JM Body Revolution to ChaLEAN Extreme??

jenf330
jenf330 Posts: 66 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm getting ready to wrap up Jillian Michaels Body Revolution in about a week and I've been considering my options once I'm done. I could always go back and do another round using heavier weights and the advanced moves, but part of me just wants to try something new.

I've had a lot of knee problems in Phase 3 that have required a ton of modifications. When I was searching for lower impact home workouts, I stumbled on ChaLEAN Extreme and it looks interesting.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the level of intensity. Is this truly just a beginners workout? I may not be able to do all the jumping moves, but I also don't want to take a step back either. I want something that I continue to improve with.

Has anyone followed JMBR with this program? Results? And if you picked another program, what was it?

Replies

  • mdcoug
    mdcoug Posts: 397 Member
    I started ChaLEAN Extreme after being pretty sedentary for five months. It was fine. It takes you through three phases and you start with the weights that are appropriate (but still heavy) for your fitness/strength level. It's been a couple of months since I finished it, but I'm pretty sure there is no jumping. The cardio really isn't that intense in it. I really liked it and would recommend it. I've moved on to a strength training program now, thanks to CLX warming me up to weights.
  • JJordon
    JJordon Posts: 857 Member
    Beginner workout? Heh. I'd say its on par (the Full Complete Version) With Insanity (which I've done one round) P90X/XPlus/X2 (especially X2, since the top tier Advanced Workouts --- Extreme Intervals, Extreme Core Circuit, require Stability Balls.)

    It just requires you to have ALOT of free weight dumb bells (you'll probably need somewhere between 5-50 lbs, for two sets of dumb bells. Getting standard/Olympic plates for dumb bell handles is best, but if you can spend the loot, Bowflex Select Tech might be up your alley. Resistance Bands... are okay, I just think free metal weight, can never be out done. Just one man's opinion.). You'll probably surprise yourself with how much you need, but theoretically, CLX could be done infinitely with enough free weight that allows you to move up over time. (In fact they stress this with their Lean For Life program schedule)

    If the BASIC cardio (Burn it Off) and intervals (Burn Intervals) aren't doing it for you, step it up to INTERMEDIATE (Fat-Burn Challenge/Get Lean Intervals) or EXTREME (Extreme Core Circuit/Extreme Intervals <BOTH which require Stability balls>) cardio and intervals.

    CLX, has ALOT of modifications you can do, Miss Jen.

    One caveat: If you aren't eating enough protein on this weight lifting program, you aren't going to see the progress you might want.
  • jenf330
    jenf330 Posts: 66 Member
    JJordon - Thank you so much! That actually helps me a lot. I kept seeing things saying it was great for beginners and while I certainly don't think I'm advanced, I'm not a beginner either. I did P90X once a few years ago (too time intensive) and Insanity is too hard on my knees. But if this is around the same difficulty level, that's perfect. After reading your description, I think this is what I need. I already have a set of adjustable dumb bells that go up to 25 lbs and a set of resistance bands that can be combined if needed, so that should be good to get me started.

    The protein thing is a good caveat. My results started stalling with Jillian Michaels and I think it's due to a lack of protein. I'm switching my diet around this week.

    Thanks again :) Super informative!!

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