Trying Callanetics for the first time

Will this freezing cold weather never end?! I can’t even remember what summer feels and looks like anymore! How is a girl possibly supposed to get motivated about fitness and looking good in a cute Spring/Summer ’11 wardrobe when being warm and cosy, curled up on the sofa with a glass of vino is way more appealing!

Cue the wonder that is Callanetics.

Fitness DVDs have been a storming hit over the past few years with everything from Ministry of Sound to 10-minute workouts and celebrity personal trainers DVDs to the powerhouse that is Davina McCall and even Kerry Katona releasing workouts DVDs. The theory behind this fitness option is certainly attractive – work out in the comfort of your own home in your own time without any pressure or scary gym junkies to shame you.
However, sometimes you just don’t have enough space available to knee lift and star jump your butt to perfection or maybe you’re not one of those people who enjoys the sweat-fest and being yelled at by some crazed instructor on the screen.

Callanetics is an entirely new way of toning and reshaping your body by using minimal movements to amazing effect – no grapevines in sight.    
As a person born in the mid-80’s, I wasn’t familiar with this fitness craze first time around. However I certainly was familiar with the classic legwarmer/high-cut leotard combo which adorns the participants on the original video (now available in DVD form)!

The Callanetics Exercise Method was first developed in the US in the late 80’s by Callan Pinckney who suffered from extreme back and knee pain and found that all the exercises she tried hindered her far more than they helped. Then following her years as a trained ballerina, she began experimenting with different ballet techniques combined with other yoga and pilates style exercises and Callenetics was born.

25 years later Madonna is a huge fan (and we all know how beyond toned the mighty Madge is) and Callanetics has been updated into modern times with the launch of The Callanetics Evolution.

Having welcomed Callanetics as a new exhibitor to The Vitality Show 2011, I was lucky enough to have the chance to try both the original DVD and The Callanetics Evolution DVD. I was advised to start with the original – the fab legwarmer ensemble mentioned above was definitely enough to gauge my initial interest.  The program is broken into sections to target different body parts and naturally the ‘warm-up’ comes first. From what looks like fairly easy movements, I was soon heating up and getting into it. Each exercise requires repetition of tiny pulse movements to focus on the key muscle in order to strengthen, lengthen and increase flexibility. The great thing about this method is it’s suitable for all people at all levels of fitness. There are various ways to take it up a notch and challenge yourself. After my first attempt at the DVD, I felt my posture was better and my muscles (particularly my legs) had that funny twitch when you know you’ve worked hard but in a good way. The next day I definitely felt it too, especially walking up stairs! Following my trial of the DVDs I took part in an actual Callanetics class with London based instructor Sarah. After several injuries as a gymnast, Sarah suffered from chronic pain in her back and knees for several years and was diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome. Naturally, she tried every exercise method to help her to no avail until she found Callanetics and has never looked back, trained as an instructor and now runs her own classes throughout London to spread the word of Callanetics. Sarah recommends trying the DVD to familiarise yourself before coming to the class for more hands on tuition and guidance. In my hour class with Sarah, she ran through the Callanetics concepts and then various exercises for legs, bum, arms, back and tummy and oh my! was it a shock to some of my muscles that had just been flying under the radar for some time!

The great thing about the class was although challenging, it was also very calming and allowed me time to just focus on myself rather than all the manic things going on in everyday life. I left feeling much stronger, positive and relaxed.

As the exercises don’t require fancy equipment, I’ve now been able to incorporate them easily into my gym routine which keeps things interesting and I can feel the benefits.

So, whether you’re suffering from an injury and are looking for a way to exercise and sort your body out. Or perhaps you’re looking to lose weight and tone up for Summer than Callanetics is for you!
I think we’re all aware of that feeling of dread when you know you should go to that gym class but are desperately looking for an excuse not to. Exercise shouldn’t be a chore and I’m pleased to say not only is Callanetics effective but totally enjoyable and that should be how it is.

I’m putting a call out to all you women who want to shape up and feel great...head down to The Vitality Show and get involved with some Callanetics action – you won’t regret it!

Or try a class with Sarah, visit www.callaneticslondon.com to find out more.
Check out Amazon.co.uk to buy your own copy of Callanetics Evolution and give it a go in the comfort of your own home.