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

[naturelover]

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

[Spamspamspam]

How exciting! Just bought the 10 years DVD will update a few hours in

[naturelover]

Right, I have finally dug out the tape measure, after 14 hours of callanetics over the last 7 weeks.

I have lost 2 inches off my waist, 1.5 inches off my thighs, and 0 inches off my hips.
AND
everything is noticeably firmer, higher and smoother. I think my hips might be unchanged because my bottom is higher - though not yet like the "peach" that Callan promises!

I will definitely continue, the results are really showing and I feel I'd be very happy to wear a bikini now that my tummy is flatter than before.

I will probably buy the Super Callanetics dvd in a month or two, to prevent myself stagnating.

Can anyone recommend a pilates dvd? I might like to give pilates a try as well.

The other dvd I've read about is the Ballet Beautiful one - has anyone tried it?

I have always hated leaping-around-sweating exercise, and so callanetics is really great for me. It's hard enough to feel effective with no sweating at all. I'm a convert.

[Spamspamspam]

Okay just about to start and have skimmed through the dvd and it was exactly how I remembered from all those years ago however what does everyone do about using a bar? only thing that looks high enough is the dining room table and that is not in the same room as the DVD player....windowsills in lounge are low as is the only coffee table in the room...pondering what to do.

[naturelover]

I use the back of the sofa.

[smallmole]

Well after your recommendations I've bought the book (10yrs in 10hrs) and I don't think it's working. I've only done about four hours so I wasn't expecting massive changes but from reading people raving about it on here I was hoping to notice something at least. Nothing.

I am finding the book quite hard to follow - the pictures aren't great and there's not a huge amount of instruction. Am I expecting too much to see some changes already or am I too fat (size 16) to be able to see the changes to the muscles underneath? I'm quite disheartened with the whole thing and I had such high hopes that Callenetics would give me back my pre-babies shape.

I'm doing them wrong, aren't I?

[Ruari888]

I love callenetics and yes it can change your shape. I lost 3 stone of baby fat using callenetics and it toned me really well. I wouldnt hesitate, its really relaxing music and exercises you can do when the kids are in bed or napping and not something to have to drag yourself out to do. Have fun:)

[Ruari888]

ps you can improvise in the living room by using the sofa back as the bar or a side cabinet anything is possible with improvising.

[gracelesslady]

I've just bought a book.... I'm hoping for a pert backside in a few weeks ;)

[sair1234]

I am starting today am/pm dvd, 5 weeks until my hold abroad. I used to it years ago and it really worked lost 3 inches from my hips!

[sergeantmajor]

Nostalgic joy! Is Callanetics really back? I remember that "wobbly thighs" comment itdidntoworkout! (in fact it has haunted me down the years ). Callanetics was how I spent my skinny teenage years, convinced that my tummy stuck out, when it didn't. I would try it again now, as long as I don't have to wear the frosted eye make-up to match.

[CambridgeBlue]

I'm quite keen to try this as I've lost a lot of weight over the past few years (around 4 stone) but still really need to tone up. Which DVD do we reckon is the best one to get?

[JazzDalek]

Impulse buy. Have just ordered the DVD. Am slimmish but have noticed thighs and bum really starting to go downhill the last year or two

Cambridgeblue I ordered this one:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00064K0RI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[sair1234]

I have got the am/pm calanectics dvd, but used to use the original calanetics on video used so many times its worn out!! That was the one that toned me up. Will let you know how I get on with the am/pm, but if anyone has used that one please let me know if it works?

[SirRaymondClench]

God I love Callanetics! I must get back into it!
The answer to your question Op is yes, I did.
Callan Pinkney died last year which was very sad, but her DVDs are ace if you can overlook the 70s porn star men and frankly odd looking people in her videos.
Sandra Hannah has taken on the baton and is a bit more modern and I used to do a combination of both of their videos. You will like some of both of their vids and I found it more enjoyable to do that.
It's very meditative too.

[sair1234]

That is really sad, I had no idea she had died! Thanks for the information will try that. had to laugh about the porn star comment!!

[SilverSixpence]

how often do i need to do tracey anderson for it to work?

[SirRaymondClench]

By the way you can find Sandra Hannah on Facebook and ask any questions about technique there, also read any previous questions.
Also it's worth knowing that you are supposed to life your pelvic floor while doing the exercises.

[fedupofnamechanging]

I have just bought the beginning callanetics DVD - I remember my mum doing the video in the 80s, so feel all nostalgic! I find yet voice quite soothing. Really hoping it works for me because I high impact stuff - I get really breathless because I am so unfit. Feeling quite excited at the possibility of being toned!

[MoodyDidIt]

ooh this sounds amazing....have read first few posts and am marking place to return to later!

[Abra1d]

This zombie thread (dead for a year and then back to life) has reminded me that I need to do the Callan hip and butt exercises.

[SilverSixpence]

Didn't realise it was a zombie thread! looks like its been revived a couple of times

anyway, it inspired me to do the TA Mat DVD I've owned for 3 years according to Amazon!

[OneStepCloser]

Funnily enough my friend has just started doing Callenetics again and is raving about it, says its the best thing for toning and saw results very quickly. I`m having a little think about having a go, but am doing weights and squats at the moment and thats killing me.

[Abra1d]

Yup--we can always do with reminders to do more hip and thigh exercises and open-and-shuts, etc. Good ol' Callen, RIP.

[FoxPass]

"Just picture your thighs jiggling while you walk, and you'll squeeze all the harder" :o

Back on the callanetics train, have done it off and on since I was 18. Always come back to it and I can do the orignal workout in under an hour so can fit it in even on busy days. On session 5, so currently wondering if I now look 5 years younger :o

[naturelover]

I'm the OP and I did the Callanetics DVD quite religiously twice a week for a few months last year, lapsed a bit, but started again this spring, once a week. I definitely feel the benefit when I'm doing it regularly, in terms of flatter tummy, higher bottom etc.
But I confess I am getting a bit bored of it now - inevitable I suppose. I wonder if I should invest in the "super callanetics" DVD for a bit more of a challenge.