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Has anyone really changed their shape by doing Callanetics? Sounds too good to be true.

244 replies

naturelover · 12/03/2012 14:11

Because I've bought the DVD because I'm ever hopeful!

I can't complain about my weight, BMI is and has nearly always been 22 and although I'd like to be thinner I realise that with my big bone structure it's never really going to happen. But I reckon that with the right kind of exercise I might be able to change my shape a bit (thinner thighs and flatter tummy would be good).

My youngest is now old enough that I should have long ago done something about the tummy - it's not huge but as I'm flat chested I feel a flat tummy would enhance my whole figure.

So has anyone done Callanetics and is it as effective as it claims to be? Or can you recommend any other good exercise for reshaping?

Thanks

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nethunsreject · 12/03/2012 14:15

I did it and it buggered up my back, despite assurances that it wouldn't! Sorry! It isn't evidence based.
You sound perfect weight - build core stability and toning stuff at the gym maybe?

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naturelover · 12/03/2012 14:18

If I could afford a gym and if DH was ever home before the gym closed so I could go I would definitely go! I used to love body conditioning classes. But , right now home exercise is the best I can manage.

I will proceed with caution re backs. Thanks for the warning.

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madmomma · 12/03/2012 15:47

I swear by callanetics and have done for years. It takes patience to learn to do the exercises correctly, but it completely changed my shape for the better.

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naturelover · 12/03/2012 16:58

Ooh madmomma that is exciting. Can I ask how often you do it and how long it took to see big changes? My worry is that I'll get bored of doing the same 1hr DVD even once (let alone twice) a week. Did you do other forms of exercise as well? In what way did your body change? I hope you don't mind all the questions!
Thanks

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madmomma · 12/03/2012 17:06

Don't mind at all. Just manically fending off toddlers, but will come back tonight and give you the full low-down.x

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Rolf · 12/03/2012 17:54

The only person I know who does it (and swears by it) is a mother of eight and she looks fabulous.

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4aminsomniac · 12/03/2012 18:02

I did it after baby no. 2, and found it worked well for tummy toning etc. Agree that you need to learn the correct way to do each exercise, otherwise you will be wasting effort. Good Luck!

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TheProvincialLady · 12/03/2012 18:07

I am surprised that it hurt your back nethunsreject. I have done it on/off for twenty years and can't think how you would hurt it.

I have only used a book to do callanetics but I think it is great. I don't do all of the exercises, just the leg/bum/tum/waist/warm up ones.

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SilkStalkings · 12/03/2012 18:58

It is basically pilates isn't it? You would do better to do a basic pilates course and learn about your core muscles under supervision. Then do the Callanetics at home and you'll avoid injuries like Nethunsreject (and me too, I knackered my shoulder just doing the warm ups first time as a teenager!)

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nethunsreject · 12/03/2012 20:40

It was the curling-your-pelvis-under thing which buggered my back. It can cause issues with t-spine area and is no longer considered good practice by physios apparently. It was the thing to do in the 90s though.

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nethunsreject · 12/03/2012 20:41

Oh, and yy, get some tutoring first, before you do any pilates type stuff. It is so easy to fuck things up by doing things a little bit wrong, as per me and SilkStalkings Smile!

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Rainydayagain · 12/03/2012 20:47

It works, i did it through my twenties. I am back doing it. After two weeks my waist is back. ( couple of inches gone)

Just try the waist excercise you will be amazed. google it.

You need to follow the instructions to the letter, in front of a mirror to avoid injuring your self.

Apparently madonna and gwenyth do it.

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GetOrfMoiiLand · 12/03/2012 20:55

Christ I remember trying to do Callanetics from badly drawn pictures from an Elle book in the mid 90s.

Is it back?

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madmomma · 12/03/2012 21:13

I did it to begin with because I'd hurt my back, and it really helped. If you follow her instructions to move in 'triple-slow-motion' you won't injure yourself. I used the book 'callanetics for your back'. I then started using the normal callanetics programme and it completely changed my shape. If you put the time in initially to learn the method (and you'll need the book to support this), it will pay off, believe me. If you do it properly for two one hr sessions per week, you'll easily go down a dress size in 8 weeks. Easily. And that's with no other changes to diet or other exercise. It pulls you in very quickly. I just started it again today, 11 wks after having my 3rd child by c section. I feel very excited cos I know it works so fast. After a few months you'll be able to do it without the video. Your arse will look amazing!

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GetOrfMoiiLand · 12/03/2012 21:18

What are you all reading? Are you using the old 9ps books or is there something new? I can only see NTSC DVDs on amazon and second hand books from back in the day.

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madmomma · 12/03/2012 21:45

the old ones. 80s-tastic.

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Rainydayagain · 13/03/2012 06:50

The video!!! It will drive you insane with her stupid voice, but you need the visuals to get how to do it i think. As above you will soon not need the vid.
Apparently it has now been copied to a dvd but that looks pricey.

There are a few free excercises on google if you wanted to dip you toe in t he water.

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areyoutheregoditsmemargaret · 13/03/2012 10:16

Blimey, Fergie used to swear by it in the late 80s - (the Duchess, not the singer). Who's revived it? Basically, it's pilates-lite - I would do that instead, that's what transformed my body.

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TheProvincialLady · 13/03/2012 10:37

Mine's an ancient book I got in a charity shop 20 years ago. If you can get over the constant boasting, it's a good book.

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Abra1d · 13/03/2012 10:42

'It is basically pilates isn't it? '

It is much harder. More like ballet, in some respects. I have done Pilates and Callanetics. Callanetics does work, especially the stomach exercises.

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Rainydayagain · 13/03/2012 12:10

Totally agree much much harder than pilates! Nothing wrong with either but callanetics look so easy when they work you hard.
They do originate from ballet and thats why ballerinas look so good.

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naturelover · 13/03/2012 13:17

Well last night I did an hour of the Ten Years Younger in Ten Hours DVD and it was hard work and today I really feel my muscles have worked. I suspect tomorrow I'll be unable to walk downstairs!

I'd settle for 5 years younger (ie pre-DC). I'm going to make a note of my measurements and do 10 hours over the next 5 weeks and report back if you like.

I've never done Pilates so can't compare.

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itdidntworkout · 13/03/2012 15:43

I remember doing the video workout 20 years ago and to this day I can still hear her say 'squeeze those inner thighs, you don't want them to wobble down the supermarket aisle' (or something like that). I do occasionally, put my legs either side of a chair and squeeeeeeze.

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Rainydayagain · 13/03/2012 16:21

Nature lover great idea i will join you.
Today
32" 29" 36"
Thighs 21"

I'm not wanting to loose weight just sculpt the last of the baby weight off and fit into a stunning dress for a wedding in june! ( can't buy a new one) flat stomach or at least remove the baby pouch would be lovely. I have already been doing for a couple of weeks.

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naturelover · 13/03/2012 16:44

Rainydayagain thanks for joining me!
I'm currently 34.5" 30" 39"
thighs 22"

I never know if I'm measuring at the right point so I aimed to measure widest point (for hips this seems much lower than my hip bones - I guess that's saddlebags for you!)

Interestingly I wrote down my measurements 6 years ago upon return from a holiday when I lost weight and felt really good about my body - and I'm reassured that I only have to lose an inch or so to reach those measurements again. I think muscle tone is key - especially tummy, that has inevitably disappeared after 2 DCs.

Good luck!

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