Customer Reviews

Am/Pm Callanetics [VHS]

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is 2 complete 20 minute workouts, and it's the gentlest of the available Callanetics videos. It makes an excellent introduction to this unique method, and good for people with not much time to spare. Another added benefit (and this is especially true of the PM section), is that it's wonderfully soothing, and if you're feeling anxious or stressed, Callan's soft and gentle voice, guiding you through these slow motions, will help release any tension, and calm the nerves. If you're the type that needs a lot of "bounce and flash" to get you motivated, Callanetics is not for you...this is indeed "meditation in motion"...the exercises can be very difficult if done correctly, but everything is done quietly and in "triple slow motion".

A note to anyone who like me, has weak or problem knees: You may have to modify your movements in the "Pelvic Weave" and "Front Thigh Stretch" in the AM workout, and in the "Pelvic Rotation", "Pelvic Scoop", and again the "Front Thigh Stretch" in the PM portion. Go at your own pace, and you'll find your knees getting stronger quite rapidly. I was amazed to find that I could kneel and sit on my heels after only 3 weeks...it has been decades since my knees had the agility to do this.

Strength and flexibility are the 2 major benefits I've received so far in the few weeks I've been doing these exercises, and why I would recommend Callanetics to anyone over 40. These are the 2 things we start to lose with age that make us "old", and contribute to accidents and ill health. I've also noticed some body shape changes, but it's the feeling of well being that I value more than anything...and the ability to stretch like I haven't been able to do in years.
Callan says of this tape that you'll feel energized with the AM, and relaxed with the PM, and have "a great body 24 hours a day". Thank you Callan, for inventing a system that I look forward to doing on a daily basis, and that is making a profound difference in my life.

The exercises on this tape are incredibly simple, very easy to do and have been highly effective for me. My clothes started fitting differently in about a week and the lower-body exercises are dynamite. My pants really look much better than before since the saddlebags are becoming history. My posture also improved a lot. I especially liked the quick 20-minute morning and evening formats because they don't demand a major time commitment and deliver all they promise. The production isn't "slick" but Callan Pickney is knowledgeable and lots of fun to watch. She dons fitness "evening wear" for the PM routine.

I have taken ballet lessons and I wanted to be back in shape. I tried other videos (like "the method") which did not work for me.

I discovered CALLANETICS by chance and I LOVE it... The exercises REALLY work, after only one class (of the one hour tape) I felt the results. It is amazing, with an exercise that seemed VERY easy to do my body responded as if I had been something much more active and elaborated!

You learn to discover that you don't need to force anything, just let gravity help you... so you are stretching AND relaxing at the same time! It is SO PLEASSURABLE that you feel like coming back for more because your body asks for it!

I have three videos: Callanetics, Super Callanetics and this AM/PM video and although I learnt a lot with the first Callanetics, if you buy this one without seeing the other one, you will have no problem following it.

Enjoy your body! Do CALLANETICS!

For those of us with short attention spans, this video is superb! 20 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes in the evening. This video helped to tone and shape me on my way to losing 80 pounds! It's a relaxing video. It's refreshing because you're not throwing yourself around on the floor, jumping around or trying to keep up with the routine. (I also purchased "Beginning Callenetics" to see a more detailed instruction on proper form.) Callen is a mature,soft-spoken, classy lady who treats her students with respect. Thanks, Callen.

I absolutely love this "20 minute" workout tape for three big reasons. One, I can easily commit 20 minutes in the morning and in the evening to DOING this workout. Two, the movements are so deceptively easy you wonder how they can make any difference. And three, you see results FAST FAST FAST. Callen Pickney knows what she's doing although she's a bit camp and the production looks like amateurs directed. Don't be put off. You can look like a million dollars with her techniques.

Tired of sweating and doing workouts that seem to do nothing but add bulk and tire you out? Are you pressed for time in the morning and tense in the evening? I have been a fan of Callanetics for over ten years and this is by far the best of her videos. The exercises are deceptively easy, but trust me, if you do them right you will know it. I like this video a lot, as I am so pressed for time in the morning it is difficult to fit in a longer routine. This I can do and I feel stretched and great!At night, it is a perfect solution to releasing the tensions of the day that can interfere with your sleep. Want to speed up the results? Learn the breathing technique in Greer Childers video Body Flex, combining the two gives you the cardiovascular workout your heart needs and burns the fat, plus the deep muscle toning and stretching your muscles need. It's awesome!

I bought this tape because I was tired of being out of shape. I continue with it because it's easy, fun and incredibly effective. I lost 1 3/4 inches from my waist in 2 weeks. The 20 minutes in the am and pm format works well for me because I know that I can get through 20 minutes. Callan is easy to follow and very inspiring. Oh, to be as flexible as she is! I'm working on it!

I've been doing the original Callanetics work-out from the book on and off pretty much since it came out in the 80's. I have tried other types of exercises over the years, but I keep coming back to these because for tightening problem areas they are the quickest exercises around! Inches really do melt away after just a few sessions.

AM/PM's split work-out is a great way for anyone to fit the exercises into their day. I have to admit that I do miss a few exercises that were in the original routine but aren't in this one, especially that second set of hip and behind exercises, but this workout seems every bit as effective. Some exercise positions have changed slightly, but these are improvements to the originals. She also gives lots of modifications for beginners (which you will probably need -- these are short but tough little movements).

As for her style, well, she isn't one of those yelling aerobics folks with the whooping class in the background, but you are supposed to be focusing on the movements rather than trying for some record. She keeps you relaxed and focused.

Enjoy this tape!

I am a swimmer and do Tae-Bo regularly. I LOVE AM/PM Callanetics! The program leaves me feeling so strong and stretched, and my back (always a bad point for me) feels relaxed and free.

Some of the reviews below and for other Callanetics tapes say that the exercises are too easy. I felt this way for a long time too, but have since realized that it was because my back was doing the work instead of my legs. Once I got stronger and got my legs working, the exercises are both difficult and immensely effective. If you want to be strong and sleek, this is what you need!

I've only done this workout about 7 times now, but I've already seen results. You don't sweat, but it gives you a great workout. Callan Pickney lets you off the hook well, too ("this may be difficult at first, try it this way until you are stronger") It's quick, makes you feel good, but you have to be willing to exercise am and pm.