CALLANETICS CHALLENGE JULY 2008 - Page 2

CurveControl · 07-01-2008, 12:18 PM

OK, Today I start.

Is 3x a week a realistic starting plan? Along with 2-3 days of Cardio?

Is it bad to do cardio on the same day as Cal?

getnlittle · 07-01-2008, 12:51 PM

I am in and going for 12 hours this month!

shrinkingaway8 · 07-01-2008, 12:58 PM

I'm in for July...Boy, my legs look so much better...toned...less cellulite. My arms are more toned and firm. My abs are slowly pulling in...abs still look bad, but more toned...less like jello. I'm not going to give up

shrinkingaway8 · 07-01-2008, 01:06 PM

My birthday is in Aug. hopefully I will have a new, firm body as a b'day gift to myself

CurveControl · 07-01-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shrinkingaway8

My birthday is in Aug. hopefully I will have a new, firm body as a b'day gift to myself

Mine is too~ Aug 18, I will be 41.
I want to look like I did at 30.

It IS doable!

LowCarbRachel · 07-01-2008, 01:23 PM

My birthday is Oct. 1. I am going to turn 42, and I'm going to be in the best shape of my life!

It's exciting to think about it.

shrinkingaway8 · 07-01-2008, 01:30 PM

Curvecontrol,

My b'day is Aug 18 too, and will be 40

. Bye, bye 30's

whalefrozentoes · 07-01-2008, 02:30 PM

I wish to do superC at least 3 times a week. I really want to do it 5 times a week... but that sets me up for disaster.

Callanetic days will be Tues-Thurs-Saturday

Ballet starts in Sept. I have two months to lose 3" off my hips and waist. Well, I guess it would be 1.5" off each side... I hope this is possible seeing as I am on my last 10lbs to lose which is always the hardest (losing/gaining the same 10lbs for three years)

And MARIAN6532 - I agree, you must be in starvation mode... you gotta keep your calories up. I keep track of my calories for that reason only - to stay out of starvation mode.

Antonya · 07-01-2008, 02:38 PM

My 2 cents re: calories - I just went into phase 2 of south beach, and I know I'm eating more calories...I've lost 2 pounds in 2 days. Also, Marian, drink lots and lots of water!!

CurveControl · 07-01-2008, 02:42 PM

I did not do well. I do not feel like I was able to do any of the moves correctly at all. (10 in 10)
I got to the Barre part (where she sows you how to use furniture as a barre) and quit.
So, stomach and some legs.

it seems this might be more for someone who is much closer to goal. I have50 pounds to lose.

Sandrahanna · 07-01-2008, 02:55 PM

Yeh, I'm in - I'm averaging a workout 3 - 4 x a week - thanks all you gorgeous LCF ladies, and not forgetting bootylicious Ben, for inspiring me to get back in to regular workouts for myself.

Sandra x

Sandrahanna · 07-01-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

CALLANETICS

Are you ready to reshape your body in ways you would never imagine?

Are you ready to begin looking YEARS younger after just a few workouts?

Callanetics is NOT just another workout -- It is a tried and true method of reshaping our bodies that uses every fiber of every muscle, gently, deeply and almostly magically -- a workout for all ages, one that can be done ANYWHERE, and with no equipment.

This form of training will firm, tone, smooth, tighten, strengthen, lengthen, and lift our bodies like never before!

Callanetics is a series of small, gentle, precise motions synergistically and consistently applied, that activate the body's largest most powerful muscles to quickly tighten hips, buttocks, inner and outer thighs; flatten the tummy; lift the bust and firm underarms and tone the entire body. It will also dramatically improve your posture and balance. You will feel and see a difference after only one or two hours. Callanetics is like magic!

THERAPEUTIC RELIEF: Callanetics is as therapeutic as it is effective. You will sleep better, relieve stress, and minor aches and pains you may be used to experiencing regularly will suddenly disappear. Many sufferers of fibromyalgia, knee and back pain, and even carpal tunnel, have experienced dramatic relief from this program.

INCREASED FLEXIBILILTY AND ENDURANCE: Because Callanetics works the muscles of our bodies deeply, you can expect to dramatically improve muscle flexibility and endurance, making aerobic and cardio exercise easier as well.

