CALLANETICS CHALLENGE JUNE 2008

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by j4Christ

I'm in! So far 2 hrs. 10/10 done for June! Hope to get at least 12 hrs. in for June.

I had posted a couple of days ago about how I learned through the book that I shouldn't be doing the leg stretches (foot then arch on barre stretches) if I have a tendency toward siatica. I was wondering why my back was acting up. I was hoping someone would comment on this. Anyone else have this problem? It doesn't address it on the tape, just in the book. I have stopped doing those. Just hoping anyone might have any helpful hints. TIA!!

It's always a good idea to go easy on stretches if you suffer from sciatica. I always recommend students who have this tendency to take their hamstring stretches to about 80% of their full capacity, especially in the beginning when trying to increase flexibility.

I have this problem also, or I should say, HAD this problem as it hasn't been an issue for many years.

I'm not sure what DVD you are working with but 10/10 does show different levels of stretches as does Evolution.

So, keep your leg low for a period and gradually bring it up higher when you feel ready. Move slowly in to your stretches and let your body give you feedback.

The other thing; you said your back hurts! Sciatica pain generally runs down from the buttocks down the back of leg, although you can feel the pain radiate through the entire leg. However, check that you don't bend or round from your low back or waist. Bend always from your hips our natural hinge.

So, for the hamstring stretch with leg on barre - stretch up out of pelvic floor/pelvis then hinge from hips. YOur low back should be straight. Don't allow your ribcage to sink in. You may not be able to hinge too far forward but that's okay as long as you feel a stretch. Remember to keep everything gentle and move slowly.

Never force the body to do something it isn't ready to do.

Let me know how you go

Sandrax

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by planetbenjamin

Just done an hour of 10/10. I've got 4 days until I go on holiday and I'm feeling good!!

Woohoo Happy Holidays Ben

Sandrax

[Salamander]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Hi Sally,

Wow, I've never heard of this before. Have you lost a heap of weight very quickly?

The other thought that crossed my mind is it could be an alignment problem.
Does the upper part of your behind look flat and the overall look of your behind droopy?

Check when you stand normally that your aren't pushing/tilting your hips forward. This flattens the buttocks and creates a 'shaved off' look that develops as we age. The upper behind muscles weaken considerably if this is the case.

I would like to see a profile shot of your alignment if possible. Preferably in swimmers or undies. It would need to show your full profile from top of head down to feet. A front shot would be good too.

I will investigate further but if you can send pic to:

info@callanetics.net.au

Sandra,

Thank you for your concern! I need to get some updated pics anyway... I will send them asap!

I think that I'm probably too critical and it looks just fine. I have lost less than 10 lbs. I have a mild case of scoliosis so that might be another factor.

Thanks again!
Sally

[lildragonfly]

1 hr completed

[j4Christ]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

It's always a good idea to go easy on stretches if you suffer from sciatica. I always recommend students who have this tendency to take their hamstring stretches to about 80% of their full capacity, especially in the beginning when trying to increase flexibility.

I have this problem also, or I should say, HAD this problem as it hasn't been an issue for many years.

I'm not sure what DVD you are working with but 10/10 does show different levels of stretches as does Evolution.

So, keep your leg low for a period and gradually bring it up higher when you feel ready. Move slowly in to your stretches and let your body give you feedback.

The other thing; you said your back hurts! Sciatica pain generally runs down from the buttocks down the back of leg, although you can feel the pain radiate through the entire leg. However, check that you don't bend or round from your low back or waist. Bend always from your hips our natural hinge.

So, for the hamstring stretch with leg on barre - stretch up out of pelvic floor/pelvis then hinge from hips. YOur low back should be straight. Don't allow your ribcage to sink in. You may not be able to hinge too far forward but that's okay as long as you feel a stretch. Remember to keep everything gentle and move slowly.

Never force the body to do something it isn't ready to do.

Let me know how you go

Sandrax

Sandra, thanks so much for the info. You are wealth of info! I have a hard time knowing if my form if correct, but I will take your suggestions and work on them. I have always been VERY flexible so actually doing these stretching exercises is easy for me, but I know that doesn't mean it's good to do them at full capacity. I do have sciatica (the pain that runs from buttocks to leg) but I believe that I have also misused my lower back (mostly from gardening!!) so I must keep proper form in mind always. I find I am keeping the pelvic tilt in mind as I do daily activities so I hope this will eventually help my back/sciatica issues! Thanks again!

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by j4Christ

Sandra, thanks so much for the info. You are wealth of info! I have a hard time knowing if my form if correct, but I will take your suggestions and work on them. I have always been VERY flexible so actually doing these stretching exercises is easy for me, but I know that doesn't mean it's good to do them at full capacity. I do have sciatica (the pain that runs from buttocks to leg) but I believe that I have also misused my lower back (mostly from gardening!!) so I must keep proper form in mind always. I find I am keeping the pelvic tilt in mind as I do daily activities so I hope this will eventually help my back/sciatica issues! Thanks again!

