December Callanetics Challenge

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by SCYOGI

sandra or ben....is it possible to hit a callanetics plateau? i don't know if i've hit a wall or the early results were so amazing! anyway, any suggestions on "mixing it up"?

happy holidays to all!

I believe that reaching a plateau is your body asking for something new and needs a challenge. Mixing it up is fabulous and a must so that that your body doesn't know what's coming next.

This is why we have the different pulses in Evolution. I encourage my advanced students, who have mastered all the pulses, to mix them up each exercise so they don't just do one pulse all the time. They may start with the circular movement, then do some traditional, then some back and forth and maybe even pulse with the pelvic floor. But they never follow the same pattern.

Also, make sure that you are intensifying. You want to work at a level between 7-10 intensity.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by Sakinah

hi all i have been slacking big time
looking forward to jumping in on januarys challenge

got a question, i know callanetics is good for double chin
will it also help with jowls? im irish/scottish background and this kind of drooping is in my heritage, really hoping to avoid it but i see it starting!

Regular Callanetics definitely helps to keep the jawline firm along with a youthful, graceful and strong neck.

But if you're serious about face sculpting I'd seriously recommend Deb Crowley's FlexEffect program. I've been doing this for nearly 8 months and absolutely ecstatic with the results. It takes a few months to see any difference and you have to perform the exercises at least 5-6 a week. Deb does say that it takes 12 months of regular workouts to see a dramatic change.

Just for the record, I've done Carol Maggio's Facercise over the years and even spent time with her in LA. Also, I've tried most of the others but FlexEffect is the bomb as far as I'm concerned. It's the only way to replace the loss of subcutaneous fat that we lose as we ago. You're doing this by building muscle much like weight lifting. I also engage the pelvic floor and stretch up as I do each exercise and this intensifies it I feel.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by KlingonBabe

Dear Sandra,

I just have to say how MUCH it helps to remember to engage the pelvic floor. For some reason, once I tighten the PF, the muscles isolate so much better, because those muscles aren't straying into the exercises.

I did a run today, and, since I had slacked off on Wednesday and Thursday, I added an hour of 10/10. oof! That was TOUGH! Especially the pelvic scoops!

I love the feeling of the how much deeper I feel my muscles working when I have my pelvic floor tight. You just know when you've relaxed them even a little as you lose that deep sensation.

Good for you that you're feeling this it means that you pelvic floor is strong and you are working in a relaxed state.

[sunrise lady]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

I've tried most of the others but FlexEffect is the bomb as far as I'm concerned. It's the only way to replace the loss of subcutaneous fat that we lose as we ago. You're doing this by building muscle much like weight lifting. I also engage the pelvic floor and stretch up as I do each exercise and this intensifies it I feel.

Hi Sandra

What do you mean when you stretch up? Do you mean your crown, since you're using your hands on your face? Are you sitting when doing FE?

thanks!

(another hour of evolution done).

[laurakitty]

1 hr of 10/10

[Romy@callan]

[COLOR="Red"]I wish each one of you Merry Christmas and a real good time with your family and friends !
Have a Happy New Year with lots of health and everything you wish for yourself !

Big hug to everyone,
Romy [/COLOR]

[ellenalesa]

I think it's over! I have been SO GOOD this holiday season. No junk at all, and it was effortless. On Christmas, I ate whatever I wanted and made some less than healthy choices. But I had planned it as a cheat day. I got right back on track yesterday.

I added weight training into my routine, and today I got on the scale and I have taken off 3 pounds! I am lighter now than I have been in years.

The Callanetics studio is closed until January 2. My instructor is giving a class tomorrow, to which I will go, but I haven't been since Sunday. I haven't had the chance to talk to her about my plateau, but I will.

I have been doing Callanetics since August with AMAZING results. That's why I was confused when I upped it to 4 times a week, the results seemed to stop.

Sometimes I wonder if the body just needs a pause now and then.

Anyway, I am delighted. Thanks for all your help and support.

BTW..I wouldn't want to take too much time from Callanetics, because I love the way it makes me feel. I have no more back pain and I just feel stretched out and relaxed.

Have a great day, ladies.

