WHAT IS CALLANETICS?

‘I have had no tummy muscles since my babies – am beginning to feel muscles again. My arms have better definition. The hour spent doing a class is challenging but very enjoyable- a bit addictive; sets a positive frame of mind for the balance of the day. Hip joints were extremely painful when I began, but after 3 months they have eased considerably’. Sharon, age 50.

‘…I now have a body! Knees, bum & arms have shape, there is a beginning and ending line. Tummy is firm and I have one last pouch to work off. Cellulite! Can’t believe it has disappeared from both thighs. The classes have helped my problem back – when missing classes I can feel all the aches and pains in lower back area. One thing is for sure – I will not stop Callanetics – it is my therapy!’ Lydia, age 34

‘I saw a vast improvement in the shape of my body within three week. Now after a couple of months my husband said I now have a better body than when we got married even after having two kids!’ Rene, age 32

‘I had an injury to my left shoulders about four years ago with loss of range in elevation and external rotation. Started SA Callanetics 2 years ago. Now have full range of movement and the grating noise in shoulder is almost gone.’ Jenny, age 66

‘Really enjoying the classes. I can feel my body is much stronger now, after just 5 months, and I have more energy too, which is always a plus!’ Jill, 34

… these are some of the comments people have made who exercise the SA Callanetics way.

And this is what Dr. med. Christian Larsen, founder and head of Spiraldynamik® International (the art and science of human movement co-ordination) in Switzerland has to say about Callanetics:

‘I would like to summarize my experiences as follows: The Callanetics programmes belong to the reliable and valuable offers, and are therefore worthy of endorsement for the following reasons:

• Minimum risk of injury: in view of the extremely high jarring of many disciplines, this is a factor which must not be underrated. Due to clear movement control with the help of floor and wall etc. it is also safe for beginners.
• Efficient training for muscle building: the repeated contraction in the isometric zone is efficient and – once again – safe (few moments of acceleration, little momentum)
• Precise body awareness training: this is the most important factor of prevention in all back training programmes.
• Reliable representation: clear training concept, regular (obligatory) further development and education (where else can one still find this in the fitness industry?). Client care in small groups, well attended possibilities for private tuition.
• The most important argument: the effective benefits and results, which the Callanetics Programmes have shown so far.

In my opinion the Callanetics-Prevention programmes fulfil the necessary medical, psychological, hygienic as well as administrative-structural pre-requisites to be included in the preventive programmes which are worthy of endorsement.’

The name Callanetics was coined by its originator Callan Pinckney, who in turn learned a similar type of exercise from her forerunner, Lotter Berk in the UK.

The programme was further developed with the help of doctors, physiotherapists and specialists for human movement co-ordination mainly in Switzerland and has become a therapeutic form of exercise.

Movements are executed three-dimensionally and are tiny. This way the deepest muscle layers are worked, the muscles become lean and elongated (as opposed to bulky) and results show quickly.

Often people report a noticeable improvement after only four or five classes. Effects are cumulative, and even after years of following the SA Callanetics programme, improvements still happen.

This together with the correct activation of the pelvic floor muscles and the consistent lengthening of the spine bring about postural improvements and loss of centimetres all round, which in turn not only improves appearance with a leaner and more toned body, but also brings about a myriad of health benefits, eg: elimination or improvement of chronic back pain, better quality of and a need for less sleep, more energy, natural appetite control, improved strength, endurance and flexibility, better co-ordination and balance, and people ‘grow’ by an average of 1 to 4 centimetres, as posture improves and the spine stretches and lengthens.

In each class the exercises are precisely co-ordinated with each other to train all muscle groups.

Exact positions and tiny movements with many repetitions activate muscle cells and build strength. Dynamic stretching of the muscles makes them flexible.

Routines change regularly, and physio balls, elastic bands, small weights and other equipment are often used to avoid boredom and to challenge the body in different ways on an on-going basis.

The SA Callanetics programme is taught in small groups of no more than 12 participants, so instructors can give individual attention to all class participants, making sure that postures are correct, therefore achieving the best possible result for each client. This also allows people of varying fitness levels and different age groups to exercise together, and even special needs clients (eg: pregnant ladies and people with certain limitations due to injury or operations) can be accommodated. Classes are one hour long.

Participants wear comfortable clothing not restricting the waist. However clothes should be fitted and body hugging (not necessarily skin tight) in order to enable the client as well as the instructor to observe postures and develop an awareness of the anatomically correct way of moving not just during classes, but also in every-day life. No shoes are worn during SA Callanetics classes, but socks are recommended in winter.

There are several studios in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Mpumalanga, Bloemfontein, Klerksdorp, and as more instructors are trained in comprehensive teachers training courses, further studios open country wide.

People who don’t have a studio nearby, can make use of the 8 DVDs which have been produced for home use, offering different workouts varying in length and intensity, including a face exercise DVD and an introductory DVD explaining basic techniques with a series of preparatory exercises for newcomers.

For more information access the website www.ctasa.org.za where a list of all existing studios with contact details can be found, or contact the CTASA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 011 795 3311.

Don't forget to mention Mum's Diary for your 10% discount on DVD's.

Sylvia Lampe

Is the president of the Callanetics Teachers Association of South Africa (CTASA), a professional body for instructors teaching the SA Callanetics Programme. Sylvia has been working in the health and fitness industry since 1982. She is also a registered reflexologist, massage therapist and colon hygienist. She started teaching Callanetics in 1990 and regularly travels to Switzerland to learn about latest developments in Callanetics and related exercise programmes. Sylvia teaches the SA Callanetics Programme at her studio in Randburg and offers workshops and teacher training courses. So far she has produced 8 DVDs for home use comprising an introductory lesson with preparatory exercises for beginners, thirteen different workouts and a face exercise programme.

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