December Callanetics Challenge

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by edna_scooter

Hi I'm new here but I have been lurking for a bit. I wanted to wait to join the new challenge at the beginning of this month. I've already got 20 hours under my belt and my goal is another 14 this month. I can't believe how much I've fallen in love with Callanetics! I have done weight training type workouts (like Joyce Vedral) ever since I was 17 and started to get chubby (I am 23 now). That and dieting helped me get to the right weight, but I'm still out of shape in some areas (kind of a pear shape). Callanetics is really firming up some areas like my butt...err peach...that nothing else has seemed to help much other than making it bigger or smaller. Also I thought my stomach was fairly flat ( However, I was wrong after looking at my pictures, lol) but it is pulling in as well.

Besides all of that I have had some issues with my upper back/neck. That area had always been extremely tight and sore. It always felt like it was out of place and It caused my shoulders to hunch forward. It was a lot of effort to try to stand up straight. I was in pain everyday and taking a lot of ibuprofen. After the first few hours of Callan all that tension went away. It's completely gone now! I am so relieved, it's crazy! I can't say I look 10 years younger (and I wouldn't wanna look 13 anyway ) but I do feel much younger.

Also my boyfriend told me he thinks I have grown an inch . That's quite a compliment for me because I am really short. It must be improved posture!

I will try to post my progress pictures if I can figure it out. I took some at 12, 15, and 17 hours.

That's awesome Edna You will be getting so many other benefits from this workout...and wow, starting young this will serve you well in the future.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by batlou

Help me out here...my wife was looking for something different and I told her that several people on this site have had success with Callanetics. Do any of you lady's have more info or suggestions as to how to get started or what video's your using?

Husbands and partners love the results from the Callanetics workout. I have one student who told me that when they were out looking for a new home her husband commented that one criteria was that the new home mustn't be too far from the studio. The benefits of the program are not just visible

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by Joyful111

Thank you for the welcome.

I did an hour of 10/10 today. I have done four hours since Sunday and I noticed after the first hour that I was standing taller. Last night I noticed that my bottom line has already lifted after only three hours! Hooray! Can't wait to see what I notice tonight.

Yeh And this is one reason why we get addicted to the program.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by tpiper55

Hi Everyone. I've been lurking on the November Challenge board for the past month and decided to begin my Callanetics journey last Thursday 11/26. After five workouts, I SEE many changes, my entire abdominal wall is firmer and seems to 'sit taller', if that makes any sense. Also, my lower ab pooch is disappearing (hysterectomy cut last March), I see tone'age in my inner thighs and my bottom line is RISING. OMG, this is INSANE, yes, I see those things after ONLY FIVE HOURS. I've done multiple rounds of both P90X AND ChaLean Extreme, taught several kickboxing formats, but I've NEVER, EVER seen these types of results, and so quickly, to boot. I'm currently doing the 10 in 10.

My goal for December is to do 10 in 10 six days a week (Tuesdays off) for 26 hours. I'll take updated pictures at 10 hours and 20 hours co compare with my beginning shots.

This is EXCITING! I look forward to hanging with you guys!
Toni

Awesome

If you get to the stage where you're not seeing the changes let us know. There are ways to intensify the exercises and different pulsing actions that will trick your muscles.

It's not just the shaping of the body that you'll probably notice but you'll start feeling very fluid and smooth as you move around, sit, stand, walk etc

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by enjoy

Hi guys, just got back from Nigeria. I was gone for 2 months, did not do any callanetics, so I have to get back into my groove, I will try to do 16hrs, I know I need it!!

Welcome back..hope you had a great trip You'll be right back on track after your 1st session.

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by catapulta

I would like some advice, especially from those of you who've been practicing callanetics for some time. I been doing callanetics, along with some cardio, for three months. I am very happy with the results I'm getting. I was very out of shape, and now my body is toned. BUT my lower abdomen is not

I know that every body reacts to exercise at a different pace, and that you have to have patience... but I feel that it's strange that I don't notice any improvement in that area in three months (I do callanetics 5-6 days a week)
I engage the pelvic floor, I watch out that my form is correct etc..

Should I do more abdominal exercises? like double sets, or doing two times a day? How much did it take for you?

Thanks a lot!

Check that you keep your abs drawn down in to your spine while you are pulsing. If your abs pop up, or ridge, take a breather and draw your navel back down before commencing.

Another thing to check is that you are NOT curling up your pelvis. Keep your tailbone completely relaxed on the floor. Your pelvis should be in a neutral position not tipped up. If you have difficulty keeping your low back and tail bone down lift your feet up off the floor and cross your ankles bringing knees in towards you until you feel your hips release and low back relax and melt on to floor.

An intensifier to target the low abs is, when you have one or both legs raised, to lower your legs to the floor 1/2 to 1 inch at a time. However, be careful with this as you want to check that your waist and low back doesn't lift up off the floor. So only lower your legs to a point that your back feels comfortable and protected.

I sometimes use a fit ball in class for the ab workout and this seriously works the lower abs as the leg is lower and the foot rests on the ball so you can just relax the leg totally. Again, both sides of the pelvis must stay relaxed on the floor.

