The first ever home workout video using Callan Pinckney's take on Lotte Berk exercises, Callanetics: 10 Years Younger in 10 Hours, was an overwhelming success in the 1980s. The hour-long video used tiny pulsing movements to work the upper arms, upper back, abdominals, seat and legs. Pinckney included numerous before-and-after photographs of students dramatically reshaping their bodies hour by hour. Subsequent video releases included Beginning Callanetics, the advanced Super Callanetics, and AM-PM Callanetics.
Pinckney's original videos have enjoyed continued success and are still available, but in recent years, her exercise routines have been updated and rereleased for the home workout DVD market. Changes have generally been minimal, with some new exercises, refined techniques, and additional emphasis on posture and pelvic floor support.
South African Callanetics
The South African Callanetics program by Sylvia Lampe is a series of instructional workout DVDs. The series includes an introductory workout with detailed technique guidance, a more flowing full workout, a mini-workout collection, and a DVD that uses balls and bands for added resistance.
These DVDs have fairly average production values, but their technical content is strong and, like all Callanetics products, they provide an effective workout.
CallaneticsEvolution
This DVD, distributed by the original Callanetics company, uses three levels of updated techniques to enhance Pinckney's original pulsing movements. As well as a simple up-and-down pulse, the evolution of Callanetics exercises uses circular and rotational movements to increase the effectiveness of the work.
Like the original programs, CallaneticsEvolution has a calm, serene feel that's deceptively simple. It also includes exercises that use a larger range of motion than traditional Callanetics.
CardioCallanetics
The CardioCallanetics DVD provides an effective aerobic workout with a difference. It uses larger range of motion and a slower pace than most traditional cardiovascular workouts, creating a feeling of exhilaration, not exhaustion. It borrows movements from ballet and yoga as well as Callanetics' original strength and flexibility work for an easy, feel-good workout.
The relaxed feel of this workout is unusual, and some exercisers will find it less than motivating. However, the results it offers are genuine. It's a good option for people who regularly perform cardio exercise and want a gentler way to cross-train on lighter days.
Bringing Callanetics into the Future
The original Callanetics products are still effective and remain cult favourites. However, their updated versions are a great choice for home exercisers who want a more modern feel to their workouts, who value the greater emphasis on current thinking in biomechanics, or who simply want more variety in their home exercise program.
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