Hi again,

Your problem seems more of an incorrect way of bending and moving then the stretching.

You don't need to tilt the pelvis in day to day life. You only do a tilt (we like to call it a curl these days) if an exercise requires it. If a student has a prominent sway back I sometimes get them to add curls at other times.

In day to day activities you want to aim to keep your low back in a neutral position and relaxed.

Engaging the pelvic floor will relax the lower back muscles and even more when you add the stretch up through the spine.

When working in the garden always engage the pelvic floor and stay lengthened out though the spine and bend using the bodies natural hinges:

Hips
Knees
Ankles

Check always that you don't round from the low back or waist. It's safer for the spine/back if you keep the spine straight and maintain a hinge as you come up to a standing position without curling/tilting.

When gardening avoid bending from the waist keeping the legs straight - bend your knees and hinge from hips. This way you won't feel impact in your low back.

I do hope this makes sense to you Let me know if I've confused you.

Sandrax

[ThyckeCutie]

I feel like Im getting bulky a little from Callan. Is this possible??? My body is looking better week by week. But still not getting smaller. But once again I see some great muscle. It has yet to eat the fat though....

[soulwings]

Another hour completed

[siamesegirl]

1 hour Super C down!

[missmattie]

1 session of AM/PM done today.

[jessiekayq]

Count me in! I found out about Callanetics just last Thursday and after reading about it I ordered callanetics evolution immediately and yay it arrived today two days early! I've been reading the past threads and you guys are inspiring! My goal is to do 10 hours this month! I cant wait to see my body change!

[Mimosa23]

Well, first hour of this month done, and boy did it feel good afterwards! If I have time, I may do it all over again this evening!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by ThyckeCutie

I feel like Im getting bulky a little from Callan. Is this possible??? My body is looking better week by week. But still not getting smaller. But once again I see some great muscle. It has yet to eat the fat though....

TC, Honestly, I am stumped about this....I mean, I've heared it said that with some people, they may gain a few pounds at first as they start to build a little muscle, and then there's the shifting of our composition, and that may explain a bit of the differences in measurement increases initially, but you've been doing this a while. My guess is, if there's bulking going on, could it be attributed to other forms of training you may be including in your daily routine?

When I first began C, all I was doing was Callanetics, cardio and upper body training. My thighs/hips shrunk in amazing ways....like NEVER BEFORE... (I know, this sounds like a broken record, 'cause I've said it millions of times in my Callan testimonies) and it was all because of the Callanetics. I'd been doing the cardio all along anyway, and my nutrition remained the same, maybe 5-10 more carbs added a few days a week. Otherwise, no other changs to my routine but Callan.

So by process of elimination, you have to ask yourself: How can I know what is causing my "bulking," if that's what you feel is happening?

I know you like to lift weights, and lifting weights -- LB -- DOES make me bulk personally. I put on muscle mass in the BLINK of an eye ... it's how I'm built, my genetic makeup.

Reassess what you're doing, and try to pinpoint and strategize what seems to be the culprit.

Just a thot....?

[elainek]

Count me in. 2hrs 10/10.

While doing 10/10 and incorporating PF and counter pulls do I still 'tip the pelvis up" and in the Hip and Behind exercise roll the hip forward, so knee is pointing to the ground (supposedly).

Must get started on 3rd hour!!

[bcitrish]

Okay got my first hour of the month in last night after being off for over a week and man am I sore. I will never wait that long again if I don't have to. Still I was so relaxed by the end I almost fell asleep.

[novamc]

Finished hour 2 of 12 for June. We leave on vacation tomorrow, I sure wish I had been doing Callen for the last two months instead of the last two weeks, that bikini wouldn't be as daunting.

I feel like I have that beginner shifting, my thighs are measuring 1 full inch larger, ugh! However, somehow they still look better. I have classic yucky thighs,calves, cankles that I though one day I would have liposmart to fix but after just 6 sessions my tree trunk legs are getting some curves and there is a space between my upper thighs. That baffles me, how can my thighs be larger yet now there is a space? I am not questioning the magic!!

[santasdaughter]

I did 10 in 10 last night. I am so thrilled with this routine that I got home late from work, had a meeting, got home at 9:15 and then started exercising cause I had to get my Callanetics fix. I honestly think I'm noticing a difference and it's only been 4 workouts. I am in the process of switching eating plans - lowcarb to WW. I feel great!
I'm going away for a long weekend - trying to memorize some of the exercises so that I can do them in the morning before the DH and DDs wake up.

[napbella]

Did 1 hr of 10 n 10 last night after getting rained out at the Nats/Cards game.
Nobody wants to keep me accountable?

[j4Christ]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Hi again,

Your problem seems more of an incorrect way of bending and moving then the stretching.

