What makes Callanetics unique is its "no impact" approach to exercise. The video states that these exercises will "tighten the abdominal muscles from the breastbone to the pubis/release tension in the back of the neck/lengthen the neck/release tension across the shoulder blades/expand breathing capacity by expanding the chest/lift breasts by working the pectoral muscles/eliminate double chins/release tension and stretch the entire back".
The reasons I find this video different from most of the fare available are:
# 1: Very glamorous, and with a trim figure, Callan is a mature woman, who doesn't try to be "cute and perky" to motivate you. With a soft and lovely voice, she slowly guides you through these calming exercises that actually have an effect on the nervous system. I have used this video not only for exercise, but to release stress and anxiety.

# 2: "Gentleness is the Key Word". While the exercises are hard, and I can feel the "burn", they are extremely simple, done in "triple slow motion", and with no impact. I have weak knees, and this is the first time I have not felt them "act up" from a workout program.
# 3: It will be over before you know it. I'm amazed at how fast this 20 minutes goes by.

For the last exercise, you will need the back of an armchair, or something sturdy to lean up against and hold on to. This is until you get the exercise "under your belt" and are strong enough to do it without support.
Though these exercises are available as part of Callan's longer tapes, I would rather have them in this 20 minute version...for those with time constraints, this is perfect. It's efficient, relaxing, and a mellow way to get in shape, and Callan's charm and peaceful demeanor make it a pleasure to invite her into your living space with this wonderful method she has created.


Disappointing   June 9, 2000
 51 out of 58 found this review helpful

I have the Super Callanetics and Callan's 1987 version - both have more stomach exercises than the quick stomach version - I think it is a waste of money. One can just forward the tape to the stomach excercises on both the full Callanetics tapes.