CALLANETICS CHALLENGE JUNE 2008

[MARIAN6532]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

What Kim said!

The thing about these monthly challenges, they're not just chatter and such. They're loaded with tips, instruction, pointers, encouragement regarding specific concerns, etc.

Take the time, everybody, to at least SKIM through the April and May challenge. I guarantee you will find answers to each of your questions, with assurances that you're on the right track and can expect great changes in your body with this workout.

Read, read, read. Knowledge is power....!

thanks ...i will keep it up...my body feels soooo strange...i just do not feel i am looking so great and am headed out to the beach this weekend ...yikes..its sooo hot in new york now...

i appreciate any comments and suggestions..
marian

[Sandrahanna]

Quoting Twyla

We get out of this workout what we put into it. We can just "go through the motions" and watch the time pass, or we can focus and concentrate, contract, engage, relax, lengthen -- and strive for the deepest engagement of our muscles..... AND IT DELIVERS!


Brilliantly said Twyla...love it When you reach this stage of understanding a Callanetics workout becomes seemingly 'effortless'. This is when you truly understand Callan's maxim of 'Meditation in Motion'. And, when, after every workout, you feel as though your body has been sucked in to the core.

I've been away on a loooong weekend so catching up with this thread.

Sandra x

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by dutchjazz

Hi all. Long time lurker. Shy in real life and on message boards.

Sandra I hope you can help me. I have 46 hours of 10 N 10 in. I love love love the stretches where you put your ankle on the bar and when you sit with your legs spread out. I was becoming quite flexible to the point I could take my head past my knees. But not anymore. Now when I do it, I can't stretch as far due to pain (not sure if that's the right word) I feel in the back of my legs above knees but towards the inner thighs.

I have a confession to make and wonder if this could be the problem. On the last exercise in 10 N 10 where you squeeze the chair with your arches, I was only halfheartedly doing these. About a week and a half ago, I really started focusing on squeezing when I did these. Really feel it in my inner thighs above my knees. This is also the same time I started not to be able to stretch as far.

Do you think this caused my problem? Or could it be a tear? I don't think so, since I feel it in both legs. What do you think I should do? Should I quit squeezing so hard?

I would really appreciate any help you could give me.

Also, I think it's awesome the way you help everyone. You really listen, and put a lot of time in to answer all the questions. You are a blessing.

Hi,

Frustrating for you after having such great flexibility. Do you remember, when you were doing the inner thigh squeeze, if you felt anything in your groin? To be honest, at first read, I'm not 100% sure at this stage what it could be. Are you ensuring that your muscles are warmed up sufficiently before stretching? Room not too cold?

How does your lower back feel? Are you able to relax this area and feel no discomfort at all. Have you had a fall, tripped or anything that could have caused a muscle strain thereby limiting your range of motion and causing pain.

Next time you do the inner thigh squeeze, check that you don't feel this in your groin. Also, check your form and that you're not leaning back and resting on your hands. Sit, either with your back vertical or, if this is difficult, slightly round your upper back allowing your hands to come forward of hip a little more. Ease off intense squeeze and see if this helps.

I'm assuming you are using the same barre/support for your stretch and you suddenly haven't raised your leg to a higher level?

Make mental notes as you workout and see what feels different and where your range of motion has decreased and if your alignment has changed.

I'm sorry I can't help more - this is something I haven't come across before.

Please get back to me and let me know how you are going though. If I can think of anything else I'll get back to you.

Sandra x

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by gibster

I just tried Callan Evo for the first time this morning. I have osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine which was diagnosed last year. I was pleased to find that several of my PT exercises are included in Evo - just reinforces my decision that this is the right exercise form for me.

BUT, I have one question -

When doing the standing leg exercises - in all 3 positions - I feel it more in my standing leg/hip than I do in the leg I'm working. Is this just because I'm weak in this area? Or am I not in good form? I feel as though I'm using the proper form, at least visually.

Yes, this is normal in the beginner. That are some things you should check when in position though.

1. That you're not sitting/resting on the standing leg. Keep the PF engaged and feel as though you've risen or lifted up off the standing leg, then stretch the spine up through the crown. YOur aim is to stretch out of the pelvic basin without shifting it.

2. Check that the working hip hasn't risen up - keep it level with the other side.

This exercise also strenthens the standing leg so as your muscle strength improves you will find it easier. YOu may still always need to take breathers though.

One jobs that the pelvic floor has to perform is to keep excessive weight off the standing leg so as the PF strengthens staying 'stretch up' becomes easier.

Try visualising that your torso is floating up off the pelvic floor and that your pelvic floor is like a trampoline. This helps some students.

Make sure that your stretch is up through the spine, neck and crown of head and that you don't poke out your ribcage.

Sandra x

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by sky115

20 more minutes of the legs dvd down. Still not totally confident in my form, I find it hard to concentrate on the motions and maintaining the correct posture at the same time... Is it ok to take it slow and rewind when necessary to try to do the moves accurately? I feel like I'm being choppy.. Hopefully I'll pick up the moves as time goes on. The pelvic scoop is challenging, I'm paranoid that I'm using my calves, and Callan fuels this by repeatedly warning against using them. I'm going to try to study 10/10 to try to get the hang of the hips/thigh section this evening.

I hope to see results in my lower legs from the upper knee down, do these moves target these areas effectively?

Hi,

Are you only using the 20 min leg DVD Sky? I understand that your main concern is your legs and you are all out to change the shape of your legs but I wouldn't recommend just doing the 20 min leg workout only.

I would really advise you to do the one hour program a couple of times a week (3 is great and advisable in the beginning) and do the quick leg routine as a supplement only.


If you are just starting the Callanetics program I would suggest just focusing on the full workout for a couple of weeks and then when you feel confident and a bit stronger add on the 20 min leg, but please don't just do the leg workout only. It's important that you work with your body wholistically to gain good core strength.


Don't spend too long on any given exercise in the beginning either. Do what you can following the DVD and move on. Your strength will improve quickly and you'll be able to then start to focus more on form.

Relaxing your body will become easier as you become stronger and more confident with the exercises. Again, if you are just starting out it's important that you don't stress, work at your own pace building up your reps with each workout and know that your body is getting stronger.

The Callanetics program does lengthen your muscles creating a leaner look but unfortunately, it can't change your natural build or shape. Keep your goals realistic and aim to be in YOUR best shape. Try to remain positive about your body and find something that you love about your body shape and affirm that love. Unfortunately, we all have a tendency to focus only on the bits we don't like and skim over the good bits.

None of us are perfect but we all have something that someone elses wishes they had.

Take me for example - I am tall and fairly big boned so I have big hands and feet that I've never liked. Whenever I meet someone small and petite I immediately admire their little dainty feet and feminine hands and wish I had them. They, of course, take them for granted. Such is life

Just keep checking in to this thread for support and motivation and share your results.

Sandra x

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Sky, the 10/10 is the whole body concept, and though it may seem difficult at first, you will be AMAZED at how quickly your strength, flexibility and endurance improve. Don't think about reps right now. Don't overdo and/or push too hard. Do what you can, as much as you can, and just be AWARE of form, because just being aware of form is helping to guide you, and that too will improve as you grow stronger. 15 secs on the abs starting out is great. Don't beat yourself up!





This depends on how conditioned your abs are to begin with. The less conditioned they are, the weaker your abs, the more difficult this will be at first. But again, patience, positive attitude, baby steps....that will get you there. Yes, it's a tough workout, but that's why it delivers. But it's not jarring your body from here to the moon, and placing excessive stress on your joints...and YET, IT DELIVERS BIG TIME.

Forget numbers. Think patience, form, baby steps.

You'll get there in no time.

Ooops, you've already answered this one - great advise yet again.

Movin' on....

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by zimasue

i have done super callanetics a couple of times now but really put alot of effort into it yesterday and my calfs hurt now im guessing form the pelvic lifts, did i do them all wrong??

You may be tensing your calves when you do the pelvic exercises - very normal in the beginning.

When do scoops you may like to try not taking your behind down to your heels - so only go down half way and then curl your pelvis and scoop up. As you become stronger take your behind lower until you feel your butt gently brush your heels. Before scooping up consciously relax your calves and then scoop up.

Sandra x

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by sky115

almost an hour down, still trouble with the hip/thigh segment. I feel really awkward and tense when i do them and feel it is almost impossible to tilt the pelvis up once I roll the hip back... I think i'm possibly doing them wrong so I am going to try to practice getting the form right. Hopefully I will get the hang of them. Wow the stomach exercises progressively get harder, the last one I could barely do 1/4 of the time. The first one I was able to hold it almost the entire time. These exercises seem so simple but they are really quite challenging, I'm super sweaty afterwards.

Hi again,

So, you are doing the one hour program also Apologies for the head battering you got before about only working with the leg DVD.

For the hip and behind exercises make sure you are rolling your hip forward to bring your foot up off the floor and not rolling your hip back.

Once you've done this gently curl the pelvis 'from the base of the behind' then lift the knee.

Allow your torso to go over to the other side as far as it needs to to get the knee lifted without lifting up your hip also.

And don't forget - take breathers - aahhhh!!!!

Sandra x

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by napbella

You're gonna feel real good after you finish it or real bad if you don't Go for it even if you decide to break it up in sections. You can do this, you're making great progress!

Well said and so true

[gibster]

Didn't do the whole Evo workout last night - stopped just before the ab work. I was getting cramps in my feet and I just couldn't seem to get them to go away, so I stopped. I did watch and study the rest of the workout.

Sandra - thanks for the tips on the leg exercises. I was really trying to concentrate on all the proper concepts/positions this time. Sheeeeshhh - this is a workout for my brain, too!

