ChaLEAN Extreme

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!

Blondie- I agree, weights are expensive and get in the way...I do my workouts in our living room that is oh maybe 12x6 and I move the coffee table and keep the weights in the corner but will have to put them away when we have company because I have 4 sets now...still might have to get 15s...just because I tried holding 5s and 10s but too bulky and awkward on some of the lifts...kinda frustrating...but I know my $ spent on weights will outweigh (no pun intended hehe) the cost.

I am at day 60 of CLE. On day one, my body fat percentage was 28.8....now it is 22.2!! None of my clothes fit! I'm goin shopping! Woo hoo. Thank you Beachbody!!!!

Yay!! Way to go Risa!! That is awesome!! Have fun shopping!! I'm hoping to take a shopping trip at the end of the summer once I get closer to my goals. Just think..you still have the LEAN phase!! How great!

Thanks Dawna! I bought one pair of shorts today....size 8! Some of the size 6's fit too, but a little snug. I figured I'd hold out until I finished the LEAN phase and glad I did. From what you are saying those 6's may be just right when I am done! Way to go mixing up the running. It keeps things interesting that way!

Ok so I've noticed I was fitting nicely into a size 6 pr of Levis and now they are a bit snug the last week (not that time of the month) and I have been drinking plenty of water...I know they say when working muscles they get inflamed or whatever- but I am kinda concerned I am gaining weight though the scale doesn't show any increase- it's kinda weird. I gained a lb or 2 a few wks ago but then lost them again...since doing Push phase. Did anyone notice this happening during Push? I'm half way thru week 3 of Push.

I'm definitely interested in this answer from anyone who's made it through the lean phase. I start the lean phase this week and after seeing exciting inches (not pounds ) come off in phase one I actually felt like although I haven't gained any weight on the scale, my jeans are actually tighter after push. I'd love some encouragement to continue since I have only lost about 2 pounds in 60 days despite doing the program AND adding 2 - 3 mile runs most weight days...

Interesting...I'm glad I'm not the only one experiencing this. I wonder if the fat covering the muscle is causing this since the muscle is building/ bulking most probably in the PUSH phase meanwhile not all the fat is being shed??? I'm curious to see what people say to your and my post. Hang in there...

I'm definitely interested in this answer from anyone who's made it through the lean phase. I start the lean phase this week and after seeing exciting inches (not pounds ) come off in phase one I actually felt like although I haven't gained any weight on the scale, my jeans are actually tighter after push. I'd love some encouragement to continue since I have only lost about 2 pounds in 60 days despite doing the program AND adding 2 - 3 mile runs most weight days...

The great thing is that you are seeing inches come off! I think this article might help make sense.... as its also simliar to Sam4sure's issues as well. And make sure you are eating enough!

http://www.turbokick.com/wblog/?p=709

kicklikeagirl- yes i have read that article before...and i knew it was common to gain a few lbs because of muscles retaining fluid and/or inflammation but just seems no matter how much cardio i have been doing it doesn't alleviate the bloated tight feeling in my waist and legs- my pants are really tight, almost uncomfortable. I suppose I will just keep doing what im doing-drink extra water and continue to eat what I am supposed to as far as calories when I enter in my workouts-i eat most if not all my workout calories. I do cardio almost every day and on my weight lifting days. I tend to take day off once during weekend and once during week. If Chalene says it is common and my fitnesspal pals- then I will make myself be ok with it and not get discouraged!

I've also read that article before. In addition, in the "new" body for life book it talks about women in particular who don't see a lot of changes until the 8th week. So, I'm hoping good things will happen in this last 4 weeks. It is frustrating though to know that I could concentrate on eating and not exercise and probably lose more actual pounds but I am trying to remember that 5 or 6 pounds over where I think I want to be and being in shape is probably more attractive than meeting my goal and being flabby!

kicklikeagirl- yes i have read that article before...and i knew it was common to gain a few lbs because of muscles retaining fluid and/or inflammation but just seems no matter how much cardio i have been doing it doesn't alleviate the bloated tight feeling in my waist and legs- my pants are really tight, almost uncomfortable. I suppose I will just keep doing what im doing-drink extra water and continue to eat what I am supposed to as far as calories when I enter in my workouts-i eat most if not all my workout calories. I do cardio almost every day and on my weight lifting days. I tend to take day off once during weekend and once during week. If Chalene says it is common and my fitnesspal pals- then I will make myself be ok with it and not get discouraged!

