not be able to do as many reps in perfect/peak position but you will probably feel everything so much deeper and the results will accelerate from this.

Callanetics exercises are not mindless hence Callan's phrase "meditation in motion". The more you involve your mind in the process the more you'll get out of it.

Initially it may be frustrating as you try to incorporate all the concepts but it all comes together beautifully eventually and you come to a stage when you realise that you are following a pattern with each exercise. There is a structure that becomes easy and effortless with time and practise:

1. You engage the pelvic floor to stabilise and protect the body as you move into the position.

2. You stretch out of the pelvic floor to create length, stretch and tautness through the muscles

3. You move in to the position to isolate the muscle group you are training

4. You take a deep breath and on the exhale you relax in to the position

5. You start the pulsing action to tone and shape the muscle

6. You keep your pelvic floor engaged as you move out of the position to stabilise and protect your body.

Doesn't matter what part of the body you are training this is the format.

Happy pulsing
Sandrax

[planetbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Even advanced students, and teachers, find themselves slipping out of their 'peak' position. You'll start to recognise when you have collapsed as you won't feel the exercise or pulses work as deeply.

I can't stress enough the importance of the counterpulls; as tedious and repetitive as it may sound on the DVD it's there as a constant reminder because it is so important.

Maintaining a stretch out of the pelvic floor through the spine/crown (counterpulls) when you are training muscles in the butt, legs etc means that you will feel more stretch in the butt/legs so your pulse will penetrate deeper to change the shape of the muscle. The desired change being a more lengthened muscle for that long, lean, look.

The muscles must be stretched out to their maximal length before you pulse. As you become stronger and more flexible 'your maximal length' will change.

You know, don't worry about this when you first start the program but after a few sessions and when you are more comfortable with the exercises begin focusing on your form. You will probably find that you will not be able to do as many reps in perfect/peak position but you will probably feel everything so much deeper and the results will accelerate from this.

Callanetics exercises are not mindless hence Callan's phrase "meditation in motion". The more you involve your mind in the process the more you'll get out of it.

Initially it may be frustrating as you try to incorporate all the concepts but it all comes together beautifully eventually and you come to a stage when you realise that you are following a pattern with each exercise. There is a structure that becomes easy and effortless with time and practise:

1. You engage the pelvic floor to stabilise and protect the body as you move into the position.

2. You stretch out of the pelvic floor to create length, stretch and tautness through the muscles

3. You move in to the position to isolate the muscle group you are training

4. You take a deep breath and on the exhale you relax in to the position

5. You start the pulsing action to tone and shape the muscle

6. You keep your pelvic floor engaged as you move out of the position to stabilise and protect your body.

Doesn't matter what part of the body you are training this is the format.

Happy pulsing
Sandrax

That is such a great checklist. It's like you've just explained the whole Callanetics theory in one go. Love it!

[lovenuts]

Noreen

You look fabulous. We can see all the hard work.