Calanetics or kalanetics is a proven system of static exercises developed in the sixties of the twentieth century. With its help, you can strengthen and stretch the muscles, giving them the so-called ballet shape.
Calanetics is a set of 29 exercises based on yoga asanas. It strengthens the cervical and lumbar spine, improves metabolism and skin tone, engages deep muscles and generally has a beneficial effect on the body. It is believed that just one hour of calanetics replaces a day of aerobics, which means there is a chance to become slimmer in a very short period of time. This slow, unhurried gymnastics requires careful implementation of all recommendations and, more importantly, correct breathing. During the exercise, you will not sweat, choke, or try to keep up with a frenzied pace, as is often the case with aerobic activity. No, the basic rule of calanetics is to maintain a difficult, unusual posture, forcing the "sleeping" muscles to work. This set of exercises lengthens and stretches the muscles, creating a beautiful relief without increasing the volume. That is why calanetics received the unofficial name "exercises for ballerinas".
Calanetics is named after Callan Pinckney, who developed this set of exercises in the early sixties to improve her health and avoid knee and spine surgeries.
What you need to know before starting calanetics classes?
At first glance, this gymnastic complex seems completely uncomplicated. All you have to do is stand in one position for no more than one and a half minutes. However, this is a misconception. Maintaining the desired postures requires serious exertion and is not limited to stretching and relaxation. If your level of physical fitness is not too high, you should not choose calanetics as the main physical activity. To begin with, do Pilates, which, while professing the same principles as calanetics, is still not so demanding on the resources of the human body.
If your training allows you to do calanetics, remember that the maximum result, as in the case of many other types of load, can only be achieved if the principles of proper nutrition are followed. A protein diet, avoiding alcohol, taking vitamins - all this will allow you to feel and see changes in your body in the shortest possible time.
Calanetics is suitable for people who want to lose significant weight, those who do not like cardio, those who do not have time for hours of sports. At first, calanetics should be given an hour two or three times a week, when the desired shape is achieved, the number of hours can be reduced to one per week. This is quite enough to keep in shape.
If an hour-long workout seems too hard for you, don't be discouraged: it can be spread over several 15-minute sets throughout the day.
In what cases is it forbidden to do calanetics?
As with any serious physical activity, there are a number of contraindications. You will have to look for an alternative to this complex if:
- you underwent surgery less than a year ago;
- you have very poor eyesight;
- you have asthma;
- you have varicose veins or hemorrhoids.
Actually, there are no other contraindications. Remember, when doing calanetics, you should not force your body, if you cannot perform some exercise, try its lighter version. Over time, your body will get stronger and you will be able to perform all movements for better results.