Remember to always listen to your body it will send you signals to tell you if you're not ready for something or if you need to challenge.

Let me know if you try any of these and how it goes.

[Weebonilass]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Once you mastered a 1/2 inch start working on making the pulses more like a 1/4 inch

Wow, I've been doing it backwards.... I've been working towards 1/2 inch from 1/4 inch.... sheeeeeshhhhh

[Weebonilass]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Another thing to check is that you are NOT curling up your pelvis. Keep your tailbone completely relaxed on the floor. Your pelvis should be in a neutral position not tipped up. If you have difficulty keeping your low back and tail bone down lift your feet up off the floor and cross your ankles bringing knees in towards you until you feel your hips release and low back relax and melt on to floor.

An intensifier to target the low abs is, when you have one or both legs raised, to lower your legs to the floor 1/2 to 1 inch at a time. However, be careful with this as you want to check that your waist and low back doesn't lift up off the floor. So only lower your legs to a point that your back feels comfortable and protected.

I sometimes use a fit ball in class for the ab workout and this seriously works the lower abs as the leg is lower and the foot rests on the ball so you can just relax the leg totally. Again, both sides of the pelvis must stay relaxed on the floor.

Remember to always listen to your body it will send you signals to tell you if you're not ready for something or if you need to challenge.

Let me know if you try any of these and how it goes.

Sandra!

Thank you! Thank you!! I've had some trouble with the leg exercises due to some damage I did to the muscles in my lower back when I was tossed off a horse years ago. My back just doesn't easily settle into the floor. I also can't sleep on my back or my stomach without pain in my lower back.

I'll be bringing my ball out for this evening's session to see if this helps... is a smaller or larger ball better (I have the silver and purple one).

[Weebonilass]

Originally Posted by edna_scooter

2/14 hours of 10 in 10 done. It's weird that I have been doing this for 21 hours without really any soreness but now all the sudden I am sore in my upper thighs. Not complaining... it's just interesting how it works. Here are some progress pics. Hope they can be motivational to someone

It's always interesting to me how this works... the last time I had my Callanetics tape out, it was the Pelvic Tilts that were murder on me... this time they aren't so hard, but it's the leg exercises that are killing me. As a regular West Coast Swing dancer, it's astounding to find out how weak my core is But I'm expecting the pro that I've worked with in the past to be astounded how strong I've gotten the next time I book a lesson with him at a dance event

[lovely86]

Alright! I didn't do good in November BUT I also didn't do bad!

I have to really kick it up this month I get fitted for my wedding dress beginning of January I have the 10/10 and both evolutions...does anyone have any suggestions for the best routine to go about doing before I get fitted

[AprilW]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Husbands and partners love the results from the Callanetics workout. I have one student who told me that when they were out looking for a new home her husband commented that one criteria was that the new home mustn't be too far from the studio. The benefits of the program are not just visible

My hubby is sure enjoying the benefits.....:blush:

[Weebonilass]

Amazing how a warm house encourages one to work-out #2 of 16 done this evening. The lower back strength is still my favorite move, closely followed by the waist/side stretch in the warm up.

Got to feed the snakes and then I'm off to bed, with alarms set to go off in the morning for my walk.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Joyful111

Edna your results are wonderful. Thank you so much for posting the photos. They are very inspiring. (Watchmeshrink, if you click on the thumbnails then you can see the full size photos.)

Oh.

:blush:

[planetbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Weebonilass

Amazing how a warm house encourages one to work-out #2 of 16 done this evening. The lower back strength is still my favorite move, closely followed by the waist/side stretch in the warm up.

Got to feed the snakes and then I'm off to bed, with alarms set to go off in the morning for my walk.

That's so true!!!! My apartment is so cozy and warm while it's freeeeeezing outside. It makes me want to exercise more!

[dontletsstart]

I tried Callanetics before and liked it, but just never made it part of a routine. I've lost about 15 lbs the past 2 months eating LC, but am not seeing the kind of changes I'd like. So, I've decided to give this a shot, and want to do (at least) 10 hours this month. Just completed hour 1 a few minutes ago!

[tpiper55]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Once you mastered a 1/2 inch start working on making the pulses more like a 1/4 inch

OMG, I'm so glad you confirmed this - THANK YOU. Lately, I've been making my pulses smaller on the abwork and feeling it more intensely. I've even noticed that on the video, some of them are pulsing so small that they appear to not be pulsing at all. WOW, there is just soooo much potential for growth in this program.
Toni

[tpiper55]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

It's not just the shaping of the body that you'll probably notice but you'll start feeling very fluid and smooth as you move around, sit, stand, walk etc

^^^^^^ THIS!!! I'm currently taking pole dancing lessons and noticed that a couple of the moves that were very hard and/or intimidating for me previously, are much easier, if not downright EFFORTLESS since I started doing callanetics....and yes, just moving around in general seems to feel 'different'. I couldn't quite put my finger on what the difference was before, but you nailed it, it's a very fluid and smooth way that my body is moving...almost as if someone took an oil can to my joints, ligaments, and tendons

[tpiper55]

Originally Posted by Sandrahanna

Check that you keep your abs drawn down in to your spine while you are pulsing. If your abs pop up, or ridge, take a breather and draw your navel back down before commencing.

