Callanetics. If I’m being completely honest, when I heard mention of a Callanetics road test I had cringe-worthy visions of myself clad in a leotard and leg warmers, leaping around a studio with ribbons in hand. Like many before me, I had wrongly confused Callanetics with Calisthenics, a completely unrelated and vastly different activity.

What I experienced at Callanetics Canberra’s peaceful studio couldn’t be further from what I originally envisioned. Owner and instructor Virginia Cooke promises a sweat free, no impact work out using your own body weight to sculpt, lift, and tone.

Originally created by Callan Pinckney in the early 1980s, Callanetics involves stretching the body’s muscles and adding short, tiny pulses designed to work into the deeper muscle fibres to improve tone and flexibility. The exercises are performed in ‘triple slow motion’, meaning that you can really feel the muscles working.

I was invited to trial a semi-private Callanetics class with three other students of varying fitness levels. The air-conditioned room provided relief from a sweltering hot day, and I immediately felt relaxed and refreshed. As we settled onto our yoga mats on the floor, Virginia took us through the basics of Callanetics, including the inspiring story of its founder. Callan Pinckney was born with a congenital back defect which forced her to wear a brace. Despite her physical struggles, she studied classical ballet and managed to spend 11 years backpacking around the world before returning home to develop the Callanetics program, which helped to treat her condition.

The background of the program illustrates that it’s a great option for those suffering injuries or spinal problems. Designed to strengthen the back and improve alignment, it’s gentle and safe, and the small class numbers ensure that Virginia is able to keep an eye on all students and provide options for those who have limited mobility.

During the class we were taken through a series of movements and postures, including floor work using mats and foam blocks, as well as standing exercises with the assistance of a ballet barre. Virginia gives each student a lot of individual attention, which is great because it means that she can correct your movements – an essential part of the Callanetics program. As one of the students pointed out, there’s nothing worse than being in the back of a large group fitness class having no clue whether you’re “doing it right”!

As promised, I was left sweat free at the end of the class. Rather than feeling fatigued and out of breath, I was refreshed and relaxed. Although I felt the effects of the ab exercises almost straight away, the rest of my muscles weren’t particularly sore until the next day. I definitely had the feeling that I’d worked deeper muscles, even though I’d only used delicate movements.

I would recommend Callanetics for those who baulk at the idea of getting sweaty in an intimidating gym environment. If you’re looking for a gentle exercise program in a semi-private, calming environment; then these classes are certainly for you. Callanetics is also great for anyone, including runners or athletes, who’d like to develop a longer, leaner look as Callanetics doesn’t create bulky muscles.

For more information or to book into a course, visit Callanetics Canberra’s website, call Virginia on Virginia 0411 952 598 or email virginia.cooke@gmail.com or visit the Callanetics Canberra’s Facebook page.This is a sponsored post.