cover image Callanetics Fit Forever

Callanetics Fit Forever

Callan Pinckney. Putnam Publishing Group, $23.95 (214pp) ISBN 978-0-399-14121-8

At the age of 57, Pinckney, an author (Callanetics) and exercise instructor with assorted widely selling video programs, focuses on the special needs of older women and individuals who rarely exercise. Modified for the older woman, the ""Callanetics"" here embrace a nonimpact exercise program involving gentle, deep muscular stretching that is designed to tone and reshape the body without stressing joints. Special routines and suggestions for individuals with arthritis, lower back pain or bad knees and diabetes or circulatory problems are provided. ""Cardiocallanetics"" includes a low-impact, aerobic component. Pinckney offers chapters that discuss her principles of healthy eating (60% of calories should be derived from complex carbohydrates) and reducing stress. She explains body changes associated with menopause and increased risks with age of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Her sensible, firm approach illuminates the benefits of a regular exercise routine in harried lives. There is a brief resource section and a list of franchised Callanetics Studios. (Jan.)