[KJ-43]

Hi all,
Been out of the loop for a while b/c I was sick and I am slow getting back in my routine. I starting out walking last week and this week I started going back to the gym and I soon as I get that in I will start back doing 10/10. I doubt I make my goal for June but I will come close. See ya soon
KJ

[ThyckeCutie]

Its funny...when I started Callan my cellulite got worse...I looked again this morning and its still there but at least 30% better. Beats surgery or any cream out there. Hopefully soon it will be diminished!!!! Love Callan

[j4Christ]

6 of 12 hours for June done-10/10!!

[mrs lightyear]

hi everyone

I did pm callanetics lat night

I feel like Aunt Flow has arived although it will be 6 days early

[Ladybugg]

Hi everyone

So far I have done 2 hrs of 10 in 10 and I love it. The time just flies by as you're doing it.

Anyways, I have a quick question - How do you know if your form is right? I try to imitate the dvd as much as possible. I see Callan adjusting the backs of some of her students, but would I know if I'm arching too?

I wish they had classes on this here.

[Bronwyn]

I'm still waiting for the arrival of 10/10 and CardioCallanetics. It's miserably hot here in NC, as I'm sure it is with most of us here. Maybe it's the humidity but my hips and lower back seem to be achy.

Aside from that, I received an email from a friend of mine to couldn't believe her eyes when she saw me (it had been 2 months since our last visit). Here's what she wrote to another person, who in turn reported complimentary back to me, and I've been full steam ahead ever since:

Have you seen her lately?! She looks incredible! Lost more weight, Her butt is fabulous and her upper curves are outstanding!

[zinny]

I have been out of the Callanetics loop..guess what, it shows! So was thinking the other day that I really need to get going again, I feel stiff and less energy, have put on a few pounds but more to the point am puffier, less lean...Was sort of easing back into exercise vids with some yoga and lotte berke but didn't feel up to 10/10, knowing she's gonna kick my butt... Well since all that wasn't quite enough motivation, last night my guy mistakenly tried to put on my jeans and was really baffled why he couldn't get them on properly--they were mine, but it wasn't obvious straight away that they were too small for him! Yikes, he's about 8 inches taller than me and muscular!

So I am slipping in the Callanetics dvd today partly out of trying to feel better physically, partly out of embarrassment at the jeans situation! I'm also about to go out of town for 3 weeks, so my goal is to really work it and get in 10 hours by July 3...and hopefully come back with some results!

I am really feeling like a slug about this, even though I know I need it!

[sky115]

thanks sandrahanna for all your helpful advice!

[iamcrazy]

I'm renting the dvd online, hopefully it comes soon as i would love to get started!!

[napbella]

Originally Posted by bcitrish

Thanks Twyla and Nappabella I will do whatever I can tonite and at least I will have done something. Isn't strange how I know I will feel soooo good afterwards yet the motivation to get started escapes me. But if the chocolate was a mile away, I'd walk for it LOL! Thanks again...I'll think of you both tonite.

Napabella, 5 days off and 2 days on sounds doable to me right now. Are you following any eating plan?

I'll have to do a modified low carb plan. I can't stand being hungry! Let's kick start this thing, I have to be in a bathing suit in approx 4 weeks so I have some work to do!

[napbella]

Originally Posted by Danipower714

Another hour of 10/10 done!

Way to go! You rock

[ThyckeCutie]

Originally Posted by abouttime

I'm renting the dvd online, hopefully it comes soon as i would love to get started!!

Where can you rent Callanetics from online?

Does anyone who has Super C have a dvd thats chaptered? Mines isnt and if I happen to press the wrong button I have to rewind the dvd which is soooooooooooo slow. I swore it said chaptered on Amazon. I was thinking of putting the files on the computer and making chapters myself

[napbella]

Originally Posted by Bronwyn

I'm still waiting for the arrival of 10/10 and CardioCallanetics. It's miserably hot here in NC, as I'm sure it is with most of us here. Maybe it's the humidity but my hips and lower back seem to be achy.

Aside from that, I received an email from a friend of mine to couldn't believe her eyes when she saw me (it had been 2 months since our last visit). Here's what she wrote to another person, who in turn reported complimentary back to me, and I've been full steam ahead ever since:

Have you seen her lately?! She looks incredible! Lost more weight, Her butt is fabulous and her upper curves are outstanding!

I know you're grinning from ear to ear!! I would be!

[MARIAN6532]

Originally Posted by ThyckeCutie

Its funny...when I started Callan my cellulite got worse...I looked again this morning and its still there but at least 30% better. Beats surgery or any cream out there. Hopefully soon it will be diminished!!!! Love Callan

hi there

my cellulite has gotten much worse too..it is not a peach and now looks like an undercooked panckake...i never had a mushy tooshie before. and looked pretty good before i started in a bathing suit from behind..today not so much...my boyfriend commented how in the last 3 weeks he has noticed my thighs and butt look ... well...not so peachy he noticed the increased cellulite too....sad

when will it get better... i am tempted to give up....