ChaLEAN Extreme

xdudeitsliz

just started chalean last sunday, although I may start week one over since i wasn't using heavy enough weights and I am buying selecttechs!! how has everybodys results been with the program! I am on a plateau and have 17 more pounds to lose plus tone! I am hoping that this will help. My friend has 10 pounds to lose but she lost so many inches the first month its already incredible!! Love to hear your stories and chat sooN!!!

Lisa0711

Well I'm officially done with the Burn phase, and I'm starting the Push phase tomorrow! I'm excited!! How did everyone like the Push phase compared to the Burn phase? I guess I'll have to wait and see if I'll need to go out and buy some other/heavier weights soon enough.

mshay05

Had my first day of CE yesterday and I LOVED it! OMG I am sooooo ready for this. I know that it is going to be hard but I am really excited about it! Hope everyone is having a good day! :flowerforyou:

sam4sure

Well I'm officially done with the Burn phase, and I'm starting the Push phase tomorrow! I'm excited!! How did everyone like the Push phase compared to the Burn phase? I guess I'll have to wait and see if I'll need to go out and buy some other/heavier weights soon enough.

Push- heavier weights-more soreness-more feeling of accomplishment! I noticed though I am in my 2nd wk of Push and my pants fit tighter in the thighs. I am a Chalene fan on fbook (hehe) and she recently posted about why people give up working out (esp weight training).,..in the first few wks when you begin to weight train your muscles are breaking down causing some inflammation and water weight, hence, you may see scale go up a lb or 2..so once you can get past the first few wks you are golden and you will likely see scale go back down. I have recently encountered this and am hopeful this will subside...I know I am building muscle and excited to see the changes so I am going to keep on.
** Also*** I've noticed I've felt dizzy and fatigued but realized I am not eating enough or often enough so I have been monitoring that and I feel a lot better. I didn't realize how much more hungry I feel but this is common because muscle burns calories!

Burn is fun so far...a lot more challenging and I believe this will be the phase you really see results! So far I have...

romst19

Hi Everyone!

I finally got weights, and I'd like to start this program on Monday. I'm excited, but also nervous because I've never done any serious weight training before. I do have a few questions, and was hoping some of you more experienced extremers could help me out!

I've seen the schedule laid out, but I'm unsure of how flexible it is. In other words, can I switch up my rest days (where I'll probably do cardio) to Day 3 instead of Day 2, for example? I would imagine this is okay as long as I'm not doing back-to-back days of weight training, but I'm really not sure.

Also, this may sound silly, but I have absolutely no idea what weights to start with! My upper body is pretty weak, but I think I have decent muscle in my legs. Do I just figure it out by trial and error, or do you have any suggestions for starting weight?

Finally, I've been reading about failing. Does this actually mean you do x reps until you physically can't do another one? That sounds painful!

Sorry if these questions sound dumb - this really is a new adventure for me! Thanks for any advice you can give!

kicklikeaGIRL

Hi Everyone!

I finally got weights, and I'd like to start this program on Monday. I'm excited, but also nervous because I've never done any serious weight training before. I do have a few questions, and was hoping some of you more experienced extremers could help me out!

I've seen the schedule laid out, but I'm unsure of how flexible it is. In other words, can I switch up my rest days (where I'll probably do cardio) to Day 3 instead of Day 2, for example? I would imagine this is okay as long as I'm not doing back-to-back days of weight training, but I'm really not sure.

Also, this may sound silly, but I have absolutely no idea what weights to start with! My upper body is pretty weak, but I think I have decent muscle in my legs. Do I just figure it out by trial and error, or do you have any suggestions for starting weight?

Finally, I've been reading about failing. Does this actually mean you do x reps until you physically can't do another one? That sounds painful!

Sorry if these questions sound dumb - this really is a new adventure for me! Thanks for any advice you can give!

romst! I'm so excited for you to start ChaLean Extreme! Its a great program. As far as the program schedule. I personally think its okay to mix in your own cardio on certain days--I am currently doing that. I don't lift 2 days in a row, and I lift 3 times a week...I add my own cardio in there (as well as the Burn Intervals). But, since I am training for a 10K right now, I'm working on my running as well. You will see some fabulous results as you combine cardio into your routine!! As far as weights..... just from personal experience I would have weights ranging from 5 pounds to 15 pounds. (I have 5,8,10,15...thats what I started with. I now use 20s as well). But, your strength will be different in each area of your body. Your shoulders will most definitely be lighter than your legs, and your biceps probably stronger than your shoulders. As you go through the program, write down your weights & reps on the guide sheet and keep track. Each time you lift, make a mark next to it as to whether you could go heavier or if you should go lighter the next time. By the second week you should have a good idea of what you may need to lift on each exercise. As far as "failure" goes...its not really a painful process, or at least I don't think it is. What happens for me is that at first I feel strong in the reps...and as I get closer to the end of the set, my arms start to shake and then they literally can't lift anymore. Its not really painful, its more of a "wow, my arms literally won't go up right now". It will burn, those muscles will be burning, there's no doubt about that. But, I love it when Chalene says "Fat can't exist in this environment". Its so true..just keep thinking that and you'll be blasting fat in no time!! Have a great time with it! And let us know if you have anymore questions!!!

