Chalene Extreme Not Seeing Much Difference

Bummer! I've seen amazing results since week 1 of CEX. Talk to your BB coach and see what they have to say. Are your weights heavy enough? meaning by the time you reach the last rep, is the muscle fatigued? If not, ya need to go heavier. I have had to go buy lots of new weights because of this, but it works.

I think it's time to increase your cardio intensity beyond Turbo Jam. If you're not in a position to buy Turbo Fire yet then perhaps add in a couple of fast walking sessions to your week.

Additionally, regardless of whether you log or don't, you need to ensure your eating is as clean as possible so take a look at the foods you tend to eat and make sure you've cut out the processed stuff, soda, candy, etc.

Good luck!
Sharon

If you find yourself hungry a lot, then I would definitely look at your protein intake to see if you need to increase it. I've read multiple times that the general rule of thumb is consume one gram of protein per pound of your lean bodyweight. For me, this works out to be about 40% of my calories, then I consume 45% carbs and around 15% good fats (I really watch my sat fat intake and absolutely no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils!). Staying as close to this ratio as possible works really well for me.

Also, I always find when I have a lack of sleep is when I tend to eat the most carbs - likely because I am low on energy due to lack of sleep and find myself eating carbs for that energy boost. Really work on getting yourself some good slumber time - your body will likely thank you in more ways than one and I'll bet that you'll start to see things turn around on your workout efforts. Seems goofy, but sleep really has a huge impact on your bodyfat level!

I don't know how much cardio you are doing, but you might want to be careful you aren't over-doing it. A lot of folks on here are so hung up on the cardio, likely because they can count an immediate calorie burn, so they end up really over-stressing their body by pounding it with cardio workouts. If you are tired, your body is already stressed. Add to that the extreme stress of too much cardio and your body won't stand a chance of recovering properly enough and maintaining a good metabolism. Sometimes, it really better to just take a nap, skip a workout and give your body a break to repair itself.

I really hope this helps you! Always glad to find another Chalene fan - her workouts are so awesome!

I'm 48 and have had sleep issues ever since the hot flashes kicked in at 45 - night sweats just suck. I don't know if this helps any, but a "meditation" of sorts when you try to go to sleep really helps. If you do the same routine every single night, then chant your 'mantra', trigger word, whatever, over and over calmly in your head, you'll eventually drop off to sleep. And, if you do it every single time that you go to sleep, then the routine and the trigger word cues your body that it is time to shut down and sleep. It's hard to get the hang of at first because you'll find your mind wandering through your to-do lists for the next day and other things, but once you realize you've gotten off-track just clear your mind and focus on saying the your mantra again. Seems goofy but it really works. I taught this to myself when I was in college and can fall asleep just about anywhere. Can't always stay asleep (&$#@ night sweats!), but when I do wake up, I just re-focus on my mantra and drop off again.

People don't believe it, but sleep is a huge, huge factor in weight loss and overall well being in general. You gotta get your sleep!

I do cardio only about 4-5 times per week, usually for 30 to 45 minutes. I rarely do cardio on lifting days, but I do often do a short yoga routine right after lifting - the stretching helps keep your muscles from getting sore and it is very calming.

Keep in touch - and let me know how the sleep bit is going. If it helps to take a meditation class - go for it!