ChaLEAN Xtreme, Jillian's Body Rev. or ?????

Resolve2B
Resolve2B Posts: 86 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm new to doing workouts at home. I got some nice results a few years ago using the weight machines at the gym but I stopped going and right now I just can't get there often enough to make that a good exercise plan. I'm not so convinced I can get the results at home as I did with the weight machines but I'm going to give it a try.

What I liked about the machines is that it was a total focus on strength building. I can get my "cardio" by walking, biking, etc. It's the weight training I am after. I like Jillian Michaels (am currently working with Ripped in 30) for her compound moves but am not such a fan of the mix of the cardio in the workout.

I'm looking for a DVD that will just guide me through a good strength-based workout (without all the insane jumping around) that I can do with dumb bells. I've read positive things about ChaLean Xtreme and Body Revolution but can't decide between the two. I'd appreciate some recommendations.

The "or ???" in the title means that if you have other recommendations for a good strength building DVD, I'd appreciate that information.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Replies

  • Resolve2B
    Resolve2B Posts: 86 Member
    I had tried to do a "search" here to see if this has been covered but didn't find it. However, I went to GOOGLE and found that there was this thread right here on the forum.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1141123-chalean-extreme-vs-jillian-michaels-body-revolution

    Sorry for the duplication!
  • dshalbert
    dshalbert Posts: 677 Member
    Hi Resolve2B! Many people have had really great results with home DVD's like Jillian Michaels. How are you liking Ripped in in 30? It also builds a lot of strength. What week are you in? If you're in week 3 or 4, try going back to week 1 for a day and you'll be amazed at how much stronger you are. Lots of people love ChaLean as well, but I heard that is mostly cardio.

    I've read that weight machines isolate the muscles too much and the moves are not natural. Strength is built more efficiently by using several muscles at a time. Also combining strength with cardio is pretty effective. If I find that aricle I'll send it to you.
  • aquarabbit
    aquarabbit Posts: 1,622 Member
    I LOVE Body Revolution and am doing the program now, but she doesn't have a lot of low impact modifications. I have to modify a lot of the cardio that is in the workouts to go easy on my knee. It's a fantastic program, but if you're looking for a starter strength program, I'd go ChaLEAN. I have done part of the program before and it's fantastic. Chalene's programs always have great low impact modifications and that's something that I love about all her workouts. Plus I feel awesome lifting heavy weights! But be prepared to sweat BUCKETS. Both are great programs.
  • Resolve2B
    Resolve2B Posts: 86 Member
    Thanks ladies! I've been doing some research this afternoon but still haven't decided on anything.

    I'm looking for a no frills/life weight lifting DVD. I don't want the cardio as part of the DVD as I want to focus on strength (I'll do the cardio another time and don't need a DVD for that).

    It seems both those "big" programs have elements I probably wouldn't use so am reluctant to pay the price tag. Maybe I just need to keep looking and get a couple of DVDs and set up a rotation.

    So hard to decide.
  • Peloton2019
    Peloton2019 Posts: 8 Member
    Have you looked at Cathe Friedrich's DVDs? I am using them and they are working great for me.


    You can check them out on her website, http://cathe.com/.
  • will2lose72
    will2lose72 Posts: 128 Member
    Doing Body Rev now and there is definately quite a bit of bouncing/jumping around. I am quite sure I could start over and still get a good workout as I would not say this is for beginners. I previously used some Kathy Smith videos called "Lift Weights to lose Weight" and it looks like she did a new version in 2012. Or you could also search Youtube for some beginner videos. Good luck!
  • sunshineonfridays
    sunshineonfridays Posts: 6
    If you are not scared of weights you can try Les Mills Pump an at home version of body pump. Which uses a barbell and light weights for strength training exercises. Not a lot of jumping here just plain old weights and your body. If you want any more information just message me I will send you a video that can help explain it. I love cardio but if you do not complete it with weight training your waisting your time. You will not bulk up just get real lean. Hope this helps. :)
  • workout_junkee
    workout_junkee Posts: 473 Member
    I would definitely look into Chalean Extreme if you do not like the JM set up. You could also check out New Rules of Lifting for Women.
  • debraran1
    debraran1 Posts: 521 Member
    No More Trouble Zones by Jillian is not a program but a weight DVD..some your body weight, some using hand weights. You can do the whole DVD or just what body area you want to work on that day. I heard good things about Les Mills too.
  • ElaineRN100
    ElaineRN100 Posts: 201 Member
    Good Morning Resolve2B

    The beginning of January I started both Body Revolution by Jillian Michaels and the Les Mills Pump program. Both programs start you out slow. Jillian"s BR program incorporates both cardio and weights - so good to get both things in at the same time. The Les Mills Pump is weights mostly, but they do something called the "rep effect" which generates its own form of cardio. I never feel like I didn't get a great workout.

    I have moved on to Phase II of the Les Mills - which means the workouts are longer. So I dropped the Jillian BR for now. I love this program by Les Mills. I had done weights way back - and I'm talking way back - in high school but nothing like this. I love the instructors and the music. Keeps me motivated. I haven't lost weight - yet, but I am getting so toned in my upper arms and thighs. Areas for me that needed some major toning.

    Good luck finding that right program for you. You can always use several DVD's from different instructors and create your own workouts. Keeps things fresh.
  • Resolve2B
    Resolve2B Posts: 86 Member
    No More Trouble Zones by Jillian is not a program but a weight DVD..some your body weight, some using hand weights. You can do the whole DVD or just what body area you want to work on that day. I heard good things about Les Mills too.


    Thanks to EVERYone for the responses. Everything I read was SO helpful! Seriously! I can't tell you how appreciative I am for your taking time to respond!

    All things considered, I think that the JM No More Trouble Zones might be a good fit for what I want right now. The Les Mills program sounds good too but it's more of a monetary commitment than I want to make right now (since I'm trying to soften the $$ blow to DH about getting the TV/DvD player and treadmill for my exercise area). :)
  • Resolve2B
    Resolve2B Posts: 86 Member


    I have moved on to Phase II of the Les Mills - which means the workouts are longer. So I dropped the Jillian BR for now. I love this program by Les Mills. I had done weights way back - and I'm talking way back - in high school but nothing like this. I love the instructors and the music. Keeps me motivated. I haven't lost weight - yet, but I am getting so toned in my upper arms and thighs. Areas for me that needed some major toning.
    .

    The fact that you can say "I'm am getting so toned..." after just a month is pretty darned good testimony to the effectiveness of the program! You must be very happy! :)

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