Lisa0711

Hi Everyone!

I finally got weights, and I'd like to start this program on Monday. I'm excited, but also nervous because I've never done any serious weight training before. I do have a few questions, and was hoping some of you more experienced extremers could help me out!

I've seen the schedule laid out, but I'm unsure of how flexible it is. In other words, can I switch up my rest days (where I'll probably do cardio) to Day 3 instead of Day 2, for example? I would imagine this is okay as long as I'm not doing back-to-back days of weight training, but I'm really not sure.

Also, this may sound silly, but I have absolutely no idea what weights to start with! My upper body is pretty weak, but I think I have decent muscle in my legs. Do I just figure it out by trial and error, or do you have any suggestions for starting weight?

Finally, I've been reading about failing. Does this actually mean you do x reps until you physically can't do another one? That sounds painful!

Sorry if these questions sound dumb - this really is a new adventure for me! Thanks for any advice you can give!

I've been mixing up my routein too. I can't really do it the same way it's planned out on the premade schedule. But like Dawna said, I never lift on 2 days in a row either. When I started I tried to use the closest weight to what ChaLean uses, but my weights don't go that high yet! I'll have to buy some more. When you start you'll know if you went too light or too heavy. Trail and error works well since everyone has different stregths. Also, I don't think the failing part is painful! It's just your stopping point. I'm sure you'll do fine!

Lisa0711

Since I've started the Push phase and been using the 15s I can definately feel my arms burning! With the weight training I was doing before I never ever got sore, but with this one I do. I guess I was just afraid to lift heavier weights. But, I really couldn't with the other programs, they were very high rep. I did my weigh in today, and I'm down .2% body fat even though I put on a pound or 2! I've been great with doing my workouts, not as much my eating. But this month I'm more determined to eat better. Hopefully my next monthly weigh in will be a huge success - I plan on it to be anyway!

romst19

Thank you blondie and dawna for your awesome replies - that was definitely helpful! I'm excited too, and will definitely check back next week once I'm on the program!

kicklikeaGIRL

Thank you blondie and dawna for your awesome replies - that was definitely helpful! I'm excited too, and will definitely check back next week once I'm on the program!

Romst- I was going to mention that when I first started I hadn't lifted much, because I had the belief that if I lifted weights I would get bulky. So I did only cardio for a long time, therefore, I wasn't very strong when I started. I follwed Laylee (dark hair) in the beginning ( I didn't modify things like she did, I just went as heavy as she did), and then by the Push phase I was going as heavy as Janelle (Chalene's sister in the backrow). I still haven't quite gotten as heavy as Chalene, but I felt good once I got to the point I could lift as much as Janelle. You'll see some great improvements if you truely get to failure on each rep, and if you follow Chalene's "Go Heavy or Go Home" motto! Have fun!!

kicklikeaGIRL

Since I've started the Push phase and been using the 15s I can definately feel my arms burning! With the weight training I was doing before I never ever got sore, but with this one I do. I guess I was just afraid to lift heavier weights. But, I really couldn't with the other programs, they were very high rep. I did my weigh in today, and I'm down .2% body fat even though I put on a pound or 2! I've been great with doing my workouts, not as much my eating. But this month I'm more determined to eat better. Hopefully my next monthly weigh in will be a huge success - I plan on it to be anyway!

Lisa- I felt the same way with the PUSH phase, I started to realize that I hadn't really gotten the concept of "failure" before and that I can go heavy and feel some great burn! And the burn lasts a few days..haha! Don't worry about the weight put on...its the body fat that is going to matter...and as you continue to push through this program and adding in your cardio, you'll see some great results! And I've gotta get better with my eating too. I'm great during the week, but then friends always want to go out to eat. I've also gotta get better at getting at least 2 days of CE in....as the last 2 weeks I've only gotten 1 day of strength training in per week. I've been running a lot to get back up to running 6 miles so I can do the 10K I'm signed up for in June. We CAN do this! I've gotta avoid tortilla chips....those are my weakness, and I won't be buying them anytime soon..because once I do I eat wayyy too many! yikes! Did you take measurements in the beginning? I wish I would have...but I didn't really think about it. But, I went down 2 sizes so I guess that counts for something!

