Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle, but some people avoid it due to health problems. Some individuals cannot get in the 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and muscle-strengthening activities each week that health organizations recommend. The Callanetics exercise program was developed by a person with some physical limitations to help individuals strive for effective, pain-free workouts.
History of Callanetics
A woman named Callan Pinkey started the Callanetics exercise program in the 1980s. She was born with scoliosis and swayback, which caused physical limitations in her hips and feet. Due to years of a poor diet and extreme physical demands, she ended up in a wheelchair and was advised to have surgery. She put off surgery to try exercise. After trying several types of exercise which left her in pain, she started experimenting with a different exercise technique combined with her ballet experience. She started to do exercises that left her pain-free and involved very small and precise movements. After first experimenting with this new form of exercise, she has done much teaching, written several books and released a few videos and DVDs.
Safety Benefits
According to the Callanetics Studios in Portland, doctors familiar with Callanetics may recommend it to patients as a balanced and safe approach to fitness. The program provides a combination of strength and aerobic exercises that are gentle and not designed to give sudden impact to joints. Special care is taken in this program to protect the vulnerable areas of the neck and lower back. You can work with a certified Callanetics teacher to ensure safety.
Health Benefits
The Callanetics Studios indicate that because Callanetics is so gentle, it is a good way for those with chronic conditions of limited and difficult movement to become active. Callanetics may relieve pain and prove effective in helping with certain treatments for illnesses such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, stroke or fibromyalgia. In certain chronic illnesses, Callanetics may help sufferers retain independence and activity for a longer period of time.
Talk to Your Doctor
Always talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program, including Callanetics. Your doctor can tell you if the movements you will do with Callanetics are safe for you. If you feel any pain or become dizzy while doing this exercise program, stop and consult your doctor.
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