[CallanFan]

I never bothered watching the Callanetics Concepts all the way through on the CardioCallanetics DVD, since I had seen Sandra give them on the Callanetics Evolution DVD and they appeared to be the same. Well, at the end Sara Kooperman comes on and gives some tips on the cardio portion. I wish I'd noticed that earlier...

Back on track after taking off a couple of days over the holidays. Everything feels harder and gooder! Nice to take a short break and come back really feeling it.

[Timmers]

Thanks for the response, Sandra, I really appreciate it. I just finished Evolution, and I really tried to concentrate on stretching through each excercise. I have always concentrated so hard on the pelvic floor, I was not giving that enough attention. So much to remember! I do notice myself using Callanetics throughout the day, even while I am driving!
Timmers

[KlingonBabe]

1 hour Evolution done. The abs exercises were more breathers than work... :roll:

I think I'm taking tomorrow off from Callanetics... Doing it two days in a row is BRUTAL for me.

[Starduster]

Haven't been around for awhile, but just wanted to read old posts and check in. So far have completed 12 of 14 sessions of 10in10 (and 10 of LBM). I feel good and strong, but can't say I've noticed any significant changes yet, but I'm hoping to be surprised when I take my measurements on the 8th. I'm just gonna keep working at it and "get 'er done!!"...

[pushing 40]

Hello everyone, I have not posted here before but am on some other LCF forums, Through those I learned about callanetics and am excited to see some results. My question is this, I order her 20 minute leg and thigh workout because this is my most troublesome area, is just doing this workout going to be enough to see a difference in this area and how often do you suggest I do it?

I also do cardio and strength/resistence training a few times a week. Overall I am happy with my upper body, it is very lean but my problem areas are my hips and mainly my thighs. I have been following Wendy Chant's Break the Fat Loss Code with my DH for 7 weeks and have seen no real results even though I followed religiously and exercised vigoriously (cardio, strength). I am really hoping the Callanetics is the answer. Any advise is much appreciated.

Good luck to all of you, I have enjoyed hearing your success stories.

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by pushing 40

Hello everyone, I have not posted here before but am on some other LCF forums, Through those I learned about callanetics and am excited to see some results. My question is this, I order her 20 minute leg and thigh workout because this is my most troublesome area, is just doing this workout going to be enough to see a difference in this area and how often do you suggest I do it?

I also do cardio and strength/resistence training a few times a week. Overall I am happy with my upper body, it is very lean but my problem areas are my hips and mainly my thighs. I have been following Wendy Chant's Break the Fat Loss Code with my DH for 7 weeks and have seen no real results even though I followed religiously and exercised vigoriously (cardio, strength). I am really hoping the Callanetics is the answer. Any advise is much appreciated.

Good luck to all of you, I have enjoyed hearing your success stories.

So happy you've decided to join the Callanetics Challenge! You are going to love it. I'll let our experts suggest the workout schedule for you. Just wanted to say and welcome

[LoriMarie]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Regular Callanetics definitely helps to keep the jawline firm along with a youthful, graceful and strong neck.

But if you're serious about face sculpting I'd seriously recommend Deb Crowley's FlexEffect program. I've been doing this for nearly 8 months and absolutely ecstatic with the results. It takes a few months to see any difference and you have to perform the exercises at least 5-6 a week. Deb does say that it takes 12 months of regular workouts to see a dramatic change.

Just for the record, I've done Carol Maggio's Facercise over the years and even spent time with her in LA. Also, I've tried most of the others but FlexEffect is the bomb as far as I'm concerned. It's the only way to replace the loss of subcutaneous fat that we lose as we ago. You're doing this by building muscle much like weight lifting. I also engage the pelvic floor and stretch up as I do each exercise and this intensifies it I feel.

Sandra...thanks for sharing this. How long each day does it take to do the exerices. Also after a year or whenever you are satisfied with your results do you still have to do the exercises 5-6 times per week and if not how often do they recommend. Also, in your opinion is it worth getting the video for $40 less or is the ease of a DVD to skip around worth the extra $40.

Thanks
Lori

[LoriMarie]

Yesterday I did 10 in 10 and today again...Have a great day tomorrow!

Lori

[pushing 40]

Hello Kelley, so nice to see a familiar face here on the Callanetics thread. I am not sure I am up for a challange as everyone is doing much harder versions than me. I really am surprised at how these exercises make me feel when there are so few reps - I can't even do them all yet and I am sure I am not doing them right. Doing cardio and strength training I had no idea how tight my muscles were. I thought I was in decent shape after these exercises, not so much. I can't wait until I can feel that I am more flexible and I now understand what it might mean to have leaner muscles - mine feel so bound up now. You must be a wonderwomen after so much callanetics!

[enjoy]

Did an hr of evolution, my 15th for the challenge. I have been so lazy since the holiday, so it was a little harder, but I am so glad I did it.

Sandra, could you please explain again what you mean by keeping your counter pulls in place. thanks for all your help!!

[KlingonBabe]

I took a day off today. I'll be doing Callanetics tomorrow and Wednesday, for my 14th and 15th hours for the month.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by sunrise lady

Hi Sandra

What do you mean when you stretch up? Do you mean your crown, since you're using your hands on your face? Are you sitting when doing FE?

thanks!

(another hour of evolution done).

Yes, I do mean the crown. I'm usually sitting upright with my shoulder blades down to hips and wide, pelvic floor tight of course and spine stretched up through crown of head. Try it, it really does intensify each exercise. If you engage and then release while you are training you'll notice the difference. Sitting on a fit ball seems to make a difference also.

Are you still doing FE? I never bothered with the massage until the last couple of months but can see a huge difference in the quality of my skin. It really has thickened up. I'm rapt with the results.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by LoriMarie

Sandra...thanks for sharing this. How long each day does it take to do the exerices. Also after a year or whenever you are satisfied with your results do you still have to do the exercises 5-6 times per week and if not how often do they recommend. Also, in your opinion is it worth getting the video for $40 less or is the ease of a DVD to skip around worth the extra $40.

Thanks
Lori

the DVD that comes with the book has 14 exercises that take about 15 minutes. Deb suggests doing this twice a day for a while and then gradually incorporating some of the exercises in the book. There are 40 in the book which takes about 30 minutes to complete. I know it sounds painful to have to do everyday but you do get in to a pattern. I break them up during the day which works for me. It really is worth the effort even though the results don't show for a while but suddenly you start noticing a plumping effect with the eyes lifting and skin tightening. The massage is fierce and totally against everything we've been taught about how to treat our skin. This massage involves pinching and rolling and you gradually increase the intensity of the massage as your skin starts to get tougher. The result is thicker skin as collagen starts to build.

Sorry, everyone I know this isn't a FlexEffect board but I'm very excited about this program and want to certify to teach in my studio next year. Callanetics keeps the body toned and youthful and the face does seem to age better to a degree also however, FE is an aggressive face building program that works as well as Callanetiocs....just not as quickly iunfortunately.

I would think that it will always involve regular 3-6 times a week workouts to maintain the results. I would buy the DVD then you can play it on your computer if you wish. Oh it also comes with a CD with the 40 exercises on which is great when you first start out. I put both on my Ipod for use and this worked great for me.

I wish I'd started this program earlier before I needed it instead of playing around with other programs.

Okay, enough for now

[Sandrahanna]

Just letting you know that I'm off on a road trip for a week or so so won't be around.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and see you in '09.

[elainek]

Another off topic but just incase someone is interested in Facial Exercises. I do both Flex Effect and as I don't have time 5 to 6 times a week I also do LouLou exercises which are very good also. It only takes 5 mins and the 10 exercises are split into 2 days and it is only $10. I am putting link for a forum that dicusses Loulou's exercises.

Okay enough sorry about the off topic, will not happen again.


Ageless if you Dare - Loulou's Facial Exercises

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by pushing 40

Hello everyone, I have not posted here before but am on some other LCF forums, Through those I learned about callanetics and am excited to see some results. My question is this, I order her 20 minute leg and thigh workout because this is my most troublesome area, is just doing this workout going to be enough to see a difference in this area and how often do you suggest I do it?

