Research Corner - Q&A Callanetics by Marci Clark | Date Released : 31 Jul 2008 0 comments Print Close Question: I would like to hear your opinion on Callanetics, whether it's considered a useful exercise and how it compares to Pilates. Answer: Callanetics is a non-impact exercise program that uses small, precise movements to help reshape and tone all major muscle groups while increasing strength, flexibility and body alignment. The original Callanetics exercise method is a mixture of yoga and ballet. Many of the floor exercises are very similar to the Pilates mat exercises. Callanetics focuses on good posture and alignment in some of the same ways taught in a Pilates mat routine. The newest form of Callanetics is CardioCallanetics, a low impact routine focusing on proper alignment and body mechanics. This is all similar to Pilates exercise because that is the main focus with the Pilates method too. The biggest difference between Callanetics and Pilates is that Pilates also has several pieces of equipment designed around the method whereas Callanetics is strictly a mat and standing routine. My opinion is that Callanetics, like any form of exercise that focuses on good alignment, is a great form of exercise for any fitness level, and focusing on posture is always the best way to exercise properly. For more info, check out the following web sites: http://www.callanetics.com http://www.callanetics.org Back to top About the author: Marci Clark Marci Clark, co-founder and Training and Education Director of SPIN Pilates, is an international presenter on fitness and wellness programming with over 19 years in the fitness industry. She began her career by becoming an aerobics instructor after receiving her Bachelors in Communication from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As the fitness industry evolved, she was able to quit her day job in sales and open her own personal training business before moving on to become the Fitness Director for STRIVE Fitness in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1999, Clark received her Pilates certification from the PhysicalMind Institute and went on to study with acclaimed instructors from Ron Fletcher, Romana and STOTT. That same year, she launched one of the nation’s first reformer programs at STRIVE and co-founded a local training and placement service for Pittsburgh area instructors. The business grew into PHI Pilates— the first organization to cater to facilities and fitness professionals. Under Clark’s direction, PHI educated over 10,000 instructors and made a once exclusive form of exercise more accessible to the general public. Clark’s business acumen and industry experience have made her a sought after consultant. She has helped numerous facilities launch successful and profitable Pilates programs by advising on areas such as scheduling, pricing, staff training and programming for special populations. She is widely published in the areas of Pilates, fitness programming and business applications and has served on the board of directors for several industry organizations including NEHRSA and AFPA. In addition to her Pilates expertise, Clark also holds ACE and AFAA personal training and group exercise credentials and is a certified Spinning instructor. In 2006, Clark left PHI to co-found SPIN Pilates in conjunction with Mad Dogg Athletics, creator and steward of the renowned Spinning indoor cycling brand. Full Author Details Related content Content from Marci Clark Will Doing Yoga Make Me Fit? Chrys Kub | Articles The Principles of Posture Martin Rooney | Articles Educated Answers for the Pilates Instructor Marci Clark | Articles Pilates: The Exercise Method for Rehab Christine Romani-Ruby | Articles Functional Balance for Dancers Noah Hittner | Articles The Pilates Method Fiona Eakin | Articles Callanetics Marci Clark | Articles Gyrotonic Marci Clark | Articles Neutral Spine Defined – Part 2 Marci Clark | Articles Neutral Spine Defined - Part 1 Marci Clark | Articles Pilates Tools for Any Group Exercise Instructor Marci Clark | Articles Pilates for the Personal Trainer Marci Clark | Articles Educated Answers for the Pilates Instructor Marci Clark | Articles Pilates and the Cyclist Marci Clark | Articles Pricing Mind Body Programs Marci Clark | Articles Building a Pilates Team Marci Clark | Articles Mind Body Programming for Profit Marci Clark | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top