In this monthly challenge, you will find tons of daily inspiration, tips, and professional advice from certified trainers of Callanetics to help you make the most out of one of the most effective workouts you'll ever do in your life.

FAQ’S: Callanetics : Frequently Asked Questions

(For Before/After Pics, See Separate Thread, "Before/After Callanetics Pics")

Hope you join us on the July Challenge!

Wow this is great Twyla - love it!!

Comma · 07-01-2008, 03:01 PM

I'm in for twenty!!

catcookie · 07-01-2008, 03:06 PM

I'm in! I plan to add in leg and or hips and behind on my cardio days so 15 in july!

Mary_M · 07-01-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurveControl

I did not do well. I do not feel like I was able to do any of the moves correctly at all. (10 in 10)
I got to the Barre part (where she sows you how to use furniture as a barre) and quit.
So, stomach and some legs.

it seems this might be more for someone who is much closer to goal. I have50 pounds to lose.

When I started I was about the same weight you are and I have about 20 more to lose. Don't get discouraged, just do as much as you can. Take breathers as much as you need to. You will find the more you do Callanetics, the easier it will get. The exercises will increase your flexibility and build/sculpt your muscles--and we all know muscles burn fat. Aim for doing Callanetics at least 3x per week and you should start to see changes in about 2 weeks or so (some people have said they noticed changes right away). As you progress you will feel stronger and stronger which is very motivational and empowering! Don't give up!

jessiekayq · 07-01-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shrinkingaway8

My birthday is in Aug. hopefully I will have a new, firm body as a b'day gift to myself

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurveControl

Mine is too~ Aug 18, I will be 41.
I want to look like I did at 30.

It IS doable!

My birthday is in August too! Mine is the 27th

NenaP · 07-01-2008, 04:15 PM

I'm In, My goal is 12 hours!

tinatina · 07-01-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurveControl

I did not do well. I do not feel like I was able to do any of the moves correctly at all. (10 in 10)
I got to the Barre part (where she sows you how to use furniture as a barre) and quit.
So, stomach and some legs.

it seems this might be more for someone who is much closer to goal. I have50 pounds to lose.

don't give up. I've got over 50 lbs to lose and probably look like a whale flopping around but I am gonna keep doing it. Can't hurt to try and you can work on form as you go.

tinatina · 07-01-2008, 04:45 PM

1st hour for July done!

wazo · 07-01-2008, 05:13 PM

1 hour of evolution completed.

Sandrahanna · 07-01-2008, 05:23 PM

Hi all

I mentioned in the last thread that I post a meditation that I do with my students at the end of my classes.

It would be far too long to type the whole thing out so I'm going to make this brief but I hope you'll get the idea.

I do this meditation at the end of a class but I would recommend trying it before you workout if you have time. You'll be more relaxed for your workout and, hopefully, become more aware of your pelvic floor.

Lie down with your legs straight, bend your legs if you have any low back discomfort.

Place your hands over your hip bones over your lower abs.

Now, take a deep breath drawing your breath down thru to your abdomen and feel your abdomen expand. Exhale and allow your body to relax in to the floor like dripping wax.

Continue breathing this way - deep abdominal breaths and relaxing even more on each exhale.

Visualise a warm golden light right at the tip of your toes and as you continue to breath deeply visualise and feel this warm, golden light flowing and ebbing up through your legs, pelvis, torso, chest, throat, facial muscles and up to the crown of your head.

Now, visualise and feel this beautiful warm, golden, healing and rejuvenating light flowing down thru the back of your head, neck and over your shoulders down your arms and thru to your finger tips.

Continue breathing slowly and deeply feeling your abdomen rise and fall.

Now, take your awareness down to the muscles between the sit bones right at the base of your pelvis and gently squeeze this muscle drawing the sit bones closer together. Visualise your pelvic floor at this stage as the bud of a beautiful flower.

Continue to breathe deeply and visualise and feel this beautiful flower bud rising and lifting up in to the pelvis and blossoming open to full bloom. You want to be able to feel the hip bones open and widen as your lower abs stretch very gently and softly. Hold this activation of the pelvic floor and continue breathing deeply allowing the rest of your body to stay completely relaxed.

Check, that your buttocks are relaxed, your lower back is relaxed, your whole body is relaxed, open, expanding and melting in to the floor as you keep the pelvic floor engaged.

