Callanetics is a no-impact exercise program suitable for women and men at any age and level of fitness. It works deep muscles of the body with a series of small, precise movements reminiscent of ballet and yoga. Each series works a specific body part; the exercises reshape and strengthen hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. They alleviate and prevent backache and, overall, improve flexibility. Most heartening, Callanetics exercises can be done by many individuals with limited ability to exercise, and the results are visible in 2 to 3 weeks instead of months.
History of the Healing Form

As with many other founders of Natural Healing medicines and therapies, Callan Pinckney developed her exercise form out of personal necessity. She had been born with back problems and wore leg braces for many years to correct foot deformities. Despite these limitations she studied classical ballet for several years; then as a young woman Pinckney left Georgia and worked and traveled/backpacked through Europe, Africa, and Asia for ten years. Upon returning to the U.S. she worked in a exercise salon in NYC. When she found the exercises she was teaching painful for herself, she left the salon to develop her own exercise techniques, drawing upon her training in ballet and healing techniques she had learned abroad.

Due to back pain she proceeded cautiously and made only tiny adjustments in each position as she performed a routine. Pinckney found that the small movements didn't aggravate her back—in fact, the pain disappeared as she strengthened her back—and muscle tone improved much more rapidly than expected. With a new exercise routine that achieves faster results without danger of injury, Pinckney began teaching others her methods. One hour of Callanetics will give similar results to 20 hours of aerobic dance, and for toning it would take seven hours of traditional exercise forms.
What to Expect

Women and men of all ages, 18 to 80, and all fitness levels engage in Callanetics. The exercises are no-impact, no hopping or jumping, instead use minute (1/2") movements combining stretching and muscle contractions. A full work-out is one hour, but much shorter routines may be done on localized areas. If you are totally out of shape or inflexible and cannot complete the full count of the exercise—no matter! The point is made to work at your own pace. Again, the wonder of the routine is that results are felt and seen within days. You knew you had those abdominal muscles! See www.Callanetics.com for the latest exercise videos.
Experiences

I have been doing Callanetics 10-minute routines 3 times/week since 1990, focusing on abdomen, buttocks, and triceps. Regardless of other health challenges going on, I've always been able to perform the exercises without any problems. The abdominal exercises are so much more effective than crunches, without straining the neck. This buttocks exercise really is an exercise that keeps the buns from sliding down to your knees. WMB