OH WAIT, should we be sucking in during the abdominal work? I thought Callan said not to hold the abs in. I think I'm doing them wrong because I just let them be relaxed. They're not sticking out, per se, but definitely not drawn down or contracted. I try to focus more on rounding by pulling my breast into my ribcage. Is this incorrect? Please advise as I definitely want to make sure I'm doing these correctly.

Sandra, THANK YOU again for taking the time to provide us with this guidance.
Toni

[tpiper55]

3/26 DONE! (10 in 10)

[Weebonilass]

Originally Posted by tpiper55

OH WAIT, should we be sucking in during the abdominal work? I thought Callan said not to hold the abs in. I think I'm doing them wrong because I just let them be relaxed. They're not sticking out, per se, but definitely not drawn down or contracted. I try to focus more on rounding by pulling my breast into my ribcage. Is this incorrect? Please advise as I definitely want to make sure I'm doing these correctly.

Sandra, THANK YOU again for taking the time to provide us with this guidance.
Toni

Toni,

That is what Callan says in 10/10. She says they are working hard enough... and to breathe normally.... I'm confused now too...

[Joyful111]

Originally Posted by tpiper55

almost as if someone took an oil can to my joints, ligaments, and tendons

I am feeling that too.

Sandra, thank you for the advice on pulsing. As I get stronger I feel like I have more control.

I did another hour of 10/10 today. It felt great.

[Mulberry32]

Cardio C cardio and toning done for #4

[Hoppinn]

Callanetics, 10 Years Younger in 10 Hours!
I completed 1 hour!
Total: 11 hours!

[AprilW]

Hour 3 done!!

[edna_scooter]

Thanks everyone for the welcome/comments

Tpiper55 thank you! Your avatar is very inspirational too! You look like you have had incredible results so far. My routine is solely Callanetics right now, I only have the 10/10 video. I just wanted to give the program a chance to see how it worked by itself. So far I'm very impressed. Although, I may add in weight training for upper body in the future. No cardio either, not saying cardio isn't good for you, I just never could motivate myself to do it. I saw more changes with diet anyways.

Weebonilass I agree about the warm house. The one thing that keeps me dreading a workout is the thought of crawling out from under the cozy warm blanket on my couch! My boyfriend keeps the apartment like an icebox

I agree with the others who are confused about the ab work...are we supposed to be holding our abs in? Maybe that's why my lower stomach is not improving so much. I think if i was pulling my stomach in at the same time I would only be able to do about 5 reps before collapsing lol.

[edna_scooter]

...off to do 3/14.

[sunrise lady]

ok I'm in for this month - probably won't get a lot done cos it's the silly season, but even 1 session will be more than what I did last month! :blush: (which I'm off to do right now!).

[tpiper55]

4/26 DONE! (10 in 10)

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by Weebonilass

Sandra!

Thank you! Thank you!! I've had some trouble with the leg exercises due to some damage I did to the muscles in my lower back when I was tossed off a horse years ago. My back just doesn't easily settle into the floor. I also can't sleep on my back or my stomach without pain in my lower back.

I'll be bringing my ball out for this evening's session to see if this helps... is a smaller or larger ball better (I have the silver and purple one).

The most important thing here is that your back feels protected and both sides of your pelvis are relaxed down on the floor. The smaller the ball the lower your leg will be, the more challenging the workout. So you may like to use a bigger ball initially. You can also rest your foot on a chair or other support. The beauty is that you don't have the weight of the legs to contend with so you can relax and let go easier and focus on abs.

Again, please remember to listen to your body for signals if something doesn't feel right. If your back lifts or doesn't feel comfortable adjust your position to bring leg higher up. This is so important I don't want you to put strain on your back while doing the workout this way

[Sandrahanna]

Originally Posted by tpiper55

OH WAIT, should we be sucking in during the abdominal work? I thought Callan said not to hold the abs in. I think I'm doing them wrong because I just let them be relaxed. They're not sticking out, per se, but definitely not drawn down or contracted. I try to focus more on rounding by pulling my breast into my ribcage. Is this incorrect? Please advise as I definitely want to make sure I'm doing these correctly.

Sandra, THANK YOU again for taking the time to provide us with this guidance.
Toni

You're right to relax your abs down You don't need to suck them down, this creates tension and really isn't necessary. I instruct students to visualise that their navel is a treasure chest sinking down to the bottom of the ocean. You'll see your waist expanding as you do this.

So, think melting abs down not contracting them. Callan does say in 10/10 you don't need to conract them down to work the abs effectively. However, I feel in class many beginners with weak abs use their backs to push up their abs creating a ridging effect of their rectus ab. This means the torso bears down in to the pelvis and then they have to use their backs for the workout which means nil ab toning and huge strain on the neck and head. I just bring them into an easier position until their abs strengthen. Our goal is to stay lengthened out of the pelvis to the max so, when you're setting up in to position, think 'rounding out,up and in.

It sounds like you are doing this anyway I just wanted to clarify it for others too.