CALLANETICS CHALLENGE JULY 2008

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by luckylychee

Did my 8th hour today. I can't believe I'm almost 10 hours done of 10 in 10!! Last time I had the DVD I barely made it to 5 before I quit.

I was thinking about not doing it tonight too actually, but then I thought, let's not start the vicious cycle of ignoring exercise again.

I just hope I get to see some results soon because honestly I am not feeling any smaller than before I started!

Lucky, checklist:

Are you doing any cardio along with Callanetics throughout the week? IMO, it's not an option. We REALLY need cardio for the edge.

Second, are you just "going through the motions" as you do your segments, or are you focusing on form, trying to lengthen and stretch out, engaging your pelvic floor, tightening your bottom -- all of this is VITAL to the best results.

Third, are you eating clean, i.e., eating on plan?

When you're finished doing Callanetics, you should feel relaxed, but "spent." You should have several "ouch" moments throughout where you can honestly say you've given it your all, and your muscles have been taxed.

Hang in there. Do the above, you should begin seeing results.

[luckylychee]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Lucky, checklist:

Are you doing any cardio along with Callanetics throughout the week? IMO, it's not an option. We REALLY need cardio for the edge.

Second, are you just "going through the motions" as you do your segments, or are you focusing on form, trying to lengthen and stretch out, engaging your pelvic floor, tightening your bottom -- all of this is VITAL to the best results.

Third, are you eating clean, i.e., eating on plan?

When you're finished doing Callanetics, you should feel relaxed, but "spent." You should have several "ouch" moments throughout where you can honestly say you've given it your all, and your muscles have been taxed.

Hang in there. Do the above, you should begin seeing results.

Thanks for answering my question Twyla!

No I havn't been doing cardio (except running after my daughter). I was under the impression that callanetics replaces cardio and weight lifting. But I will start today!!!!!

Sometimes I do feel like I'm going through the motions, but I do have several ouch moments, especially with the leg stretches, and the pelvic rotations. I have trouble remembering to squeeze my butt (thanks for reminding me)!

I do feel relaxed afterwards. Actually a big part of it is because I know I finished the workout

Oh, this is something I do that's probably not too good. I have a tendency to count too fast, i often move ahead of the tape, I think it makes it easier for me, do you think that's what's hurting my results?

[luckylychee]

Also to add, I am sore all over, not sore enough to hurt, but sore enough to know that I moved my body, KWIM?

I wish I had dealt with a teacher right from the beginnig! I had no idea it was going to be no form no results! I just thought even if I'm not reaping the best possible results, I should still be ableto see a lil something something!

I'm not going to give up though. It's gotten a habit for me to do callanetics every night now. I just hope I get to a body like some of you ladies before I hit my millionth hour!

[sunrise lady]

1/2 of evolution done this morning (first time on an empty stomach, I really liked doing it first thing - felt really energized all day!)

Since I started at end of May my saddlebags are definitely improved, knees (and legs in general) are getting definition, upper arms looking toned,butt is definitly getting a bit smaller and starting to lift a bit (still a ways to go, lol!), last week I was noticing a cellulite, and today it seems better.

So, gradually, I'm seeing some results...!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by luckylychee

Sometimes I do feel like I'm going through the motions, but I do have several ouch moments, especially with the leg stretches, and the pelvic rotations. I have trouble remembering to squeeze my butt (thanks for reminding me)!

Oh, this is something I do that's probably not too good. I have a tendency to count too fast, i often move ahead of the tape, I think it makes it easier for me, do you think that's what's hurting my results?

Yes. Absolutely.

You’re not realizing the full benefit of this workout without proper form.

Concentrate on the muscle group that you are working.

Isolate the movement to THAT muscle group.

If there are distractions while working out, wait until you can give your workout 100% of your attention (that's why I prefer early morning when the rest of my family is still asleep).

Don’t rush through. Do the pulses as suggested. Fast is not good.

You can intensify this workout and its results by doing these things each and every time you do Callanetics. Make the most of this hour you’ve set aside.

When we give 100%, we're more likely to see a return. We get out of a workout what we put into it.

And don't forget to add cardio!

[nefercat]

I hope some of you can help with these questions. I just had a uterine ablation with a tubal ligation (7/17/08), which will hopefully help to solve some health problems, including severe anemia.

I probably sound stupid, but I thought "bandaid" surgery would have the same impact on my body as a little boo-boo covered with a bandaid!

I am bloated, look five months pregnant, and feel fat and mushy with no muscle tone. I have two incisions, one in my belly button, and one at the bikini line. Being perimenopausal already, this is doing wonders for my self-esteem! How soon can I go back to Callanetics (and hopefully, as my overall health improves, it will be easier to stay with exercise)? I feel as though I lost all the progress I had made. I would like to be able to join the August challenge, and putter around getting back into exercise mode until then.

Thanks,
Celine

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by nefercat

I hope some of you can help with these questions. I just had a uterine ablation with a tubal ligation (7/17/08), which will hopefully help to solve some health problems, including severe anemia.

I probably sound stupid, but I thought "bandaid" surgery would have the same impact on my body as a little boo-boo covered with a bandaid!

I am bloated, look five months pregnant, and feel fat and mushy with no muscle tone. I have two incisions, one in my belly button, and one at the bikini line. Being perimenopausal already, this is doing wonders for my self-esteem! How soon can I go back to Callanetics (and hopefully, as my overall health improves, it will be easier to stay with exercise)? I feel as though I lost all the progress I had made. I would like to be able to join the August challenge, and putter around getting back into exercise mode until then.

Thanks,
Celine

Celine - I don't think any of us can answer this - when did your doctor say it was ok to begin an exercise program. You don't want to hurt yourself further and jumping in too soon could easily do this. Is it like having a c-section? If so I know my doctor says a minimum of 8 weeks - but he also really wants to see you before so he can tell if you are healing properly. If it were me I wouldn't do anything until I got clearance from my doc. Give yourself a break - it sounds like you've been through a lot recently. Good luck and I hope you get clearance soon!

[Maria627]

I have been doing Callanetics off & on for 20 years.

Since I have been coming to this board I have gotten the Best info & tips. I have not seen improvement like this in all my years before. Really concentrate to the best of your ability and you wil see results.

DO NOT GIVE UP PEOPLE!!

[luckylychee]

Thank you so much Twyla and Maria for motivating me.

Tonight I'm going to give it another try with a lot more dedication.

[siamesegirl]

Originally Posted by luckylychee

Thanks for answering my question Twyla!

No I havn't been doing cardio (except running after my daughter). I was under the impression that callanetics replaces cardio and weight lifting. But I will start today!!!!!

Sometimes I do feel like I'm going through the motions, but I do have several ouch moments, especially with the leg stretches, and the pelvic rotations. I have trouble remembering to squeeze my butt (thanks for reminding me)!

I do feel relaxed afterwards. Actually a big part of it is because I know I finished the workout

Oh, this is something I do that's probably not too good. I have a tendency to count too fast, i often move ahead of the tape, I think it makes it easier for me, do you think that's what's hurting my results?

Hi Lucky,
I just wanted to clear up something in case you get confused. Twlya did not mention that when engaging the PF you tighten from the base of the behind all the way up to the front, think of zipping everything up and keeping it like it, start in small steps work your way up so that you can hold it while doing Callanetics. Also be sure to keep your low back and the upper behind relaxed when engaging your PF.
I hope this helps!
Noreen

[ThyckeCutie]

Super Callan Done

[waterytart]

Hi everyone,

The folks at VideoFitness recommended this site as a great place to learn more about Callanetics and they're right - there's a wealth of information and inspiration here!

I've got a question I hope someone call answer for me. Does the position of your foot matter when you're doing the standing leg pulses? It appears to me on the dvd that everyone's foot is positioned differently so I assume it doesn't, but wanted to make sure since its so important in the original series. Also, can anyone recomment a good barre substitute? I feel like I can't get a good enough grip on say, a dresser, to lean back correctly and get the full effect of the exercises done on the knees.

Thanks in advance, you guys are great!

[kelley17]

waterytart - can't answer your question - i'm still on 10/10 but wanted to say hi. There are plenty of wonderful gurus here to answer your questions.

Just finished my 10th hour of 10 of 10/10 for july. I measured myself the other day and I lost at least 1/4 of an inch everywhere .

[dimond]

Another session of 10/10 in...7/12 in July. I also did Day 1 of Week 1 for the 100 Push-Up Challenge.

Thanks everybody for the thoughts and advice regarding upper body work! I have a set of bands which I got to use with a pilates routine that never, ummm, quite made it into a routine for me. Maybe I should review it again to see if there are some moves which I can blend into the Callanetics. I also have dumbbells in a variety of "light" sizes, but no weight bench. Any suggestions on a "typical household" substitute for an incline weight bench?

Thx,
-Di

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by dimond

Another session of 10/10 in...7/12 in July. I also did Day 1 of Week 1 for the 100 Push-Up Challenge.

Di - I did my first day of the 100 push up challenge too! Did you do proper form? I decided to go to girlie push ups because so many others that have tried ended up quitting after the second or third week because it got too tough. Good Luck

[Maria627]

Originally Posted by dimond

Another session of 10/10 in...7/12 in July. I also did Day 1 of Week 1 for the 100 Push-Up Challenge.

Thanks everybody for the thoughts and advice regarding upper body work! I have a set of bands which I got to use with a pilates routine that never, ummm, quite made it into a routine for me. Maybe I should review it again to see if there are some moves which I can blend into the Callanetics. I also have dumbbells in a variety of "light" sizes, but no weight bench. Any suggestions on a "typical household" substitute for an incline weight bench?

Thx,
-Di

I use my step or stability ball. I can't really think of anything else I used for a bench. I'm the queen of innovation. My first aerobic step was a big speaker. I used it for years! My kids finally said, "Mom , You can afford a real step!"

[dimond]

Kelley,

Oh, I did the sissy version...I think if I can work up to the full 100 sissy-style, then I will start over with the classic form. At least, that's my plan at this point. I am going to post how I do with my Callanetics numbers (just as an aside, not planning on hi-jacking, I promise!)

Maria,

I thought about my stability ball, but have this horrible vision of losing my balance and having a terrible accident. (You know, somehting graceful like "while waving my arms around trying to get my balance back I smacked myself in the face with a dumbbell..." *sigh* Long term klutziness here. May just have to take the risk

Thanks again!
-Di

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

DI, for a makeshift incline, stack 2-3 toss pillows on top of each other, lay a hand towel across them, and use that as your incline. Works fine. Easy to move.

Maria, your innovative improvisation for the step using a speaker just CRACKED me up! But I had visions of your foot crashing through the woofer.

Waterytart, you didn't mention it, but I assume you're working with 10 in 10? Foot position is not as important as the position of the hip and the knee. Keep your hips square, and buttocks tight. Hopefully one of the instructors will pop in and give you prof. advice on this one.

[siamesegirl]

Originally Posted by waterytart

Hi everyone,

The folks at VideoFitness recommended this site as a great place to learn more about Callanetics and they're right - there's a wealth of information and inspiration here!

I've got a question I hope someone call answer for me. Does the position of your foot matter when you're doing the standing leg pulses? It appears to me on the dvd that everyone's foot is positioned differently so I assume it doesn't, but wanted to make sure since its so important in the original series. Also, can anyone recomment a good barre substitute? I feel like I can't get a good enough grip on say, a dresser, to lean back correctly and get the full effect of the exercises done on the knees.

Thanks in advance, you guys are great!

Worrywart: You should find a comfortable foot position that you can keep while pulsing. I use my tabletop to hang on to for the hips and behind, also my sofa.

[sreichfeld]

6th hour completed!! i feel sore in my buttocks

[Antonya]

Finally managed my 14th hour, 7th for the month. I'm going away soon and I'm afraid I won't make my challenge goal! But I'll have only myself to blame - been too lazy the last week with my exercise.

Twyla - those are great motivating tips!! You'd make a great trainer!

Lucky - No one seems to have mentioned this to you yet, but it's very common to find your clothes fitting tighter after several hours...your body is rearranging itself, and all the flab is meeting in the middle! It will pull in soon and look much better, so don't give up!

I'm going to look into this push-up challenge thingy! Sounds fun!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Thank you, Antonya! What an esteeming compliment! If I could quit my job, I'd be all over that one!

And as for your "lazy" week, don't look back. Sometimes when we give our bodies a rest, we make up for lost time with a powerhouse workout on our next session.

Take it a day at a time, and maximize your potential EVERY day.

[kimfin]

One hour of 10/10. Phew it was hard work today. Did it straight through. This is the first time I've done this, I usually break it up throughout the day or over a couple of days. Enjoyed it though, found it even more relaxing than usual.

I also did week 1/day 1 of the push up challenge. i'm doing the even wimpier version of push-ups: against the wall! I have zero upper body strength. Then when I've done this I'm gonna do it again with one of the harder versions like dimond.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by kimfin