Callanetics

As has been mentioned already, this is not an aerobic workout. And yes, most exercises are repeated 100 times, but that's a fast 100. It's *so* worth it! Once you know the routine, the workout takes about 45 minutes if you do it without the tape.

Callan does contradict herself sometimes, but that seems to be because she was still evolving the exercises. If you have the Callanetics book, you'll notice that she modified some of the exercises for the tape. For example, on the stomach exercises the book says that when your knees are bent to hold your arms parallel to your legs. But on the tape she says to hold them parallel to the floor (the latter is more difficult). Even if you don't do everything the way she says, you'll still get great results if you do these things:

1-Relax the muscles that are not the specific ones performing an exercise (for example, don't tense your legs when you're exercising your stomach).

2-Tip your pelvis up (don't stick out your behind).

3-Make very, very small movements with each exercise.

Listen to Callan's comments on each exercise. It's hard to absorb all of them in the beginning, but don't worry about it. As you progress, you'll be able to improve the positioning of your body.

If you have a hard time the first day you do the workout, don't give up. I'd suggest committing to five workouts before dismissing the tape. After the first day I was so sore that I had to do the workout again the next day just to relieve my muscles. After the third workout I was feeling better after exercising instead of worse. Now I'm still a work in progress, but my leg and stomach muscles are becoming rock hard with absolutely no bulk. It's fantastic!


An exercise program that really WORKS1   April 3, 1998
31 out of 31 found this review helpful

I got the book and tape back in the late 1980s and for several years I used it regularly. Then, I put it aside and gave it up -- can't remember why but chalk it up to laziness. Recently I decided to get back into a fitness program and tighten up the flab. Impatient by nature and by preference, I don't like spending hours working out and sweating and having to wait months or weeks before seeing results. I decided to return to my Callanetics program -- which I know produces FAST visible results. I located my old book but not the video. I'm so glad to see Callan Pickney is still in business. Just ordered another couple of sets including Super Callanetics. Called "deep muscle" exercised, the movements are precise and difficult (kind of a combination of ballet and yoga positions with small delicate motions). They are quick to do and very quick to produce results. Highly recommended! END


Very pleased user..i think everyone should own a copy   June 16, 2000
30 out of 32 found this review helpful

this video is great... although they use a ballet barre.. you dont need one.. and besides.. how many people have one in their homes anyway... i used a chair.. and it worked just fine... the before and after photos in the video really motivated me to continue.. yes it was hard at first but after you learn correct techniques.. it will be no problem... what i really liked was the counter in the bottom corner of the TV screen..it makes everything much easier and you dont have to count to 40, 50, or even 100.i am looking forward to "Super Callanetics".. i rented the quick callanetics from my local video store... and i found out they are the EXACT SAME workout that is on the original "callanetics" video... please dont waste money on the 3 in the "quick series" just fast foward the original tape to the sections you would like the work on... also.. these exercises really make the cellulite that so many women have a problem with "DISAPPEAR".. i am speaking from my personal experiences...if you dont believe me .. get the tape and look the before and after pictures.. the students in the video range from ages 18- to callan's 70-something mother... there are men as well as women of ALL different body shapes and sizes..buy the tape... after about 20 hours.. (actually the workouts are only 40-45 minutes in length) you will be glad you did!


I never would have believed it if I didn't try it myself   May 4, 2000
27 out of 27 found this review helpful

I was very, very skeptical of all these wonderful on-line reviews. How could something so easy be so effective? Well, all I can say is I'M A BELIEVER!!After only 3 workouts I can see a difference. I have cellulite (ugh) on my upper back thighs and buttocks and after only 3 workouts, it looks smoother already. This tape is relaxing to me, no jumping around, no sweating buckets, and no frustration. Some of the moves are difficult on the first try, but it gets easier with each work out. I actually look forward to doing this at the end of the day. It's a great stress reliever. The day after following my first workout, my triceps were sore(I could never get my triceps to hurt with weights) and my butt was so sore, I couldn't cross my legs. It hurt to lift my leg. It was a good feeling, not a sore feeling but a burning sensation. I can't say enough good things about this video.