About Me

My photo
A little about me. In my normal life, I am a civil engineer who sits behind a desk everyday. I got married to my wonderful husband in 2006. Since meeting him and our many days of eating out and less working out, my weight started to creep up. In August 2007 my girlfriend wanted to get back in shape after her pregnancy. She talked me into running weekly with her. I agreed, and this began my plan to get my body back in shape. I wanted to add some additional workouts to my run, so I pulled out my old Slim in 6 videos. At the same time, I re-found the online message boards at Beachbody where I meet a lot of great people who kept me committed to my fitness goals. I also found a great coach who was there everyday to help me stay on track! Today, I'm still working to sculpt my body and get it into the best shape ever. As I have progressed through my body's transition, I decided to become an Independent Beachbody Coach to help others reach their fitness goals! I realized it was easier then I thought, and I really believe others can change their lives too!

Me and Michael

Changing Day by Day!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

ChaLean Extreme Questions, Part 1


Ok, since this is a new program and people have questions, I am going to share them as I get them.  As of posting this, I still have not read all the materials and watched all the moves.  

Question 1 from Tara on the Why Wait to Achieve Your Goals Thread.

Heather! I saw your review of CLE on your website and I had a question about the weights she uses. I've seen in the previews she uses those bowflex adjustable weights, but I think I remember seeing some other people using regular free weights. I also know that on the CLE website it says you should use weights that may be a little beyond your comfort zone. I currently have 3,5, and 8 lb. free weights and some other adjustable weights that I got with a firm workout that can be from 1 lb. up to (I think) 15 lbs. Especially since I haven't been doing so hot in the workout department Frown I know my muscles aren't as strong as they could be. Even when I was working out regularly, I rarely used the 8 lb. weights b/c they were still a bit much for me. In your opinion, do you think those weights would be good enough for CLE? I really would like to try it, but I also don't have the money to spend on more weights! 

~Tara~


My response:
Hi Tara

Do you have any of the resistance bands? They could also be added to your workout to change your resistance if needed.  The bands are an easy and usually cheaper alternatives to heavy weights.  Plus, if you have a collection of Beachbody videos, you may also have bands to include in your workouts! 

In the first video- Chalene and a guy use the Bowflex weights, there are 2 girls (including her sister) who use free weights, and they don't look that heavy(?), and one girl that uses the bands.

I say if that is all you have, you will still get a good workout. Especially if you have up to 15 lbs. But, I have to say, I bought some adjustable weights at Target (photo on my blog a few pages back). They adjust up to 25 lbs. Not Bowflex brand, I think they are Reebok. I was using 20 lbs on some of the moves! I was shocked at the weight I was lifting in the first video. I really should have gone heavier on some of the moves, but wanted to start off light not knowing where the workout was going. I have to say, you lift a lot of weight at low reps (12 reps each move). Like one move - you hold the weights up by your shoulders while you do leg work (squats). You go heavy on the weights for this move. Your arms do nothing but hold the weight and your legs are strong muscles typically, so 20 lbs may be to light to really feel the burn for you at the 12th rep.!  But, maybe you will feel the burn using the 10 lbs?

I say don't let the lack of "heavier" weights stop you from getting the program. Also, the one girl on the first video was just starting and went a lot lighter then me. She may have been using a 5 lbs when I was at 15 lbs? So, again, its about finding your comfort zone and what works for you? Will using lighter weights not get you the results? I say no, you will see results unless they are way too light. But, without reading all the program materials yet and going by the P90X thought, you could add a few more reps with the lighter weight until you feel the burn. Not quite the same theory as ChaLean Extreme, but you will still tone up and get results! 

I hope that helps! If not, keep asking questions. And, as I do more of the workouts, I will keep you posted!

Heather


My other recommendation:
The Deluxe Package comes with the following above and beyond the Basic Package:
  • 3 brand-new extreme workouts!
  • Weighted Gloves to increase the intensity of your workouts.
  • 2 Resistance Bands*—Just as effective as free weights, but portable and convenient!
  • Plus a FREE gift: A third Resistance Band to complete your set!
The basic package costs:  $119.85.
The deluxe package costs:  $209.70

Here is why the Deluxe is a good deal.  The bands alone retail for $32.  The weighted gloves are $20.  Plus you get the 3 extra workouts!  These alone retail $49.90.  So, if you don't have a lot of weights, the bands will really help increase your workout.

The other option available, you can buy the Basic Package and then just get the 3 extra workouts for $49.90.  Then you get all the videos without the bands and gloves. I just started looking at the program, and I am going to order the 3 extra workouts.  I want the interval one,and the fat burning one, and an ab one is a bonus!  The guidebook includes these workouts in the rotation.  I'll read more about the rotation and post later.  

To look at the different program options available, just click here to go to the store.  Once there, on the top go to the tab for Fitness Videos.  I had to click Chalean Extreme first.  Then on the right of that screen there is a place to go to "Videos" for "Chalene Johnson" and you will see all the different ChaLEAN Extreme program options available. 


Keep emailing me questions, and I will try and answer them.  Also, keep an eye out on my blog for updates as I get more into the program.

Heather

Email:  HeatherB@BeachbodyCoach.com

No comments: