ChaLean Extreme Challenge

[MLE777]

If you have TurboJam's Fat Blaster, it is a good substitute for Burn It Off.

[Pleiades]

I started today! I'm not used to slow moves like that, so I pretty much hated it LOL I plan to stick with it, though. I expected the first week to be an adjustment period. I'd been doing something different for 6 months so this is a change

[lisabinil]

Been waylaid fighting off a cold and had a 2 day sinus headache. Back on track and completed Burn Circuit 1.

[3tikes]

Hope you're feeling better Lisa! I started the push phase today and I am still really happy with the program. I haven't been losing weight as far as the scale says.........I'm not too down about it as I know I've been eating too much too!

[lisabinil]

Finished my 4th session. My waist and butt are slimming down-usual pattern when I start exercising. The sumo squats with overhead extensions are killer for me. I finished 12 reps on all exercises except 2 with 8 lb weights. Could only do 8 girlie pushups-felt weak and tired-got a sore throat later in the evening so I am still fighting this bug.

[3tikes]

I just wanted to let you guys know I have the extra cd's, I did the fatburn challenge yesterday instead of burn intervals just to try it. It is only 32 minutes long, no weights (maybe one time). It is really like her other ones you already have, not sure if it was worth the extra purchase. I think Emily said the turbo jam was a good mix up as well. I'm sure I'll still use it if time doesn't allow the burn intervals, but there's not too much different that's all. It's a combo of the burn it off/burn intervals.

Have a good day!
Rhonda

[NikisMom]

I am approaching the end of Push week 2, I have noticed a big increase in my appetite. I am trying to eat more often and increased protein but it is a struggle. I don't feel I have lost anything, I am avoiding the scale right now. I am really seeing some nice definition all over, even my saddle bag area is starting to slim down. I LOVE this program!!

Has anyone tried Extreme Abs? OMG, it takes Extreme to a whole new level

[3tikes]

Nikismom,
I don't think I've done that one yet.....I did I've Got Abs yesterday - she's awesome. I too, seem to be eating more. I made some deviled eggs yesterday to have a quick protein snack too. I must be doing okay, I'm at 152, so I have 11 pounds to get back to my original loss of 141, but my size 6 are pretty loose. I'm really happy with this program .... I hope it is a lifelong workout too - until she impresses me with something new!!
Rhonda

[NikisMom]

LOL Rhonda, I feel the same way

I think I am going to buy the Lean Intervals DVD, my DH didn't order the deluxe package so it didn't come with that one.

[LadyBeloved]

Hi all. Emily, I note your comment about the HIIT from her old TJ collection. You know I have them all.

I am getting the pull up bar from CVS tomorrow - it's on sale for $29 and since I'm also prepping for 90 days of P90x, I may as well start dealing with it now. Pull ups are a challenge. I refuse to say "can't" so I'll stick with they're a "challenge" and push ups are getting easier.

I found that my weight is fluctuating quite a bit so I'm not blinking when I get on the scale. I'm not measuring until day 30.

I noticed tonight that things are shaping up differently although the scale is up 5lbs. Not sure what that's all about. Dorth told me to get a new scale but the workouts are marvelous. I so look forward to the workouts ... except the Burn intervals - hate that one.

The eating is much better. I've decided to bare bones it down and suck it up with no frills. I'm sticking straight with a 40 - 45g protein, 25 - 30g carbs and 25 - 30 fat. I'm tweaking that for now to see what the results are at each week's end, meaning how my clothing is fitting and what it feels like.

Appetite is through the roof most days but I try to feel both feet on the ground, center self and know that I'm not hungry for anything except fuel. No treats or pseudo treats, just straight fuel because once I give myself the ok for one thing, the slide downhill speeds up.

Weights - I'm using 7lb - 20lb for upper body and 20lb and 25lb for lower body. I'm going to increase shortly and again, in preparation for the next phase of Tony H.

Chalene is extremely motivating. She's inviting and warm and entertaining. You don't really realize how hard you're working until you feel the sweat beading and you think ... how is it that I've never wanted to do this before?

Ok, dissertation over for now. Good night all and good luck.

[jbird3]

I finally got it in the mail....it took forever. I started this week and oh man am I sore. I'm 9.5 weeks pregnant right now but I just did a round of 90X so I'm good for this however even though I can lift 20 and 25 lbs I don't unless it's mainly leg strength doing the lifting. I don't know if I'll see the same results since the highest I'm gonna go with arm while pregnant is 15 lbs but I think at the very least I'll not be a huge fatty at the end....we'll see. (fingers crossed) I LOVE this workout!!! Such a change from anything I've done so far, even P90x didn't have this slow burn. It's awesome, even though it does take some getting used to.

Good luck everyone...I did burn intervals yesterday and man I was surprised at how challenging that "measly" 45 minutes would be....oh man my hamstrings are KILLING me today....eeek!

~Jenny

[LadyBeloved]

Originally Posted by jbird3

It's awesome, even though it does take some getting used to.