Lisa0711

Since I've started the Push phase and been using the 15s I can definately feel my arms burning! With the weight training I was doing before I never ever got sore, but with this one I do. I guess I was just afraid to lift heavier weights. But, I really couldn't with the other programs, they were very high rep. I did my weigh in today, and I'm down .2% body fat even though I put on a pound or 2! I've been great with doing my workouts, not as much my eating. But this month I'm more determined to eat better. Hopefully my next monthly weigh in will be a huge success - I plan on it to be anyway!

Lisa- I felt the same way with the PUSH phase, I started to realize that I hadn't really gotten the concept of "failure" before and that I can go heavy and feel some great burn! And the burn lasts a few days..haha! Don't worry about the weight put on...its the body fat that is going to matter...and as you continue to push through this program and adding in your cardio, you'll see some great results! And I've gotta get better with my eating too. I'm great during the week, but then friends always want to go out to eat. I've also gotta get better at getting at least 2 days of CE in....as the last 2 weeks I've only gotten 1 day of strength training in per week. I've been running a lot to get back up to running 6 miles so I can do the 10K I'm signed up for in June. We CAN do this! I've gotta avoid tortilla chips....those are my weakness, and I won't be buying them anytime soon..because once I do I eat wayyy too many! yikes! Did you take measurements in the beginning? I wish I would have...but I didn't really think about it. But, I went down 2 sizes so I guess that counts for something!

I have the exact same problem. If I'm by myself I can eat healthy.. but give me a friend or 2 and that's out the window. I'm working on it though. I made a promise to my boyfriend (as dorky as it may sound) to do my best because what I was doing wasn't working. I figured an obligation to someone else who really cares about me will spur me on. I can't stand letting anyone down! So.. that's been working for me for the past 2 days! But usually if I can just get started on the right track I'll be fine. This warm weather is really helping me. When it's cold all my downtime is on the couch watching tv after working out and eating way too much, but now I've been outside playing with my dog and getting probably 3 times the exercise plus I'm not as hungry. It's amazing how much the weather can affect your mood (or mine anyway!) lol. So now I'm very hopeful for May's weigh in and measurements. I started taking measurements from my heaviest, and I do the officail monthly weigh in and measurements the first of every month. I can't imagine now that I was about a foot bigger around the waist at one time.. :noway:

Yeah, 2 sizes definately count! I haven't lost any since starting this program, but since I've lost 50 pounds I've lost about 4 sizes. I wanna go down about 2 more - maybe 3. I'll have to see when I get closer. lol

Anyway, good luck getting back on track. You're right.. we CAN do this!! :bigsmile:

Lisa0711

Sorry - double post.

mshay05

Hey all,

Just had Burn Intervals last night and I loved it!!! Wow was it hard but so good too! haha. I didn't think I would enjoy it but I really did! Loving the program!

Lisa0711

Well I finally broke down and got the Powerblock Sportblock 24's. I've been wanting them for a while, decided they were too expensive, bought other weights... then saw them for 10% off on Amazon and finally gave in! I'm glad though. I'd still have to buy 10s, 12s, 20s, and 25s to complete my set for now. And now I'll have all of those (or close to it) in 1 set. I started to get faster shipping because I want them now! Hopefully they'll get here soon. :happy:

kicklikeaGIRL

Well I finally broke down and got the Powerblock Sportblock 24's. I've been wanting them for a while, decided they were too expensive, bought other weights... then saw them for 10% off on Amazon and finally gave in! I'm glad though. I'd still have to buy 10s, 12s, 20s, and 25s to complete my set for now. And now I'll have all of those (or close to it) in 1 set. I started to get faster shipping because I want them now! Hopefully they'll get here soon. :happy:

Hey Lisa! I looked up those Powerblock Sportblock on Amazon, and those look pretty sweet! They don't look too bulky, you'll have to let me know how you like them. I did have a question...if you have the 24's, 21's 12's, and 9's on your powwerblock sportblock, you probably wouldn't need to buy the 25s, 20s, 12s or 10 pound weights. The weights on your powerblock sportblock said it had increments either exactly on those or so close, that it wouldn't be worth the money spent to buy additional weights. Just a thought though! Free weights are so expensive! Each of my 20's cost like $20 EACH! It was crazy!!! I think my heaviest weight is 20 pounds..just because my wrists can't hold weights heavier than 20. So, I think your 24 weights on your powerblock thing would be heavy enough for you. Just my opinion though...your wrists might be able to handle it though! I'm SO excited for you and this program!!! Can't wait for you to get those weights!!! You'll have to let me know how you like them!!!