Relax the pelvic floor and repeat this as many times as you wish; engaging and feeling the pelvic floor rising up in to the pelvis and feel the hip bones widen. You should feel a definite movement here with your hands. This becomes easier as you practise and become more connected with engaging the pelvic floor in a relaxed manner.

This exercise/meditation will show you how it is possible to engage the pelvic floor without contracting any other muscle in the body. It will also show you that when you engage that you don't curl the pelvis or lock your legs.

There will only be a gentle tightening or drawing in of the muscles at the base of the behind where the sit bones have drawn closer together from the activation of the pelvic floor.

Be as relaxed as possible - and when you first attempt this avoid contracting the pelvic floor too hard or too vigorously be gentle and maybe only use about 10% of the pelvic floor. Gradually engaging deeper as you become more proficient and comfortable with engaging while keeping the rest of the body relaxed.

Good luck and please let me know if this helps - or not

Sandra x

Antonya · 07-01-2008, 05:29 PM

Well - I tried the Open and Close today during my workout. Yikes! I could barely lift my legs off the floor! Is this normal?

As for the pelvic floor...do I engage it even in the stretches? And when Callan says to tighten the behind and tilt the pelvis up, do I also engage it then? Should I engage the pelvic floor instead of tightening and tilting?

Sandra, as always, thanks for your amazing guidance and inspiration! I've been doing visualization and it seems to be working!!

lildragonfly · 07-01-2008, 05:38 PM

Im in!

KJ-43 · 07-01-2008, 06:03 PM

I am going for the goal of 8 for this month although I think I might be able to do 10. I work out at the gym and sometime it is hard to do those work outs and callenetic. I want to do both so thats why I am going for 8.
kj

ajay · 07-01-2008, 06:43 PM

Sandra, have you considered making an audio download of your meditation> It sounds great, but I think it would be fantastic just to follow your voice.

ThyckeCutie · 07-01-2008, 06:51 PM

Super C done today

I was able to complete alot more reps in the pelvic exercises and leg exercises. The hip/behind I still have to take breaks on. My legs feel more mushy today then usual. Hope it goes away soon

My friends wedding is next weekend. In Feb I ordered a dress size 12, which ran smaller then normal from Davids Bridal. It fit fine. It was a little loose around the waist but nothing a bow couldnt fix if I tied it around. I tried it on again yesterday because I was going to add some pieces to it to enhance it....its way too loose...in the bust area....the waist...slightly in the hips. Its no longer a fitted dress that shows my shape. It just hangs. In a way I feel good about this but Im going to look a disaster for my best friends wedding and its too late to get alterations since they take 2 weeks to do....I dont know what to do......Dont get me wrong...Im happy about the inches lost!!

This is how my dress is supposed to look. Its really nice.

missmattie · 07-01-2008, 07:22 PM

I have a friend (male, late 40's) that has been having problems with his lower back. He's been to the doctor about it. I loaned him my Callanetics for Your Back book and another book I have that has some yoga stretches in it. I know that Callan originally developed Callanetics for her bad back and knees so was thinking the program would benefit my friend. I have Beginning Callanetics, 10/10 and Evolution. Which if any would it be best for him to do? I was thinking Beginning because it shows so many modifications, but wanted advice from you experts.

On a side note: I had my physical this morning, which went well, but I was talking to the doctor about how sometimes when I have to go to the bathroom really bad and have to walk a distance to get there or cough I leak a little. I was just curious what he would recommend and guess what? he said it's called stress incontinence and the best way to fix it is to strengthen the pelvic muscles. I just listened as he explained how to find those muscles and it was exactly the way Sandra explained it! I already knew from the tips here, but it was interesting to hear my MD say exactly the same thing.

07-01-2008, 12:18 PM	#31
CurveControl Formerlychubchick Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 42,465 Blog Entries: 8 Gallery: CurveControl Stats: 200/ 186.0 /135 WOE: moderate carb, 30-60 grams Start Date: 3/25/08 sigh	OK, Today I start. Is 3x a week a realistic starting plan? Along with 2-3 days of Cardio? Is it bad to do cardio on the same day as Cal? Last edited by CurveControl : 07-01-2008 at 01:04 PM.