~Jenny

Can you do a quick comparison / contrast with P90X? Aside from the obvious differences, what are your adjustments? I'm glad you're being challenged. I was starting to worry that (although I was feeling challenged) CLX would pale in comparison to P90X because of all the groaning and moaning (good pain, though) I'm reading about from women on P90x boards.

Congrats on your pregnancy.

[NikisMom]

I also curious about the difference between CLX and P90X, we are thinking about doing P90X afterward as well.

LadyB - Sounds like you are doing awesome!!! I had to LOL about your comment regarding Burn Intervals....seems to be on everyone's hate list While I don't love it I would rather do it that Burn It Off. I absolutely hate that one

[3tikes]

Is the P90X longer? That's what turned me off - with work and three kids, 35 minutes is what CLX averages - I love that! I thought P90X had a lot longer workouts.

[NikisMom]

Rhonda - I read that the workouts are 1 to 1.5 hours in the P90X threads. They are pretty long.

[Pleiades]

Here's the breakdown for P90X times:

Chest & Back (51 min)
Plyometrics (58 min)
Shoulders & Arms (59 min)
Yoga (93 minutes)
Legs & Back (58 min)
Kenpo (58 min)
Stretch (57 min)
Core Synergistics (57 min)
Chest & Shoulders (55 min)
Back & Biceps (51 min)
Cardio (43 min)
Ab Ripper (16 min)

And on some days, Ab Ripper follows one of the regular workouts. Yuck. But I'll be doing it at some point. I just finished my first week of ChaLean Extreme, and while I don't love it, I can see myself completing it and moving on to P90X.

[3tikes]

Yeah, that's too long for me. Sad, but true. I know it works too, but I know I wouldn't stick with it. I'm hoping for big results with CLX, and if need be, I'll keep repeating it and pushing myself harder hoping for optimal results. I give credit to those who can do it! I have to say that I'm sure I could find the time, it's just I personally don't like to workout that long - 45 minutes is my max, today I will do the burn intervals and abs, so it will be an hour. But, I hate this day! So to do it every day for almost an hour - I'd find an excuse! Kudos to those that do it!

[jbird3]

I think if you aren't a crazy workout person CLX will work great for you. Don't feel like you have to workout super long every day to get great results....although I will say if you go through it and you didn't see the results you wanted and your eating was good then I would add in some more cardio. Or give 90X a try....start out doing a 1/2 hour of each DVD and add on the days you want...you could always try a few extra minutes. I personally LOVE to workout and YogaX is just enitirely too long...it's not that I can't do I just don't want to....I try and push through most of the time but if I don't feel like it I don't.

As for the differences in CLX and P90X well (keep in mind I just started CLX) but from what I can see so far, Chalene like to work two muscle groups at a time and at a much slower pace. I actually dig it, it's different, it's challenging, takes less time and kills two birds with one stone.

However besides the fact it is longer, P90X has A TON more push ups and A TON of pull-ups. However I didn't even do the pull-ups for a long time I used bands (pull-downs) until I built up to pull-ups. The muscle confusion is what P90X really excels at. and since you change your DvD's every 4 weeks you never Plateau. I would say I would like p90X more if they had another option for legs. Because you do legs once a week except on recovery weeks and by the end you are just sick of it same with Abs..you do abs 3 times a week and it's the same DVD. However I did buy P90X plus and the Abs DVD in that is freaking awesome I love it....there aren't any crunches in it and I notice a big change in my abs from that DVd.

Anyway there are a ton of exercises you've never probably done and he definitely works you in every video except cardio X which I personally think is a joke compared to the rest of the DVD's. The results speak for themselves. I mean within 5 weeks I was looking really different and it was awesome...but like I said earlier I'm pregnant now soooo we'll see how it goes.

I really like CLX though, however for me I have to add at least a 1/2 cardio afterwards just because I'm used to longer workouts and that is my "me" time every day and I'm not willing to part with it. It's my "Prozac"

The way I see it if you are doing anything exercise"wise" at least 30 minutes a day you are still staying healthy and are way ahead of most of Americans. But to be completely honest if you want to see HUGE HUGE changes in your body you may have to do a little more. But time will tell for you personally. I am not a naturally small person and I have to work twice as hard as most of my friends.

[NikisMom]

Thanks for the review Jbird In CLX, you only work two muscle groups at the same time in the Burn phase. The Push phase is one at a time. but you work legs in every one. Push 1 is arms, 2 is shoulders, and 3 is chest and back, legs in each one. I dont' know about the Lean phase though. I work out with my husband and we also add stuff to CLX for a more challenging workout. I do Abs almost everyday, the gym for more work with weights 2 times a week and we also try to walk/jog once a week.

[LadyBeloved]

Thanks JBird - I think the intensity of the slow reps may give CLX that extra edge. You're really flexing and concentrating. I had to really center both feet on the ground and calm my Type A self down so that I didn't sprint through it. Each time she reminds us to go slow is just when I am about to speed up so while I thought the constant reminders would work that last nerve, I am actually grateful for it because I have to concentrate and remind myself to slow it down.