kicklikeaGIRL

I did the PUSH 2 today...and WOWZERS! It was pretty amazing...and I am going to be sore!! I am currently on the "Lean for Life" program, so I rotate and do each of the phases (burn, push, lean) each week. Yippie! I am excited, and hope to see more results in a few months!

afeinberg

Hi guys!
I have been doing turbo jam for about 5months now and I love it but am looking for something new- I love Chalene and have heard amazing things about CLE... but i have some questions...

First - how long are the workouts each day - I know for p90x you need an hour daily and i work full time and have two young kids so that's not always feasible for me.


Second - are there rest days?

Third - I am in fairly good shape from doing TJ and also jillina michaels and biggest loser workouts with weights but not sure what weights i would need - currently i have 3s, 5s and 10s...will i need more?

And lastly, does anyone know if there are places to buy CLE for less $$ - it sounds amazjng and i really want to buy it but it sure is EXPENSIVE

Any feedback would be appreciated!!

Lisa0711

Well I finally broke down and got the Powerblock Sportblock 24's. I've been wanting them for a while, decided they were too expensive, bought other weights... then saw them for 10% off on Amazon and finally gave in! I'm glad though. I'd still have to buy 10s, 12s, 20s, and 25s to complete my set for now. And now I'll have all of those (or close to it) in 1 set. I started to get faster shipping because I want them now! Hopefully they'll get here soon. :happy:

Hey Lisa! I looked up those Powerblock Sportblock on Amazon, and those look pretty sweet! They don't look too bulky, you'll have to let me know how you like them. I did have a question...if you have the 24's, 21's 12's, and 9's on your powwerblock sportblock, you probably wouldn't need to buy the 25s, 20s, 12s or 10 pound weights. The weights on your powerblock sportblock said it had increments either exactly on those or so close, that it wouldn't be worth the money spent to buy additional weights. Just a thought though! Free weights are so expensive! Each of my 20's cost like $20 EACH! It was crazy!!! I think my heaviest weight is 20 pounds..just because my wrists can't hold weights heavier than 20. So, I think your 24 weights on your powerblock thing would be heavy enough for you. Just my opinion though...your wrists might be able to handle it though! I'm SO excited for you and this program!!! Can't wait for you to get those weights!!! You'll have to let me know how you like them!!!

Oops I wrote that wrong! I'm not gonna buy anymore weights since I bought the Powerblocks... At first I didn't want to buy them because they were so expensive, but then i realized how many other weights I still needed to buy if I didn't get the powerblocks and decided the powerblocks won't be much more at all - and I'll have tons more room without so many sets of weights. I'm sure 24 will be pleanty heavy for me.. the only ones I'd use them on are the lower body exercises so I wouldn't put much of a strain on myself. But I'll keep ya updated for sure!

Lisa0711

Hi guys!
I have been doing turbo jam for about 5months now and I love it but am looking for something new- I love Chalene and have heard amazing things about CLE... but i have some questions...

First - how long are the workouts each day - I know for p90x you need an hour daily and i work full time and have two young kids so that's not always feasible for me.


Second - are there rest days?

Third - I am in fairly good shape from doing TJ and also jillina michaels and biggest loser workouts with weights but not sure what weights i would need - currently i have 3s, 5s and 10s...will i need more?

And lastly, does anyone know if there are places to buy CLE for less $$ - it sounds amazjng and i really want to buy it but it sure is EXPENSIVE

Any feedback would be appreciated!!

Hey Allison! To answer your questions - the workouts are usually about 35 min (on weight lifiting days) and the Burn Intervals, which is once a week, is about 47 minutes. There are 2 rest days each week, but many people choose to extra cardio on either those days, or after lifting (that's what I do). You will probably be ok for the first week or two with the weights you have, but you'll definately want to go up no later than the second month, which is when you start the push phase. I bought CE on amazon, but it was expensive! Have you tried ebay? The only downside to that is sometimes you won't get a complete kit. I really like this program and I don't regret the money I spent on it! This is the first time I've stuck with a pre-planned workout program. Usually I get bored and quit after 2 weeks, but now I'm in my second month and I love it! I'll definately be finishing it out, given nothing happens to where I wouldn't be able to.