CALLANETICS CHALLENGE JULY 2008

[thomas_london]

6hr done.

RP you're definitely firming up. Your stomach seem flatter and your behind is definitely getting 'that' lift which you get from callanetics. keep it up

[NenaP]

Originally Posted by Antonya

Urm, I meant "DD13" above, not "DH". That would be disturbing!!

[missmattie]

RP - That's so fantastic that you (and we) can already see results. Keep up the good work!

to callanetics Louise.


Another hour of 10/10 done this morning.

[kelley17]

Completed hour 8/10 of 10/10 for july. It seemed tougher today, but as usual I feel great now!

[KJ-43]

completed another hour of 10/10 today with 4 more to complete for July.
kj

[emilys]

Hello All! I was hoping to join in a bit...ask a few questions.

I just did 10/10 for the first time last night. Did it again this morning. I've been doing iBallets, TBM & Element Ballet for a while now...but wanted to give Callanetics a fair shot, since you all are having such wonderful success! My main problem is just sticking with a routine...even if it's working, I get bored.

A couple questions. I was planning on doing 10/10 like 4 times in a row to get started (sort of like a ttapp bootcamp.) Is it ok to do callanetics daily?

Also, I don't have bad knees (that I know of!) but on the pevlic scoops and twisty hips on the knee thing...my knees were popping so loud! Kind of scared me! Will this improve as I get stronger? Also I'm doing the twisty thing pretty high off my heels...way higher than 3 inches...since that bothers my knees less. Is it still effective?

And on the side leg lift things. I have to bend waaaaay over to the side. I kind of hold onto a chair with one hand and my other hand is on the ground next to me. I still feel it in the muscle...but is it ok to lean over like that and keep hands on the floor?

My first goal is to get back to my wedding weight (or pants) by my 5th anniversary on August 30th. That's about 13 pounds and 1 pant size. I know it's not very long...but I can try, eh?!

Thanks, and sorry this is long!

[Dreamchaser]

Originally Posted by Dreamchaser

I posted this on the exercise board and didn't get any responses. Maybe I'll have better luck in here.

Questions for Callanetics people

Are you doing upper body weights also?

Would you mind posting your weekly workout schedule?

Thanks!

Thanks so much Comma and Twyla for posting your workout schedules for me! I appreciate it.

I'd love to hear from the rest of you

[planetbenjamin]

Originally Posted by emilys

Hello All! I was hoping to join in a bit...ask a few questions.

I just did 10/10 for the first time last night. Did it again this morning. I've been doing iBallets, TBM & Element Ballet for a while now...but wanted to give Callanetics a fair shot, since you all are having such wonderful success! My main problem is just sticking with a routine...even if it's working, I get bored.

A couple questions. I was planning on doing 10/10 like 4 times in a row to get started (sort of like a ttapp bootcamp.) Is it ok to do callanetics daily?

Also, I don't have bad knees (that I know of!) but on the pevlic scoops and twisty hips on the knee thing...my knees were popping so loud! Kind of scared me! Will this improve as I get stronger? Also I'm doing the twisty thing pretty high off my heels...way higher than 3 inches...since that bothers my knees less. Is it still effective?

And on the side leg lift things. I have to bend waaaaay over to the side. I kind of hold onto a chair with one hand and my other hand is on the ground next to me. I still feel it in the muscle...but is it ok to lean over like that and keep hands on the floor?

My first goal is to get back to my wedding weight (or pants) by my 5th anniversary on August 30th. That's about 13 pounds and 1 pant size. I know it's not very long...but I can try, eh?!

Thanks, and sorry this is long!

Welcome!

I used to have musical knees too! They would crack and pop and make all sorts of sounds. But as I have got stronger all the noises have stopped. I don't think you need to worry unless they are painful or feel strained.

[kirax2]

6th hour of 10 in 10 this morning.

-kirax2

[Antonya]

Hi Emily! Welcome! My knees pop too, sometimes. I don't think it's a big deal. As I've gotten better with the "exciting" pelvic rotations, I'm able to go down lower. Just give yourself time.

Don't know about the poundage, but the pant size by August 30 is definitely doable with Callanetics. Are you doing any kind of low carb eating plan? That would help, too.

Good luck!

[emilys]

Originally Posted by Antonya

Hi Emily! Welcome! My knees pop too, sometimes. I don't think it's a big deal. As I've gotten better with the "exciting" pelvic rotations, I'm able to go down lower. Just give yourself time.

Don't know about the poundage, but the pant size by August 30 is definitely doable with Callanetics. Are you doing any kind of low carb eating plan? That would help, too.

Good luck!

Thanks for the welcome! I'm sort of following the carb addict's diet. I eat super low carb for breakfast and lunch. And then have a regular dinner. My problem is keeping dinner within the hour like they want you to. Probably why it's not working very well!

Haha to... "exciting pelvic rotations"!

[emilys]

Originally Posted by planetbenjamin

Welcome!

I used to have musical knees too! They would crack and pop and make all sorts of sounds. But as I have got stronger all the noises have stopped. I don't think you need to worry unless they are painful or feel strained.

Thanks! I never thought my knees would be the ones to complain...but there it is. Makes me feel better to know your noises have stopped!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Hey, Emily.

The popping you're hearing is called crepitus. Unless painful, as Ben pointed out, it shouldn't be a problem.

Here's a link that may help understand:

"Crinkley" Joints

Best of luck to you on your challenge/countdown!

[Maria627]

Does the second set of pelvic rotations ever get easier? Also, what do the scoops actually work?

[rolypoly]

Thanks Twyla,kelley17,Comma,thomas_london and missmattie I never even realized that my behind has started moving northwards. You guys are just great.

Twyla, we are the same age but look at you..I can't even dream of that kind of a body!


BTW, I am very happy today, ask me why. I did my 5th hour yesterday and for the first time my legs they are a-shakin'....YAAAAYY!! Though my back was feeling very stiff for some reason and today I feel like I am moving in a strait-jacket, but still

[sreichfeld]

5th for July - i missed almost a week as I went to Amsterdam

i need to do more often to complete my target

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Maria627

Does the second set of pelvic rotations ever get easier? Also, what do the scoops actually work?

Maria, yes, they do! I remember feeling that way when I began Super, after doing 60+ hrs of 10 in 10. I made the comment to another Callan'er that I thought my thighs would burst into flames. You'll be amazed at the strength you gain as you move ahead with your sessions. But here are comments from our wonderful instructor, Sandra, to fill in the gaps of your Q's (June thread, Post 806):

Someone asked a few pages back what the pelvic exercises were for:

I probably don't need to tell you that they work the quads but they also are great for toning and stretching inner thighs (especially when the pelvic floor is used).

They also stretch and relax all the muscles that surround the pelvis so you should notice after a while that your hips move more gracefully creating an easier, more fluid way of walking.

They also stretch the lower back muscles and tone and shape the buttocks; and once again, especially if the pelvic floor is used

The pelvic exercises are not the most loved exercises in my classes, especially by beginners, but they are extremely powerful and it is important to incorporate a pelvic exercise in to your workout. So, please don't skip them; you'll miss out on the magnificent benefits of what these exercises can and do for your body. If you keep your focus on lengthening out of the pelvic floor it can promote extra lengthening of your thighs also.

For the pelvic rotations, don't worry if, in the beginning, you are unable to keep your back straight. It's okay to allow your body to lean forward slightly as you do your rotations; but as your strength increases try bringing your
body back thereby bringing your shoulders in alignment over your hips.

If you feel pain in your knees when doing these kneeling exercises, try separating your knees. You can also place a cushion, mat or pillow under your knees.

Don't forget that the pelvic floor keeps excess weight off the lower body, so think up and out of the pelvic floor even when you curl your pelvis to the front. When doing the scoops; stretch out of the pelvic floor/pelvis up thru the spine before scooping up so that there is little pressure on your knees.

If you continue to feel pain behind the knee caps don't do this exercise. You can perform this standing and, somewhere; I think the April or May Challenge, you'll find an alternate way to do this. If you can't find it let me know and I'll post again. There's no excuse not to get that pelvis rotating one way or another

Also, keep your shoulders relaxed down with blades wide so the upper back is broad. There must always be a space between your neck and shoulders - no hunching shoulders up. All this does become easier in time rest assured.

One other thing, when doing the rotations don't allow your back to arch - just let your buttocks slide across to the other side and start your curl from the base of the behind not the upper part of the behind or the lower back.

Happy pelvic rotating

Sandra x

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by rolypoly

Thanks Twyla,kelley17,Comma,thomas_london and missmattie I never even realized that my behind has started moving northwards. You guys are just great.

Twyla, we are the same age but look at you..I can't even dream of that kind of a body!

BTW, I am very happy today, ask me why. I did my 5th hour yesterday and for the first time my legs they are a-shakin'....YAAAAYY!! Though my back was feeling very stiff for some reason and today I feel like I am moving in a strait-jacket, but still

RP, oh, YES, you can! And more! This is just the beginning for you.

Keep up the great work.

[rolypoly]

Twyla, thanks, I sure hope so.

Two questions:

1. How long does it take for the Flying Squirrels aka Underarm Jiggle to vanish? I mean Really vanish?

2. Does anybody feel that the left side of my waist is more curved in? Or am I imagining it? If it is really more curved than the right side, how do I make the other side correspond?

Any help will be much appreciated.

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by rolypoly

Twyla, thanks, I sure hope so.

Two questions:

1. How long does it take for the Flying Squirrels aka Underarm Jiggle to vanish? I mean Really vanish?

2. Does anybody feel that the left side of my waist is more curved in? Or am I imagining it? If it is really more curved than the right side, how do I make the other side correspond?

Any help will be much appreciated.

Twyla is something and not only the remarkable job she has done on her body - she always seems to have such a great attitude in her posts and never an unkind word.

As for the underarm jiggle it helps a little but like most people on this thread I wish there was a little more for the arms. I like the more sculpted look like Twyla or Kelly Ripa. I was thinking of trying the 100 push up challenge.one hundred push ups I heard push ups are the best workout for your upper body.

Yes, you do look slightly more pulled in, but it is probably because you are stronger on one side (one of the experts will probably have better info on this for you). I know my pants are fitting differently, not better really, but different. I think my body is doing the dreaded bring all the fat to meet in the middle and then begin to firm up. I'm going to keep with it though - the before and after pics of Twyla and Noreen are amazing!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Kelley -- first -- you are very kindto say that about me. I try to bring out the best in everyone, because that's what we need from each other, right? We motivate and inspire each other, and that's what sets this challenge apart.

The underarm thing. We all have it, esp women as we age. The best strategy for it, for starters, is proper diet/nutrition. It's difficult to spot reduce. Our upper body training is enhanced significantly when we pay close attention to our WOE (way of eating), eat clean, stay on plan, and maintain a calorie deficit of our individual BMR's. It's imp to know what our BMR is (there are online calculators for that), and once determined, factoring in our daily energy expenditure and exercise, we should strive for a 200-500 calorie deficit of that number to help burn body fat. Occasionally we should eat at maintenance level calories to keep our metabolism from slowing down or becoming less efficient. This, combined with committed training, should bring us noticeable results.

As for pushups, yes, they're a powerhouse strategy for upper body strengthening. Go for it!

Here are other links that target the triceps:

Dumbbell Kickback

Dumbbell Lying Triceps Extension

Dumbbell Decline Triceps Extension

Dumbbell One Arm Triceps Extension

Dumbbell Triceps Extension

[kelley17]

Twyla - no prob, actually everyone on this thread is kind and supportive. I'm a newbie and you become a little addicted to the board (don't cha)? I've been checking out other threads and some people are negative and downright unkind to each other. What's the purpose? It is a waste of good energy and we all need a little help and encouragement in our lives!

I'm slowly working on my eating and becoming more active so hopefully i will get there.

Thanks for the tricep work and i think i will try the challenge - what have i got to lose? and it can't hurt

have a wonderful day - need to change the baby's diaper, stinky and then put her down for nap so I can maybe get another hour of 10/10 in!

[thomas_london]

7th hour done - did Super C today.

My body feels super tight (firm), it's great

[emilys]

Completed my 3rd ever 10/10. (I've done 3 in a row...hope that's not bad!) First day I didn't notice the abs being tough...but today I was SHAKING. Already noticing lower abs are a bit tighter...and I'm down a couple pounds. Cool!

Tried to use PF more...that made it tough. I feel like whenever I engage PF...my lower abs slightly tighten...not sure if that's right.

I really like this workout. For some reason it really flys by, and I don't notice it's an hour.