NikisMom, oh my, those Burn Intervals. Ick. Emily said the Turbo Jam HIIT DVD could be substituted: Fat Blaster, I think it is.

I'm really stressed out about those pull-ups in P90X but I have to do it. It's the one thing that is a big challenge and I need to overcome it and stop whining about it.

I really think doing what we're doing will get results because it is different and it is also muscle confusion so every 30 days you're doing something different and I understand the PUSH phase is when changes start to pop.

[3tikes]

I think the lean phase is when you really see results. Being that I just ate a cheeseburger, I'm sure I'm inhibiting mine! We are at hockey all day and I'm feeling a little under the weather. When I am sick .... I crave carbs like hot dogs and mac n cheese I did workout today with burn intervals and ab burner. And I did good - I gave 100% My throat is sore and my neck hurts! Tomorrow is a rest day. I'll be okay for push circuit 1, second try on Monday. Chalean rocks! I am going to order turbo jam to change it up here and there, I might try ebay first since I already have the gloves.
Rhonda

[NikisMom]

Hang in the Rhonda, I know it is hard When you get cravings like that try to make them legal. Make some mac & cheese with Dreamfield's pasta and use a whole grain bun for your hot dog. I wrap my hot dogs in low carb tortilla's but sometimes really crave the bun I know it is a struggle, I am struggling too with food right now. I am working at home this evening and munching on fresh soy beans with sea salt

LadyB - I am a little freaked out about the pull-ups

[LadyBeloved]

Originally Posted by NikisMom

LadyB - I am a little freaked out about the pull-ups

Oh yes and with good reason. I am freaked, too.

However, we are going to be crying and whining like little gurls ... at first ... and then a couple of bad asses at the end of 6 months ---> July 2009 - right on time for summer.

[LadyBeloved]

Can't believe I'm starting week 3 already. Off to do circuit 1.

Happy Sunday!

[LadyBeloved]

I amped up the weights this morning ... I have been slacking!

*heads to sports authority for heavier weights*

You are WAY stronger than you think you are!!

PUSH YOURSELF!!

I feel like I'm gonna pass out. Every limb is shaking right now. It hurrrrrrrrrrts so good.

[3tikes]

I agree, I bought a new set of weights, and it only goes up to 25lbs. I used 30lbs. on Friday! Certain muscles though, I am lighter than Chalean. I can hang with her or surpass her weight on almost all but not the deltoid raises. I am for some reason weak there! I don't try to stay with her, but it just seems that's where I need to be to fail.

[LadyBeloved]

I meant to get the extra weights today but got busy and forgot. Next thing I knew, it was 6:30.

I'll get them tomorrow. I used 25lbs on the lunge with rotations and that burned but I also felt that while I was sweating like mad, I can go heavier.

The side bends I used 20lbs and can go heavier.

I'm getting stronger ... the posterior raises I'd always done incorrectly since I wasn't bent forward thereby working the anterior delts. I guess I was working the front of the shoulder and by not having any kind of form, getting nowhere. I can do 10lbs here but totally fail at 10. Goal is to get to 20lbs.

Are you all eating clean - what are your ratios --> protein/fat/carbs?

[3tikes]

I follow the south beach diet. I do not do well with grains for the most part, but I do well with triscuits or trader joes thin crisps, paired with a protein like tuna salad or chicken salad. For lunch it's usually a big salad with grilled chicken, maybe strawberries, almonds, feta, cukes, tomatoes,etc. I just ate scrambled eggs with lentils and mozzarella. I have done south beach successfully until late last year when i started gaining weight and not losing it. I am now on synthroid, but really haven't weighed too much. I did have some wine this weekend. The south beach actually allows that, but I do think it can hinder weight loss. I did phase 1 of south beach to get rid of cravings, but then you slowly add back fruit and grain. I think I should be at 2 grains/day by now, but like I said, grains trigger cravings and hypoglycemic episodes usually, but fruit I can do well. The main point of south beach is to pair the "good" carbs like grains and fruit with a protein. What is everyone else doing?

[LadyBeloved]

Last night, I increased the weights all around. I used 25lbs on the lunges and squats and 10lb - 15lbs on biceps and triceps and 25lbs on the rows. Sweat poured off ... breathing was really panting.

Suffice it to say I am hobbling around this morning and wincing in a satisfying way. My body is alive, oh yeah. It is sore and tingly and feeling strong. Feeling more powerful by the day.

Never thought I'd feel this way about heavy workouts.

I did not grumble during the pushups and actually look forward to them tonight.

Resisting the temptation to get on the scale and also refuse to measure. I will do both of those at the end of next week, which will mark week 4.

[3tikes]

Excellent job Lady! I am only in my second week of push - did circuit 2 today. You know, when I lifted before, I never got "tingly" but last Friday, my legs were almost numb, and I knew they would get sore - a good sore though! I haven't measured at all - I know I should have, but I just want to look good in my mirror. I used to get really upset at the scale, but I'm not anymore. I haven't lost enough yet - maybe I never will, but I am certainly more fit.