Yeah, I think its normal. When I was in the PUSH phase I had issues with my arms. My arms seemed to be bigger and be tighter in the shirts I was wearing. I was wearing a cute blouse with 1/2 sleeves that are tighter (not stretchy at all) and it was frustrating. But, after a while the "swelling" went down and my muscles were more lean and the flabby-ness was going away. (Less to grab under the ol' arms). So, it must be something kind of common when you start to lift more. That stinks though with the pants...I wish you were seeing more success! Do you have a relatively small goal weight loss? Like 20 pounds or less?? I've noticed you've lost 26 already...was that before starting ChaLean Extreme?

See I can understand be tighter in different areas of muscles you are really working but I don't understand why i am only feeling it in the waist, hip and abdomen. I am using my arms a lot-but I haven't noticed my sleeves being tighter. I did TJ and bicycle to lose the 26 lbs and some improved eating. I have lost a few lbs on Chalean too. However, my bmi is still too high where I need to lose at least 7 more lbs to be within healthy range give or take. I am just gonna not let this issue get me down- the body is changing and muscles are being challenged that haven't been before so I suppose the body will react the way it wants. I will do my best to eat well, drink lots of water, get enough rest, try to do protein for recovery...and continue my workout regimen.

My weights (powerblock sportblock 24s) are supposed to be here tomorrow! I can't wait to get them and see how they work!! I'll let yall know as soon as I use them. :happy:

I finally started this tonight! The plan was to begin two weeks ago, but I moved and got engaged (yay)! So needless to say it's been a busy time here...but a great one! Soooo....I didn't fall in love with this program tonight, but I didn't hate it, and today was only Day One. I was trying to position myself in front of a mirror as much as possible to make sure I was doing everything correctly. But sometimes she would say I should feel it in my hamstrings, and I would feel it in my shoulders, so I think I may need to work on technique. I definitely plan to stick with it though, and hopefully see results.

Thanks again for all the advice I've gotten on this thread. Looks like you guys are doing great! I will check back soon!

Hi Extremers!
Last night I did the Burn Intervals and wowzers! Monday was PUSH 2, and holy hanna--- I am still feeling the effects of it today. I'm hoping to get in LEAN 2 tonight before we head out of town for the weekend. I still love this program, and I am still seeing results as I continue to switch up routines. Yippie!

Romst- Like Blondie, CE definitely grows on you. I watched the Learn DVD to try to get the moves down. Even after a workout if I didn't feel like I quite did a segment right, I would go back to that video and see her form again and compare with the mirror. As time went on, I also got pretty good at noticing which muscles each workout should be working. For example: If we were doing rows and my lower back started to hurt, I knew I wasn't doing it as correctly as I could. So, a lot of times when my lower back starts to feel tense its more than likely because I'm not flexing my abs. I've noticed that using your abs on these exercises is so critical, so now that I'm on Round 2 of this program, I think I finally know what I'm doing. But, don't worry- you'll catch on, and keep that mirror there, it will definitely help. So excited for you!!!!

Blondie-- I'm so glad you got your new weights, yippie! You are goin all crazy on these workouts and it will totally pay off! I've decided I also need to get a set of 12 pounders. Its crazy now that I'm going back and doing the BURN phase again...I am lifting drastically heavier than I did in the beginning. I was using 5's, 8's & a few 10's....but this week when I did Burn 3 I used only 15's & 20's, and maybe one 10. Its amazing how much stronger I am since the beginning. You amaze me with how hard you are working since the very beginning! Keeping close pace with Chalene...wowzers!!! keep goin girl, you are doing great!

My DVDs are arriving today. I'm pretty excited to try the program out. I was debating between this and P90x. Chalean won out because of the shorter workouts that fit my schedule better.

Yay! I think you'll really like it. I get a great workout with her strength training videos as well as her cardio/muscle endurance dvds. Great workouts! Keep us posted on how you like them!!! I love Chalene's products....I swear by them!

http://www.turbokick.com/wblog/

That's Chalene's blog...she has some great recipes, insights, motivational videos...as well as some good information to know when doing her programs (such as the typical, but temporary weight gain at the start of a new strength training program)....I love that lady!

Question:

I bought CE off of EBay so I don't have any of the books. When it comes to diet for each phase, what does the book say to do? I am thinking that I should lower my carbs for the burn phase. I have seen some definition but I would like to know if I can see more by diet and whatnot. Thank you in advance.

PS -- (I am currently on week 3 burn phase)

oooooh boy. I am DEFINITELY feeling that first workout yesterday! Thank god today is a break! :happy: