It’s time to get extreme
March 16th, 2010 | Author: Sassy
I have a feeling I’m going to dread hearing that soon…but for now, bring it on.
Last week, I finally caved and ordered the ChaLEAN Extreme fitness program from Beachbody. I’ve been wanting it for a while now, especially after reading this article that compares CE to P90X, another program I’ve been considering.
What made me choose CE over P90X? Several things, actually. First of all, I’m intimidated by P90X and not sure how I’ll do with it. I can handle Jillian Michaels DVDs, although with a bit of huffing and puffing, but I don’t know if that’s really a gauge for my overall fitness level. And not that intimidation should stop me – I love a good challenge – but I haven’t done workouts with this trainer before, while I’m very familiar and comfortable with Chalene’s style.
Second, I really have no where to put a pull-up bar and I have no doorway with which to use the resistance bands for the alternative exercise, and I hear this is a key part of the program (i.e., I can’t just skip those parts). I already have most of what I need to do CE (except now I want the SelectTech dumbbells they use, and I still need some more hand weights).
Third, CE will provide an intense workout in less time. P90X workouts range from 60-90 minutes, while the longest CE routine runs 45 minutes. Not having time is always an excuse for me, so I wanted to do everything I could to offset that from the get-go.
Sunday, I took a couple of before pics (not sure if I’m brave enough to post – even after losing 50+ pounds, I’m still not looking great), took my measurements and body fat and watched the intro DVD. Yesterday, I officially kicked off the program.
I definitely need more weights – I’m stronger than I thought in some areas and the point is to work your muscles to the point of failure. The deliberate, slow technique is amazing – I can feel every second of work I’m putting in and can tell that I’ll get results. The parts that kill, though, are when Chalene says, “It’s time to get extreme.” After a 10-second pause, you do 3 more reps AFTER your muscles have reached failure. INTENSE.
I love the phasing technique of CE and P90X, and my intent is to complete CE and be totally ready to begin P90X. Guess we’ll see where that goes!
I have other stuff to say, but I’ll make a new post for that…in the meantime, here’s my current instant-smile obsession:
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Never heard of it, but the P90X definitely intimidates the hell out of me. I can barely fit in a 30 Day Shred session. I guess I still prefer the gym than working out at home. Maybe I just don’t have cool enough work out space.
Oooh! I have a coworker doing P90X, and I just don’t have the time to do a 60+ minute workout every day. Just. Not. Happening. I know she likes it, though, so if you have the dedication you should definitely go for it after you do CE!
my old co-worker’s husband (follow that?) was an avid P90Xer… one day he decided to use a metal plant hook in his ceiling with the resistence band, and as he was putting mucho strain on it, the hook FLUNG out of the ceiling with a mighty force and gouged him in the head, requiring a trip to the ER for stitches. therefore, every time i hear about P90X, i think of that story.
and i should warn you not to use plant hooks for that purpose 
good luck with the CE, i’m eager to hear how you like it.
Can’t wait to hear how it goes!