07-01-2008, 02:30 PM	#38
whalefrozentoes Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: T.O. ON Posts: 98 Gallery: whalefrozentoes Stats: 138/120/112 WOE: vegan	I wish to do superC at least 3 times a week. I really want to do it 5 times a week... but that sets me up for disaster. Callanetic days will be Tues-Thurs-Saturday Ballet starts in Sept. I have two months to lose 3" off my hips and waist. Well, I guess it would be 1.5" off each side... I hope this is possible seeing as I am on my last 10lbs to lose which is always the hardest (losing/gaining the same 10lbs for three years) And MARIAN6532 - I agree, you must be in starvation mode... you gotta keep your calories up. I keep track of my calories for that reason only - to stay out of starvation mode. Last edited by whalefrozentoes : 07-01-2008 at 02:32 PM.

07-01-2008, 02:42 PM	#40
CurveControl Formerlychubchick Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 42,465 Blog Entries: 8 Gallery: CurveControl Stats: 200/ 186.0 /135 WOE: moderate carb, 30-60 grams Start Date: 3/25/08 sigh	I did not do well. I do not feel like I was able to do any of the moves correctly at all. (10 in 10) I got to the Barre part (where she sows you how to use furniture as a barre) and quit. So, stomach and some legs. it seems this might be more for someone who is much closer to goal. I have50 pounds to lose. Last edited by CurveControl : 07-01-2008 at 03:10 PM.

07-01-2008, 05:23 PM	#51
Sandrahanna Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 731 Gallery: Sandrahanna	connecting with your pelvic floor muscles Hi all I mentioned in the last thread that I post a meditation that I do with my students at the end of my classes. It would be far too long to type the whole thing out so I'm going to make this brief but I hope you'll get the idea. I do this meditation at the end of a class but I would recommend trying it before you workout if you have time. You'll be more relaxed for your workout and, hopefully, become more aware of your pelvic floor. Lie down with your legs straight, bend your legs if you have any low back discomfort. Place your hands over your hip bones over your lower abs. Now, take a deep breath drawing your breath down thru to your abdomen and feel your abdomen expand. Exhale and allow your body to relax in to the floor like dripping wax. Continue breathing this way - deep abdominal breaths and relaxing even more on each exhale. Visualise a warm golden light right at the tip of your toes and as you continue to breath deeply visualise and feel this warm, golden light flowing and ebbing up through your legs, pelvis, torso, chest, throat, facial muscles and up to the crown of your head. Now, visualise and feel this beautiful warm, golden, healing and rejuvenating light flowing down thru the back of your head, neck and over your shoulders down your arms and thru to your finger tips. Continue breathing slowly and deeply feeling your abdomen rise and fall. Now, take your awareness down to the muscles between the sit bones right at the base of your pelvis and gently squeeze this muscle drawing the sit bones closer together. Visualise your pelvic floor at this stage as the bud of a beautiful flower. Continue to breathe deeply and visualise and feel this beautiful flower bud rising and lifting up in to the pelvis and blossoming open to full bloom. You want to be able to feel the hip bones open and widen as your lower abs stretch very gently and softly. Hold this activation of the pelvic floor and continue breathing deeply allowing the rest of your body to stay completely relaxed. Check, that your buttocks are relaxed, your lower back is relaxed, your whole body is relaxed, open, expanding and melting in to the floor as you keep the pelvic floor engaged. Relax the pelvic floor and repeat this as many times as you wish; engaging and feeling the pelvic floor rising up in to the pelvis and feel the hip bones widen. You should feel a definite movement here with your hands. This becomes easier as you practise and become more connected with engaging the pelvic floor in a relaxed manner. This exercise/meditation will show you how it is possible to engage the pelvic floor without contracting any other muscle in the body. It will also show you that when you engage that you don't curl the pelvis or lock your legs. There will only be a gentle tightening or drawing in of the muscles at the base of the behind where the sit bones have drawn closer together from the activation of the pelvic floor. Be as relaxed as possible - and when you first attempt this avoid contracting the pelvic floor too hard or too vigorously be gentle and maybe only use about 10% of the pelvic floor. Gradually engaging deeper as you become more proficient and comfortable with engaging while keeping the rest of the body relaxed. Good luck and please let me know if this helps - or not Sandra x

07-01-2008, 12:51 PM	#32
getnlittle Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2 Gallery: getnlittle WOE: Low Carb Start Date: May 2008	I am in and going for 12 hours this month!

