Callanetics – exercises for beginners. Slimming classes, video tutorials, reviews and results

Appearing in the early 1980s. in America, callanetics quickly became a recognized global trend with fans around the world. Over time, other types of simple gymnastic techniques appeared.

However, it was the founder of Callanetics, Cullen Pinkey, who developed the simplest and, at the same time, the most effective exercises for beginners, available not only to young people who want to lose weight, but also to older people.

What is callanetics

Callanetics is one of the most effective methods of forming a beautiful healthy body, which does not require significant efforts, but includes even the most “inaccessible” muscles for training. Due to the ease of performing exercises, gymnastics is suitable for older people, as well as people with various diseases or injuries that do not allow performing traditional types of exercises.

Callanetics prevents some diseases and generally helps people feel better.

The main postulate of callanetics is that the superficial muscles are supported by deeper muscles, the directed training of which allows you to give the body the desired shape. Callanetics (exercises for beginners and for more experienced trainees) consists of 30 exercises, distributed in 8 segments.

Callanetics exercises consist of small, precise and slow movements that are repeated up to 100 times. This leads to better position as well as greater flexibility. Beginners are advised to start with 10-20 reps and slowly increase to 100 reps.

A series of exercises called New Callanetics serves to strengthen the muscles of the upper body, including the muscles of the back, arms and chest.

Training small muscles in the spine allows you to stop pain in the back, neck and lower back. In addition, specially designed exercises for the pelvic muscles make the deep muscles work much more intensively and, as a result, much more efficiently.

Cardio-callanetics is the most dynamic type of callanetics, in which the complex of traditional exercises is supplemented by a 25-minute dynamic complex, which increases the heart rate and speeds up the process of burning fat. During the exercise, each participant in the workout can move at their own comfortable rhythm and pace.

When practicing callanetics, there is no need for music, because exercises do not have to be performed in a certain rhythm. Everyone can choose for himself the most comfortable pace of tasks. However, at the initial stage, it is advisable to join a group with an instructor to make sure that the exercises are performed correctly.

Unlike other types of gymnastics

The goals for which Cullen Pinckney developed callanetics, and Jozef Pilates invented the gymnastics technique of the same name, are the same as the goals of the ancient yoga teaching – creating a set of exercises that can stretch and sculpt the body of any person without resorting to excessive physical overload.

In order to compare these techniques, one should refuse to evaluate their spiritual component, comparing only the degree of their impact on the human body through the proposed exercises. Despite the similarity of techniques, there are a number of differences that allow a person to make a choice in favor of a particular training method.

The difference between Pilates and callanetics can be illustrated by the presence of sets of exercises typical of Pilates, designed to be performed on specially designed simulators for Pilates. Performing exercises as part of callanetics does not require special expensive equipment and is limited to obscenities and available fitness equipment (fitball).

The goal of yoga is not only and not so much the performance of certain exercises, but the achievement of harmony between the mind and body by performing certain movements and special breathing.

Callanetics (exercises for beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced training) allows for a short period of time to significantly improve posture, as well as form a toned figure.

Techniques such as aerobics and shaping are based on a completely different approach to training. Aerobics is based on the implementation of exercises, concentrating on proper breathing, while the degree of exercise is quite high, and the workouts themselves are intense.

Shaping is based on the implementation of individually selected exercises, taking into account the initial parameters of the trainees. These classes are impossible without the participation of an instructor.

Benefit

The usefulness of callanetics lies in the following factors:

1. Relaxation and strengthening of the muscles of the neck.
2. Elimination of the second chin.
3. Strengthening the muscles of the forearm, lifting and toning sagging skin in the inner part of the forearm.
4. The formation of slender legs due to the strengthening of the calf muscles, as well as the inner and outer surfaces of the thigh.
5. Improving posture and body flexibility.

Who is suitable for

Due to the lack of strong physical exertion and, in principle, a different approach to working out muscles, callanetics is suitable not only for people who do not like to strain too much in the gym or spend a lot of time on it.

The relative ease of doing the exercises makes them acceptable for older people, people with disabilities or recovering from injuries, as well as for people who are overweight.

Advantages and disadvantages of callanetics

Benefits of Callanetics:

1. Changes can be felt after the first training.
2. It doesn’t matter in what physical form a person was before training. Callanetics helps everyone.
3. Gymnastics does not require investment. For classes, you will not need expensive training complexes or special devices.
4. If time is not enough, training can be divided into separate segments and perform them throughout the day. Of course, an hourly workout will be more effective, but fractional workouts are also acceptable.
5. Recommended stretch marks help reduce the severity of cellulite on the back of the thighs.
6. Exercises for the muscles of the abdominal cavity are ideal for women after natural childbirth, as they help restore muscle elasticity and fit.
7. Exercises are available for most people, regardless of age or disease. Only some of the ailments are included in the list of contraindications for callanetics.

Adherents of callanetics also note a number of drawbacks of this training program:

1. It is difficult for beginners to independently carry out exercises correctly – at the initial stage it is recommended to attend classes with an instructor.
2. A significant amount of time can pass before the moment when the trainee can himself maintain the static position of the body necessary to achieve the effect.
3. Often the exercises look tedious and monotonous.

