Callan Pinckney (1939–2012)

Balanced approach emphasizing stretching, neuromuscular coordination, and strengthening deep posture muscles. The importance of the pelvis -- "the pelvic wave" stretch.

The late Callan Pinckney studied classical ballet, traveled the world eleven years, collapsed with a congenital back defect, now teaches in an exercise studio in Atlanta, Georgia.

Callan started a regime of pelvic wave, no-impact, body-shaping tiny-movements. Keep firm and supple, avoiding spasm and harmful stress. Focus on slow controlled movements. Strong back, proper care of the feet, good stance and posture in all activities, and stay active with micro-movements. Callan does not suggest only "one way" to do things. She was born with disfigured feet and a spinal abnormality. Rightly question your own abnormalities, and interrogate who you are.… (meer)

This goes beyond the usual exercise book with its photos and descriptions of movements to do a number of repetitions. Instead, the book begins with a philosophy of life and then gets into the section on exercises. At the back of the book are selected conditions and times of life (like postpartum for new mothers and pre-surgery preparation) with a list of suggested exercises and number of repetitions. This is a practical program that does not require mindless sweating to boring exercises. Instead, it is a fast-working program for a person at any age to sculpt the body and enjoy the movements. The stretching is similar to yoga without the fancy names (i.e. "downward facing dog").… (meer)

I can speak as someone who has actually used Callanetics, felt and seen the difference. This is a very effective way of getting your body back in shape, even after years of inactivity and keeping up your fitness level once you improve.

A few people I’ve come across seem put off by the pictures in these books, or the fashions in the video version. This really isn’t a good enough reason, to pass by the opportunity of experiencing one of the best exercise routines available. I’d like to say especially regarding the ‘before and after’ pictures, in 'Callanetics 10 years younger...' the people featured may be out of shape in the photos, but that is the point, in time they improve! I myself found these images a testament to the fact that it was indeed possible to improve no matter what your level.

It is important however to keep in mind that this is an exercise program for anyone. People who would not consider themselves ‘unfit’ would also benefit from Callanetics, due to it’s emphasis on body strength rather than just ‘thinness’ which can be a major misinterpretation of health and beauty, even at times sadly nothing more than weakly veiled anorexia.

Despite its seemingly easy moves, this exercise plan is in reality very hard to perform accurately. With a little patience and motivation this can of course be achieved. Well worth taking your time, as this will afford the best results, as anyone who has ever used Pilates would no doubt agree. These two systems of exercise share the same basic principles.

As a good way to build up to the one-hour plan, as laid out in ‘Callanetics: 10 years younger…’ I recommend Callan’s other book, 'Callanetics Countdown: 30 days to a beautiful body', which slowly increases the number and difficulty of repetitions over four levels. There are thirty sessions, but no real need to take the title too literally, this is very much a regime that you plan by yourself, choose to exercise everyday, every other or only 2-3 times a week.

As in all her books Callan states repeatedly that we each have our own level of fitness and flexibility, so to move at our own pace, as our body allows, at this moment in time. Especially encouraging us not to compare ourselves to others, as this is a very unhealthy practice.

Callan Pinckney is an inspiration; her emphasis is on building a strong, powerful body that you can enjoy no matter what your age. Giving yourself the best possible gift of all, health and fitness. From this type of philosophy real beauty can be nurtured, improvement is guaranteed if you take the time to practice, like all things in life.… (meer)