07-01-2008, 12:58 PM	#33
shrinkingaway8 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 40 Gallery: shrinkingaway8	I'm in for July...Boy, my legs look so much better...toned...less cellulite. My arms are more toned and firm. My abs are slowly pulling in...abs still look bad, but more toned...less like jello. I'm not going to give up

07-01-2008, 01:06 PM	#34
shrinkingaway8 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 40 Gallery: shrinkingaway8	My birthday is in Aug. hopefully I will have a new, firm body as a b'day gift to myself

07-01-2008, 01:23 PM	#36
LowCarbRachel Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Salt Lake Area Posts: 12,209 Gallery: LowCarbRachel Stats: size 4/6 (maintaining) WOE: eating healthy foods	My birthday is Oct. 1. I am going to turn 42, and I'm going to be in the best shape of my life! It's exciting to think about it.

07-01-2008, 01:30 PM	#37
shrinkingaway8 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 40 Gallery: shrinkingaway8	Curvecontrol, My b'day is Aug 18 too, and will be 40 . Bye, bye 30's

07-01-2008, 02:38 PM	#39
Antonya Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 284 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: Antonya Stats: 145/134/130 WOE: Easing into Phase 3! Start Date: June 16, 2008	My 2 cents re: calories - I just went into phase 2 of south beach, and I know I'm eating more calories...I've lost 2 pounds in 2 days. Also, Marian, drink lots and lots of water!!

07-01-2008, 02:55 PM	#41
Sandrahanna Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 731 Gallery: Sandrahanna	Yeh, I'm in - I'm averaging a workout 3 - 4 x a week - thanks all you gorgeous LCF ladies, and not forgetting bootylicious Ben, for inspiring me to get back in to regular workouts for myself. Sandra x

07-01-2008, 03:01 PM	#43
Comma Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 86 Gallery: Comma	I'm in for twenty!!

07-01-2008, 03:06 PM	#44
catcookie Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 83 Gallery: catcookie Stats: 200.5/193/135 WOE: atkins Start Date: march 2007	I'm in! I plan to add in leg and or hips and behind on my cardio days so 15 in july!

07-01-2008, 04:15 PM	#47
NenaP Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Panama City FL Posts: 423 Gallery: NenaP WOE: South Beach Start Date: March 1st 2008	I'm In, My goal is 12 hours!

07-01-2008, 05:38 PM	#53
lildragonfly MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Middle TN Posts: 2,164 Gallery: lildragonfly Stats: 18w/12-13/7-8 WOE: learning my body Start Date: 10/15/07 started Atkins/ reinduction 1/5/09	Im in!

07-01-2008, 04:45 PM	#49
tinatina Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: WV Posts: 4,236 Gallery: tinatina Stats: 210/196/130 5'3.5" WOE: South Beach Start Date: Sept. 15, 2008	1st hour for July done!

07-01-2008, 05:13 PM	#50
wazo Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: France Posts: 73 Gallery: wazo Stats: 12/10/8 US Size WOE: Dukan	1 hour of evolution completed.

07-01-2008, 05:29 PM	#52
Antonya Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 284 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: Antonya Stats: 145/134/130 WOE: Easing into Phase 3! Start Date: June 16, 2008	Well - I tried the Open and Close today during my workout. Yikes! I could barely lift my legs off the floor! Is this normal? As for the pelvic floor...do I engage it even in the stretches? And when Callan says to tighten the behind and tilt the pelvis up, do I also engage it then? Should I engage the pelvic floor instead of tightening and tilting? Sandra, as always, thanks for your amazing guidance and inspiration! I've been doing visualization and it seems to be working!!

07-01-2008, 06:03 PM	#54
KJ-43 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 366 Gallery: KJ-43 Stats: HW 271 196/173.5/170 WOE: atkins Start Date: 10/30/06 reinducting 6/17/08	I am going for the goal of 8 for this month although I think I might be able to do 10. I work out at the gym and sometime it is hard to do those work outs and callenetic. I want to do both so thats why I am going for 8. kj

07-01-2008, 06:43 PM	#55
ajay Junior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 26 Gallery: ajay	Sandra, have you considered making an audio download of your meditation> It sounds great, but I think it would be fantastic just to follow your voice.