How much can you lose weight

Callanetics is not a program for weight loss, but people who perform the recommended exercises lose extra pounds, as gymnastics improves metabolism and normalizes the ratio of fat and muscle tissue in the body.

Exercise is not aimed at burning fat in certain places. The purpose of the classes is stretching and strengthening muscles. During training, a burning sensation and trembling in the muscles being worked out appears. After a short amount of time, the body begins to convert body fat into energy for the muscles loaded during training.

Features of training for beginners

At the initial stage of performing gymnastic complexes, inexperienced users are recommended to observe a number of conditions:

1. Slowly increase the number of repetitions of certain movements.
2. Avoid sharpness in movements.
3. Be sure to observe small breaks between exercises to avoid overwork and muscle strain.

Frequency and duration of classes

Training level	Training Frequency	Class duration
Newbie	3-4 times a week	1 hour
Advanced	2-3 times a week	1 hour
Experienced	5-7 times a week	15-20 min

Callanetics at the very beginning of classes should be given the greatest amount of time per week. After the exercises for beginners have been mastered, the complex for experienced users is recommended to be performed every day for 15 minutes.

Warm up

Callanetics (exercises for beginners, as well as for more experienced trainees) necessarily involves a preliminary warm-up.

Despite the ease of exercise, the muscles get a lot of physical activity, the performance of which without preliminary stretching and warming up the muscles is extremely traumatic, therefore it is recommended to include several warming elements to reduce the risk of injury.

A properly performed warm-up will not only prepare and warm up the body before training, but also get the greatest effect from each of the exercises.

Before starting the complex, muscles should be prepared using the following steps:

1. Stretching the spine, which can be done by hanging on the bar, horizontal bar or ordinary door. To prevent your feet from touching the floor, just bend your knees. You need to stay in this position for as long as possible, then relax. Repeat 2 more times.
2. The classic version of the warm-up exercise, which consists in the slopes. You should stand upright, stretch out your arms in front of you and bend until your fingers touch the toes or the floor. Hold in this position for a few seconds and slowly straighten up. Repeat 2-3 more times. If during the warm-up there was pain in the back, after each tilt you need to relax a bit.
3. The final stage of the warm-up consists of an exercise, during which you should raise your knees as you would while jogging, but at the same time do everything slowly, avoiding sudden movements. At the time of maximum lifting of one knee, you need to stand on tiptoe with your foot on the floor. It is important that during this warm-up there should be no jumping – one leg should always remain on the floor.

If the physical condition allows, the warm-up can be replaced with a 15-minute run at a slow pace.

Complex for a flat and toned stomach

Gymnastics for strengthening the abdominal muscles is aimed not only at the abdomen, but also affects the muscles in the waist and back, which allows not only to “tighten” the stomach, but also significantly reduce the waist.

The main exercise for the abdomen

The basic exercise on the abdominal muscles consists of the following steps:

1. Lie on your back. The feet of the legs bent at the knees should be on the floor and 3’9 inch apart.
2. Stretch your palms to the back of the thighs, and then try to maximize the elbows apart. The nape all the time should be pressed to the surface of the floor.
3. Raise your head and shoulders. It should feel like the head is trying to touch the chest.
4. Without changing the position of the head and body, remove the hands from the back of the thighs, and place on their outside 0’8 – 1’2 inch from the floor.
5. Maintain a position of 45 seconds, avoiding the tension of the shoulders and buttocks. Tension should not be concentrated in the shoulders or neck.

Slopes

Lateral slopes that reduce the waist and strengthen the lateral muscles:

1. Get up straight. Feet should be 19’7 inch apart. Place your right hand on your right thigh, bending your elbow slightly.
2. Slowly lean to the side (to the right), stretching up the left hand. The feeling of stretching the lateral muscles should not be accompanied by pain.
3. Hold the position for 20-40 seconds, and then take the initial position.
4. Similarly, repeat the tilt to the left.

Side bar

This exercise is typical for many types of gymnastics and is aimed at working out the oblique muscles of the abdomen:

1. Take such a position that there are 2 points of contact with the floor surface – in the area of the feet and palm of the right hand.
2. The body should rest on an outstretched right arm. Shoulders and hips should be on one straight line.
3. Try to raise your right thigh as high above the floor as possible. The left hand should be directed vertically upwards.
4. Hold for 20 seconds or longer.
5. Follow the procedure for the other side.

In case of difficul
ties with the implementation of movements, the fulcrum may not be the feet and palm of the right hand, but the right (left) knee and the right (left) palm.

A set of exercises for slender legs

Acting on different parts of the legs, special gymnastics will not only strengthen the muscles, but also give the legs the desired shape, saving them from fat deposits and cellulite.

Bike Turns

Exercise will not only strengthen the muscles of the legs, but also stretch and strengthen the oblique muscles of the abdomen, back and abdominals:

1. Lie on the floor, placing the hips perpendicular to the floor, and the tibia parallel to its surface (this requires bending the knees).
2. Clasp the hands in the palms behind the head, while spreading the elbows wide apart.
3. Direct the head and shoulders upward, raising them above the floor, trying to bring the elbow of the right hand and the left knee as close as possible, clasping the hands in the palms, while the right leg should be straightened, but should be above the floor and not lie on it.
4. Hold the position for 5 seconds, and then return to the original position.
5. Repeat with the elbow of the left hand and the right knee.
6. Perform 6 repetitions for each side.

Stretching legs

Execution algorithm:

1. Get on your knees, holding outstretched arms for a stable support (table, chair).
2. Take the right leg to the side and straighten so that the shin is in line with the thigh.
3. Turn the leg so that the tips of the fingers are pointing to the floor.
4. After moving the weight to the left leg, try to raise the right outstretched leg a couple of inch up.
5. Lift the right leg as many times as possible for 40 seconds.
6. Return to the starting position, repeat the same for the left leg.

Half squat

The exercise is available for performance in any conditions (at home, at work):

1. Stand straight, feet shoulder width apart.
2. Stand on the toes so that the heel is as far away as possible from the floor surface.
3. Start gradually bending the knees until a position is reached when the knee, lower leg and heel of each leg are in the same plane. Strictly ensure that your knees are not apart.
4. Remain in that position for 30 seconds or more. If the muscles are not tight enough, crouch a little deeper, bending your knees more.

For advanced users it is recommended to perform small squats with an amplitude of 1’2 – 2 inch during the entire duration of the exercise.

Beginners can take advantage of the additional support (chair, wall) to maintain stability and proper balance.

A set of exercises to eliminate the breeches and elastic buttocks

Despite the fact that most exercises are aimed at working out the muscles of the thigh, the gluteal muscles also receive the necessary load, which allows you to sculpt the gluteal.

Wide squat

Exercise for strengthening and modeling the inner and outer thighs:

1. Standing facing a support (chair, table, wall), legs wide apart. Feet should be directed to the sides.
2. Slowly bend your knees, making sure that the pelvis moves strictly perpendicular to the floor. Buttocks and inner thighs should be extremely tight.
3. To take an initial position. Relax.
4. Perform the exercise 10-20 times.

For an advanced level, it is recommended to perform squats, climbing on toes.

Hips

In order to simulate the back of the thigh, as well as strengthen the muscles of the inner and outer thighs, you should:

1. Sit on the floor, facing a stable support (table surface, couch).
2. Bend the right leg in the knee and place it in front of you, and place the left leg bent in the knee behind you so that the left leg from the hip to the foot makes a right angle.
3. Place your hands on a support and begin to slowly move your left thigh back and forth.
4. While moving forward, slightly press the left knee to the floor, while raising the left foot above the floor.
5. Before moving backward, tighten the muscles of the buttocks and thighs and raise the left knee above the floor by 1’2 – 2 inch.
6. Repeat the procedure for 30-40 seconds.
7. Repeat exercise for the right leg.

Twisting

In addition to the hips, the exercise will strengthen the abdominal muscles and contribute to stretching the spine:

1. Sit on the floor, facing the support (chair). Extend your legs so that they touch the legs of the chair from the outside. Place your feet behind the legs of the chair. Pull out socks.
2. Raise the feet 2 – 2’8 inch from the floor.
3. Press your palms to the floor on either side of your hips.
4. Try to connect the feet and legs, separated by the legs of the chair. Run up to 100 pulses. The shoulders and chest should be extremely relaxed.
5. At the end of the exercise, lower your legs to the floor, relax.

A set of muscle stretching exercises

Callanetics (exercises for beginners, as well as for more experienced users) aims not only to strengthen, but also to stretch the muscles. During certain movements in the muscle, blood circulation increases, it becomes more flexible and more adapted to stretching.

Pulling dog

Exercise will stretch the back muscles, hamstrings and shoulders:

1. Get on all fours, leaning only on the feet and hands. Palms and feet should be diluted 19’7 – 27’6 inch.
2. Inhale and rise on toes so that the heels are perpendicular to the toes.
3. Exhale and raise the hips and pelvis as high as possible. Ensure that the spine is not bent.
4. Slowly move the body back, trying to fall on your heels, but without lifting your palms from the floor.
5. With a small effort, slightly push the chest to the floor.
6. Hold in a pose for 30-40 seconds.

Sitting stretching

Using these actions, you can stretch the muscles of the back, back of the hips, legs and shoulders:

1. Sit on the floor with straight legs on the floor.
2. Bend to your feet while trying to reach your feet with your hands.
3. Try to reach your knees with your forehead without bending your back while keeping it flat.
4. Fix in this position for a while.

If it is not possible to touch the knees with the forehead, it is enough to reach with your palms to the feet and stay in this position.

Callanetics is more focused on conscious work with one’s own body, understanding the relationship between breathing and muscle work, than on intense muscle loading and exhausting tasks. Both exercises for beginners and classes for more experienced followers consist of a simple repetition of the same movements, leading to stunning results.

Callanetics video

Video about calanetics for a perfect figure: training, tips: