216 of 220 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unbelieveable, amazing results!, June 20, 2000
This review is from: Callanetics [VHS] (VHS Tape)
First of all, I hate exercise....can't stick to anything and be consistent! About 10 years ago, my Mom introduced me to Callanetics. I remembered getting amazing results from it, and decided to try it yet again. These exercises are quite difficult at first, but the results are incredible and the key word is FAST! You SEE the results much quicker than any exercise or weightlifting. In 5 sessions, my stomach was much flatter, thighs tighter, and I could see muscles in my upper arms that I never knew were there. My husband even commented on how great I looked, and I felt that way too! I began Callanetics to get in shape for a wedding in Las Vegas...I see the pictures of myself and can't believe it's me! My body is so much fitter and tighter than it's ever been. I no longer need the tape as I have basically memorized it, but use it now and then. I highly recommend this for smaller framed people (I'm 5 ft). It lengthens your muscles and tones without making you bulky. It also makes us appear taller and leaner. The accompanying book is a great way to review the whole program and the before and after pictures are amazing....a must-see for beginners, if those pictures don't get you motivated, nothing will! I love Callan and thank her so much for Callanetics, an exercise I can stick with for life!
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59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
astonishing!, March 29, 2005
This review is from: Callanetics [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Before ordering this video, I did my research to find excellent reviews and high ratings for Callanetics but I never really found before/after photos, which are usually a big inspiration for me. I wanted to know how it worked, how it felt, did you look different after one hour? So, for the sake of everyone else out there like me, I had to write regarding the questions that weighed on my mind. I found repetitive statements everywhere and I wanted to add information that I was curious about but could not find. So here goes:
THE VIDEO ITSELF
The Callanetics video itself is dated. 1986 I do believe is the original publishing date. There is no fancy stage production, no fancy clothes and extremely low key, soft, meditative music. I am not thrown off by this and as long as I enjoy something, it does not matter to me. I have always done Pilates and instead of giving me energy afterwards, I was usually so relaxed I would go straight to bed. I can tell that this video will do the same for me. I take time for myself and let myself relax... as this is also highly recommended by the instructor herself, Callan Pickney.
THE INSTRUCTOR
Callan Pickney is very patient, demonstrative and informative. She does not begin an exercise without thorough explanation and is constantly giving advice as to how to perform better or what exactly to avoid. Her voice is very soft and soothing. There are no harsh tones or words from her, only encouragement.
THE EXERCISES
The exercises are not hard, just a little time consuming. Concentration is a must as the most movement required from Callanetics is a little stretching and only an inch or less movement in every pose! Hard to believe, right? You will feel it. If you enjoy stretching and relaxing, this video is a MUST for your collection. I have done Pilates for years and the feeling I receive from Callanetics is so much more amazing. If you have had some kind of success with flexibility exercise (pilates, yoga, tai chi, etc) you will very much appreciate the flexibility you already possess!
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
Callan recommends following this video three times a week. (Day after day callenetic activity could tire your muscles..they need their rest to!) She claims you will have a tighter body at the end of ten hours of Callanetics (ten hours is following the video ten times). I did not see a difference after one hour (I have heard you will see it in two hours) but I could DEFINITELY feel it and I am anxiously awaiting the results.
MY SITUATION (if you really care)
I have never really had a weight problem, but during college I found a few extra pounds and (YIKES!) the beginning of cellulite. I can live without both--and would pay GOOD money to live without both! I watch my diet very carefully and do not exercise with heavy weights. I have always done Pilates, even before the craze hit and I had a nice little taut and toned body. Callanetics is often recommend instead of Pilates for a long and lean look.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Callanetics is for every age and every body type because when you begin you start at YOUR OWN PACE! Bend your knees if necessary, do ten if that is all you can do, stretch as far as you can without hurting yourself. Callan makes you feel really comfortable and not inadequate like other workout videos have a tendency to do. Do not push yourself and in the end you will be able to do more than you have ever expected out of yourself.
Good Luck! :)
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128 of 138 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It is harder than it looks! Recommended!, March 9, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Callanetics [VHS] (VHS Tape)
After looking at all of the glowing reviews of the Callan Pickney products on Amazon.com (books and video), I decided that I would purchase the regular Callanetics video. I have been using it for 4 days now and while I have not noticed any inches lost, I have felt wonderful each time I do it ( People have told me that it takes 19 wokout hours to make a significant change in your figure). It gives one such a feeling of calm afterward -- much like a yoga workout.
But, I wanted to warn viewers who may think that because this tape is not aerobic in nature, that the movements are easy. Don't be deceived...you will feel sore after the workouts, esp. if you are new to this type of exercise. With that said, I recommend the tapes highly because the workout is effective and challenging. Both of these qualities will keep the viewer motivated and excited about the workout.
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