Chalean Extreme input??

P

puavar

Member
Hi ladies,
I am what I would consider an intermediate exerciser. I have been doing the Firm for years, but I'm finding that I'm just needing to move ahead with my fitness and I am searching for the best fit for me.

I already preordered Shock Cardio but I do not have the STS program. I would like to jump into STS, but truth be told, I'm scared I'm just not ready.

I was looking into the Chalean Extreme Deluxe package, but it's around $200 and for just a hundred more, I could afford STS. I hate to waste money, but I hate to spring for STS and just not be ready for it. I was thinking CLX would be a good spring board, so that in 3 months, I could be ready for an STS rotation.

Any of you CLX users out there have advice for me? Is Chalean Extreme a good starting point, or should I just invest in STS and do what I can? I thought maybe CHalean was a good baby-step, so I'd be ready to play with the big girls when I'm done. What do you think?
Thanks,
Amy
 
I would suggest STS. Since you do your 1RM you will be working at your level and I also think STS will provide you with lots of room to grow as you get stronger. If you have to choose I would definitely say go with STS. I really don't think there is anything out there that compares.
 
Hi Amy,

I did an STS rotation, and am now doing a CLX rotation. I will be starting my 3rd week of the Burn Phase, which is the first phase, tomorrow.

In my opinion, you do not have to be especially conditioned to do STS, since you work at your own level. I wouldn't choose CLX over STS based on that reason. I think they are both two very different workouts. If you are looking for timesaver workouts, then CLX would fit that bill. I can't really advise you on any particular one, because I have both. STS is excellent, and CLX is a good series as well. STS is more weight-lifting, where CLX, with his compound moves, feels like a mix of weights & cardio for me. This is working for me for now, as I'm also trying to slim down. You should be able to get CLX at a much cheaper price on Ebay or by visiting the VFF forums. There are many people who have done it, and might be interested in selling it. Good luck with your decision :)
 
I used to do only Firm workouts, I've done all but the last 2 weeks of CLX, and am starting week 3 of STS.

I think CLX is a great program to do before STS. I didn't buy the deluxe package, but I ended up getting the extra DVDs by accident, and I honestly don't think they are worth the price they charge. I know others just like variety they offer so they'd disagree. But I really thought they were too similar to the other workouts you get in the basic. CLX is nice because it includes a cardio and circuit workout along with the weights. Even though STS doesn't come with any of that, it's no big deal if you already have other DVDs like that (Firms).

Here's one thing that would be good about doing CLX before STS in your case. Without being as long or as intense as STS, CLX can help get you out of the lighter weights/Firm mindset and get you used to doing reps with much heavier weights/to failure, and I think it can really improve your form. CLX reps go very slow.

That being said, I do think anyone can do STS upper body workouts, and you don't need to do another system like CLX first. The pushups are the exception, but you just do what you can there. However, when it comes to the STS leg workouts, the cardio factor kicks in so much that it makes the workouts really tough. I have to take longer breaks than the DVD has b/c I need to catch my breath. CLX has some tough leg stuff too, but STS really gets me.

The thing about STS that is great though, is that you can cut the workouts short very easily. You can print off a workout card, look through and decide how many exercises you want to do per body part, and just do those. I usually workout until the timer says 45 minutes, and then stop and stretch. So if an hour of Cathe intense legs is too much for someone's fitness level, you can cut that short, take a break during an exercise and start during the next one, etc. As an intermediate exerciser, I think you will probably be fine with just getting STS.

Sorry so long!
 
I am in the last phase of CLX and am LOVING it and have seen great results. I am an advanced exerciser, and I really think CLX is like every other workout in that you get out of it what you put into it. I lift heavy, but you can do modifications throughout the series. Each phase is very different and does have many compound moves (which I really like). I like Chalene... I never ever thought I'd like anyone but Cathe, but she's a good instructor.

I do like Cathe's style better (the way she lets you know the counts, etc.), but I'm very glad I got the CLX series. One day I hope to get STS, but I currently don't have the space for the equipment I'd need. I could modify, but I want to do it right when I get it. When I do get it, I'll do the CLX series, or at least one phase of it again, before starting STS to condition myself.

Hope this helps!
 
Hi Don't have CLX but have STS. I was doing Jari Love before I discovered Cathe (high rep/low weights). I did the 1RM testing for STS and really loved doing STS. The first mesocycle is endurance so you aren't starting off with really heavy weights then your gradually move up with Meso 2 then to heavy in Meso 3. I was very impressed with the program and would highly recommend it. There was lots of variety and I never felt like I was doing the same workout twice. The added bonus is now that I have done it once and tracked all my weights used in the first round with the Workout Manager now I am all set to go and start again in Sept and have my weights already planned out.

Loved STS and I have no interest in buying CLX!
Good luck
Heather
 
I just wanted to add that I have both and completed the STS rotation before doing CLX. I am in the last phase of CLX--Lean. I loved STS, never had a dread factor, and looked forward to every day a STS w/o was on the schedule. I can't really say that about CLX. I like it but there are times I don't feel like doing it. I do get bored with CLX can't help it. There were many compound moves I felt were awkward and that I had to modify. I will start another STS rotation this fall but I don't think I would ever do another full CLX rotation. I might use the Maintenance rotation. What I did really like about CLX was the the Interval and cardio w/o's. I thought they were great and always enjoyed them.
 
Thank you so much

I really appreciate all of your candid and thoughtful responses. I am going to see if I can get CLX cheaper on ebay and if not, I'll just jump into STS for the money. I am glad that STS workouts can be shortened. I'm used to 45 min Firm videos and my highest weight is 12 pounds, so I've got my work cut out for me. I think the length of CLX is better suited for me, but again, it sounds like modifications can be made with which ever I go.

I'm at a place where at 5'4" and 136 pounds, I want to shed the rest of my flab and see what muscles are lurking underneath. I don't really care if I lose much weight but to tone up, especially my thighs and hip area would be wonderful. I think with the Firms I've hit a plateau that may just be boredom and I'm looking for a system that in itself will keep me plugging away.

Again, I really appreciate your input and expertise!
Amy
 
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