You don't need to tilt the pelvis in day to day life. You only do a tilt (we like to call it a curl these days) if an exercise requires it. If a student has a prominent sway back I sometimes get them to add curls at other times.

In day to day activities you want to aim to keep your low back in a neutral position and relaxed.

Engaging the pelvic floor will relax the lower back muscles and even more when you add the stretch up through the spine.

When working in the garden always engage the pelvic floor and stay lengthened out though the spine and bend using the bodies natural hinges:

Hips
Knees
Ankles

Check always that you don't round from the low back or waist. It's safer for the spine/back if you keep the spine straight and maintain a hinge as you come up to a standing position without curling/tilting.

When gardening avoid bending from the waist keeping the legs straight - bend your knees and hinge from hips. This way you won't feel impact in your low back.

I do hope this makes sense to you Let me know if I've confused you.

Sandrax

No confusion! However, what exactly is "engaging the pelvic floor"? I have been trying to curl a bit as I am standing. It seems to give my lower back some relief if I am having a "bad back day". Again, thanks for taking the time to help me with this!!!

[SummerSue]

One hour Evolution done.

8 weeks ago I challenged myself to get back on Atkins and start exercising regularly. I did, with both 10 in 10 and Evolution. My results:

OK, so here are my results after sticking (pretty closely) to induction and then actually doing induction, and doing Callanetics for about the last 8 weeks:

As of this morning (150.2) I have lost 11 lbs.

I have lose 8 1/2 inches overall - 2 1/2 off my waist, 1 1/2 off my abs, 1 off my hips and 1 1/4 off my top thigh (plus other areas).

My size has gone from a tight size 12 to a 10/12, depending on the clothing (bottom size). My "girls" have actually gone up 3/4 inch, which is OK with me.

My flexibility is amazingly changed for only 2 months of exercise.

So, I've got my life back in control, and can't wait to see what the next 8 weeks brings me, now that I know I can do it!

Thanks to all of you here on this thread - it was so inspiring and really kept me doing the exercise, which has made all the difference, mentally and physically.

[Mikko]

I usually do 10/10 but decided to do an hour of Cardio Callanetics instead. It was a challenge but I do feel a sense of accomplishment!! I think Cardio Callanetics works different muscles than 10/10 because my abs are a little sore today like it was the first few times I did 10/10.

[mrs lightyear]

HI everyone! I'm in again! I aim to do 10 hours of 10 callys in June graduating to SC in July.



Great to catch up. I have been trying to manage my time better, and its amazing how much you get done when youre not clicking F5 all day!!!!

Saturday I did pure barre
Sunday rest New moon ritual
Monday New moon ritual
Tuesday O callanetics.

I hope today to do quick call abs before mother and father get here

Have a great day!

[buckeyechic]

Originally Posted by napbella

Hey buckeyechic,

you sound like me--wanna be my accountability partner? We can just keep each other honest and motivated. I can't trust myself, I gotta have someone in my face about this.

YES! I did my 1st hour of Evolution on Monday and plan to do my second hour tonight. I'm soooo sore though! Felt much more sore yesterday, but I'm going to power through tonight and get it done. And it's been raining cats and dogs here (Ohio) since yesterday otherwise I'm hoping to get some running in. I'm also on weight watchers and managed to eat two days worth of points in last night's dinner. But that's ok, I got right back on the horse today!

So have you started Callan yet for the month?

[siamesegirl]

Originally Posted by j4Christ

No confusion! However, what exactly is "engaging the pelvic floor"? I have been trying to curl a bit as I am standing. It seems to give my lower back some relief if I am having a "bad back day". Again, thanks for taking the time to help me with this!!!

Hi there,
The following should help clear things up about engaging the pelvic floor:
From our Callanetics Guru Sandra Hanna
I want to be just like her!
QUESTION:
Is engaging the pelvic floor like holding muscles for instance if you were to hold your urine if you had to go to the bathroom really bad, then rolling up towards the navel? Do you also tighten the behind?

ANSWER posted by:
Sandrahanna
04/01/08

That's only part. There are 3 layers to the pelvic floor muscles and the layer that most of use to hold in urine is the outer layer. In Callanetics we engage from inner layer - which is right at the base of the behind and lies between the sit bones

So, as you exercise always keep the base of the behind tight, tight, tight. Try to think that you are squeezing the muscles between the sit bones to draw them (sit bones) closer together. Callan says in 10/10 to tighten the behind and would keep reiterating this. Basically, she was getting us to keep our PF activated.

If I have a student who is confused by this (remember we use these muscles subconciously) I tell them to think that they are holding in a bowel motion and urine at the same time.

When you do this try to keep the upper part of the behind and lower back relaxed. This becomes easier as your PF strengthens. Most important of all don't stress about it. Trust your natural body instincts...it does become easier.

As you work with the PF more your results accelerate and then look out world!!!!
Sx
________