ChaLean Extreme with T25?

rjdunn87
rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone. I was wondering if any of y'all may be able to offer me some advice. I'm currently about to start my second week of the Beta round of T25. I really, really love it, love Shaun T and have felt myself getting much stronger and my endurance really improving. However, I've only lost about 6 pounds and a few inches. I do have quite a bit to lose so was hoping for faster results, but I know it will be a slow process and I'm happy to have made ANY progress, so don't misunderstand, I'm not complaining! :)

So I've realized from doing T25 (I have Gamma and have done those workouts as well) that I really enjoy using weights and doing strength training. I haven't seen a huge difference from it yet, but right now I'm only using 5 pound dumbbells as that's all I have. I'm wondering if incorporating a more strength-based program into the last few months (I plan on doing Gamma) of T25 would be a solid idea? I've been reading lots of great things about ChaLean Extreme and was wondering if any of you that have done the program could advise me a bit… would it be too much on top of T25? Time isn't really an issue, but I don't want to overdo it.

Also, I know this program is meant for heavier weights: what do you guys think I should use to start if I do in fact get the program? Any recommendations for a good set of dumbbells that will allow me to move up as I get stronger and won't break the bank?

I'd really appreciate any thoughts.

Replies

  • aquarabbit
    aquarabbit Posts: 1,622 Member
    I think that you would be fine. I'm doing Body Revolution (which also has a lot of lifting) right now along with T25 and it's been great. I love the weights as well! ChaLEAN is also about 1/2 an hour and I know I've had no problems fitting both T25 and Body Revolution into my schedule. I usually do T25 in the morning and BR at night. I've also done the first month of ChaLEAN (I plan on doing a hybrid after I finish T25) and I loved it. I think that if you were looking for something that will give you a lot of resistance but isn't too expensive, thing about resistance bands that have several band strengths. The sets are usually under $50, they still give great results, they can travel easily, and you can use them for many other workouts. So you can get some real versatility out of them. It would also mean you could progress to heavier bands in your T25 workouts if you feel like the 5's aren't cutting it.
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    Thanks for the insights. :) I'll have to do some research on bands vs. weights. I think I like weights better, but I don't have infinity dollars to spend.
  • greeneyed84
    greeneyed84 Posts: 427 Member
    I did T25 and I lose around 8lbs. Not bad but I wasn't counting calories. I was debating starting Gamma, but decided to start Turbo fire. Best choice I've made for myself. I just completed week 5 and lost 7lbs already. But I had to change what I ate.
  • blgmw2
    blgmw2 Posts: 171 Member
    I start my first week of Beta tomorrow. I did Chalean Extreme and loved it. I am also going to incorporate Chalean into my workouts starting tomorrow. I am not to impressed with T25. Yes, it's a great workout but for me there is to much jumping. I have done others and this one seems to bother my knees periodically. Looking forward to a change tomorrow after five weeks of Alpha. Good Luck!
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    Thanks, yeah, I do stick to my calorie intake, measure and weigh everything so it's that much more frustrating to not see the scale move. Best of luck to you guys!
  • greeneyed84
    greeneyed84 Posts: 427 Member
    After you start building muscles, your body need more calories, have you upped your calories at all since starting?
    And thanks, same to you :-)
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    I started at something like 1360 calories, lost a few pounds then stopped. I did some research on BMR and all that and realized I was probably eating way too little so I upped it to 1650 plus half of my exercise cals, didn't see any loss after about two-three weeks on that, so about a week/week and a half ago I went down to 1500 plus half of exercise cals and figure I'll see how that goes. I don't know what to do other than trial and error really, since the settings automatically generated by MFP don't seem to be working.
  • NoExcusesFitnessCoach
    NoExcusesFitnessCoach Posts: 106 Member
    I did ChaLEAN Extreme recently and LOVED it. I think, if you plan to do both CLX and T25, I would not do the cardio workouts included with CLX. I do think doing the strength training workouts while you do T25 could give you great results. But I also prefer doing each program on its own so you can see the real results from it. Doing ChaLEAN Extreme on its own will give you amazing results. And it's got cardio plus strength training, so you'll get a great workout every day.

    Good luck! :smile:
  • NoExcusesFitnessCoach
    NoExcusesFitnessCoach Posts: 106 Member
    Forgot to answer the question about weights. I invested in SelectTech weights. I figured, I'd rather spend a lot once than buy cheap weights several times over the years that kept breaking. But, it is a lot of money to spend at once. The bands are great and you'll get a free band with the program if you order from Beachbody (that's where I got mine). As long as you have resistance you'll be good, but with CLX, you want to have a bunch of different options because of how much stronger you'll get as you move through the program.
  • debraran1
    debraran1 Posts: 521 Member
    I'm a little ADD with exercise DVD's but I am doing T25, Chalean and a couple others in a rotating type basis. I like ChaLean but don't really want to do the heavy lifting in the next phase, I've done that before, and I need to watch my shoulder, but she does teach great form and has good advice. I also use other weight DVD's (No More Trouble Zones) on occasion to change it up.

    I think T25 can be used with other DVD's very easily, take what you like in it and supplement with other things. I like T25 abs, but I also have done Pilates for years, which made his abs much easier. If you do different moves, your body will drop the weight quicker (usually)

    Have fun with it, don't be too rigid and you will see results..give it time.
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    Thanks everyone. :) For those of you who have used dumbbells for ChaLean, what weight did you start with? Right now all I have are 3s and 5s, and I know you're supposed to lift heavier for this program… do you think 8s would be okay, or should I go up to 10s? Keeping in mind I have pretty weak upper body strength even after doing a lot of Jillian Michaels and six weeks of T25, haha.

    I just don't think I can afford to buy the program and then drop a few hundred on a set of weights right now, so I figured I would just get myself something to start off with and I can always go back and get heavier ones when I need them.
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    bump… I'm interested to know what size weights you guys who have done the program used. :)
  • debraran1
    debraran1 Posts: 521 Member
    For ChaLean, I had 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12. I had a 20lb pair from a neighbor who moved and left them and I used them a couple of times. It just has to be heavy for you. I do one cardio/weight DVD that has 5lbs seem like 10 or more.
    I wont buy what she uses, too expensive....I bought some over the years at Walmart, some at TJ Maxx, some people get them used from sellers. It doesn't have to be a huge investment. I got a great thick workout mat for 9.99 at marshals I saw advertised for 30...not worth that at all.
    I've never used over 20 for any program, usually more is not needed.
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    Thanks. I'm thinking if I get a pair of 8s and 10s that should probably be good enough to at least start.
  • Gemmz2014
    Gemmz2014 Posts: 220
    I have never done T25 but I have done Chalene Extreme. I did it faithfully in 2009, down 30lbs (ate right too of course) and I got so many compliments on my arms :smile:

    I have every size weight up to 25lbs.
  • jadamonet
    jadamonet Posts: 38 Member
    I did a month of Chalean back in October/November and then I had surgery and recently got clearance to exercise and lift. I invested in select tech weights. I am currently on my second week of Chalean and I also plan on doing T25. I highly recommend Chalean. I had amazing results, but I only did the burn circuits and not the cardio. I would suggest starting out with 10 and 20 pound weights.
  • FitMolly182
    FitMolly182 Posts: 303 Member
    I was thinking about doing CLX with Combat. Can't decide officially yet. I know I want to do CLX and something, but I don't know what, yet. I considered Les Mills Pump instead of CLX, but I think that since I love the slow, controlled movements of CLX that the light weights, with high reps would bother me in LMP.
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    I did a month of Chalean back in October/November and then I had surgery and recently got clearance to exercise and lift. I invested in select tech weights. I am currently on my second week of Chalean and I also plan on doing T25. I highly recommend Chalean. I had amazing results, but I only did the burn circuits and not the cardio. I would suggest starting out with 10 and 20 pound weights.

    Even though I'm only doing 5s right now?
  • giggalz
    giggalz Posts: 54 Member
    i'm on week 3 of alpha..I did start turbo fire chalean extreme hybrid just before christmas..after I had finished turbofire..but working from home and my job..I did about a month of that before I had to really focus on all of the christmas orders I had. I wasnt sure what weights to get but even in that month I'm glad I got adjustable weights cause theres some that I could easily carry 20lbs like for squats..or lunges.

    Since doing T25 I miss chalene ...I'm actually thinking of doing both..I really want to go back to beta ...I actually lost a few inches on beta..more then what I did on turbofire ..i have no idea why ...but i figured i'll finish out the 10 weeks of t25..then i'll go back to beta with clx..but skip the clx cardio
  • kittikat1119
    kittikat1119 Posts: 96 Member
    First off, I would highly recommend CLX, it is an awesome program that would complement T25 well. If you do plan on doing it I would advise that you use weights and get HEAVY ones. I got half way through the program (stopped bc I got pregnant) and at the half way point I had already outgrown my adjustable 25 lb dumbbells I got at Walmart. You will not get the results you want with lighter dumbbells. Find a way to get some heavy ones.

    Is money a big issue with the weights? You can always make heavier weights with sand and large liquid laundry containers for next to nothing. There are also other options you can buy for much less than what Chalene uses. Send me a PM if you need ideas on weights, I can send you some links to guide you.
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    First off, I would highly recommend CLX, it is an awesome program that would complement T25 well. If you do plan on doing it I would advise that you use weights and get HEAVY ones. I got half way through the program (stopped bc I got pregnant) and at the half way point I had already outgrown my adjustable 25 lb dumbbells I got at Walmart. You will not get the results you want with lighter dumbbells. Find a way to get some heavy ones.

    Is money a big issue with the weights? You can always make heavier weights with sand and large liquid laundry containers for next to nothing. There are also other options you can buy for much less than what Chalene uses. Send me a PM if you need ideas on weights, I can send you some links to guide you.

    I messaged you, thanks!
  • lin7604
    lin7604 Posts: 2,951 Member
    i did clx and t25. i did clx first, then t25 on it's own after it and then did a hybrid of them till the end of last yer. started something new for this year. I LOVE both programs, really got great results from clx!
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    i did clx and t25. i did clx first, then t25 on it's own after it and then did a hybrid of them till the end of last yer. started something new for this year. I LOVE both programs, really got great results from clx!

    Awesome, thanks. I ordered it last night and can't wait to start!
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    I creeped your diary, and for the amount of resistance training you are planning on doing, I would suggest readjusting your macros and increasing your protein intake.
  • rjdunn87
    rjdunn87 Posts: 385 Member
    I creeped your diary, and for the amount of resistance training you are planning on doing, I would suggest readjusting your macros and increasing your protein intake.

    Yeah, I'm working on that. :-/ I'm vegan, and it's proving to be quite difficult to meet my protein goal without also going way over on fat.

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