I also do cardio and strength/resistence training a few times a week. Overall I am happy with my upper body, it is very lean but my problem areas are my hips and mainly my thighs. I have been following Wendy Chant's Break the Fat Loss Code with my DH for 7 weeks and have seen no real results even though I followed religiously and exercised vigoriously (cardio, strength). I am really hoping the Callanetics is the answer. Any advise is much appreciated.

Good luck to all of you, I have enjoyed hearing your success stories.

Hey, Pushing40!

For best results, try to do Callanetics no less than 3 x per week. You've mentioned the 20-min workout, which I'm not personally familiar with. Maybe others can recommend the best approach with that DVD.

Keep up the cardio and the clean eating (which, by the way, is outlined below), and you may want to keep the strength training for more upper body definition.

Keep us posted on your progress. At some point you may want to switch to a full hour of Callanetics three times a week or so. See how you progress, take pics and measurements, and be your own guide.

As for "clean eating," it's used loosely, but it basically means adhering to the BEST way of eating that suits your individual metabolism. Some people do better on lower carbs and higher fat, some do better with moderate carbs and moderate fat.

Avoiding processed sugars is key. And if you eat complex carbs for fueling workouts, always combine them with a lean protein and some healthy fat. Try to spread your food out over 5-6 smaller meals, consumed every 2-3 hours

Pay attention to proper portions and practice portion control, and the best, most accountable way of doing this is to track your food intake religiously with a program such as Fitday. Hidden calories and/or carbs can be easily overlooked if not tracked, and thus cause stalled weight loss.

And drink lots of water throughout the day to keep the burned fat flushed from your system. (No less than 8 cups a day)

Hoping you'll soon discover the MAGIC of Callanetics.

Best to you.

[Danipower714]

An hour of 10 in 10 completed.

Happy New Year everyone!

[pushing 40]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Hey, Pushing40!

For best results, try to do Callanetics no less than 3 x per week. You've mentioned the 20-min workout, which I'm not personally familiar with. Maybe others can recommend the best approach with that DVD.

Keep up the cardio and the clean eating (which, by the way, is outlined below), and you may want to keep the strength training for more upper body definition.

Keep us posted on your progress. At some point you may want to switch to a full hour of Callanetics three times a week or so. See how you progress, take pics and measurements, and be your own guide.

As for "clean eating," it's used loosely, but it basically means adhering to the BEST way of eating that suits your individual metabolism. Some people do better on lower carbs and higher fat, some do better with moderate carbs and moderate fat.

Avoiding processed sugars is key. And if you eat complex carbs for fueling workouts, always combine them with a lean protein and some healthy fat. Try to spread your food out over 5-6 smaller meals, consumed every 2-3 hours

Pay attention to proper portions and practice portion control, and the best, most accountable way of doing this is to track your food intake religiously with a program such as Fitday. Hidden calories and/or carbs can be easily overlooked if not tracked, and thus cause stalled weight loss.

And drink lots of water throughout the day to keep the burned fat flushed from your system. (No less than 8 cups a day)

Hoping you'll soon discover the MAGIC of Callanetics.

Best to you.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Twyla, Thanks for the advice and the encouragment. It is always good to hear from you. Happy New Year![/COLOR]

[CarlynB]

Hello, all. I participated in the November challenge, but was sidelined by illness and the busy-ness of the month of Dec.

I'm jumping back into the January challenge. My goal is 15 sessions of Callan in Jan.

I did an hour of Callan tonight. I'm happy to be back here.

CarlynB

[KlingonBabe]

I just did one hour of 10/10

One more hour for the month, and I'll have met my challenge!!!!!

[jessiekayq]

I hope everyone had a great holiday. Mine was wonderful and busy and my new callanetics dvd arrived I'm so excited.. Trying to do it with the book just isn't working for me so I'm glad to have Sandra back into my home!

Happy new year to everyone! My new years resolution... enjoy the magic of callanetics!

[sweettooth]

two hours of 10/10 completed: one yesterday and one today...I've reached my goal for the month!!!!

[sreichfeld]

Hi there!!

just ordered Evolution through Ebay. I am so excited!! I only have books (10/10 and Super) so far so I really want to see it now
I was really inspired by you guys here, so keep up!

Wishing all of you a very happy new year!!!!