ChaLEAN extremists... should I buy weights or resistance bands???

Hoping someone who has done/is doing ChaLEAN extreme could let me know what they use/prefer for this programme? I am currently doing Insanity but will be starting ChaLEAN soon. I don't have dumbbells or resistance bands at the moment so looking for some advice. If resistance bands can you give me a brand that suits this programme best and likewise for dumbbells. Cheers....

Hi there!

I have been doing Chalene Extreme for a month now, and for starters I'll let you know that it is really helping a lot. I feel a lot better and am already seeing visible results.I can even fit into jeans I bought this summer that I wasn't able to before I started the program!

Anyways, to answer your question, I feel that even though they say bands work just as well, they're a little more difficult to maneuver with certain exercises, especially those working the back of the arms and the deltoids. It is a little more difficult to track your progress as well. Instead of being able to write down a number of pounds , you have to take note about whether or not you wrapped the band around your foot. It's just a little less concrete than numbers of pounds. I have ended up buying a set of 5 pound dumbells, 8 pound dumbells, the medium band and the heavy band. They have, as I said, worked. But it just took a little more time to get into the swing of things and learn how to situate the bands. If you have the money, altogether I would recommend buying weights.

Best of luck! I have no doubt you're going to get the results you're looking for with Chalean : )

I forgot to mention, it's probably best to get the bands that you can get online at  the chalean Extreme website.

Well, I would certainly say weights.  When I did the bands, it felt like nothing or it felt awkward and like I was doing it wrong.  But on the same token, weights are a MAJOR investment.  I got the cheapest ones I could find: gold's gym from Walmart - but at $20/set, it can add up.  I ended up with 4 sets that I modified to be 10, 15, 20, and 30 lbs each.  I also have 3, 5, and 8 pounds for the cardio days.

If I had it to do over, I might have waited until I could afford Powerblocks, which are by far considered the best adjustable weights.

Chalean extreme is a great program and I know it helped me build muscle, but it ended up costing a lot and by the second month I was getting bored.  But that's just my two cents.

thanks guys! Birthday coming up so might ask for weights. I am doing Insanity but finding the second month very tough due to push up type exercises. I have CE so I thought if I did that it might help with the upper body strength and I could give Insanity another try. thanks for the help.

I have just finished my 90 days of Chalean extreme.... I am about to start the Lean for Life phase. I really liked it a lot! I lost 22 lbs. and 5 inches off my waist alone. I took the plunge and bought the Bowflex adjustable weights. They really make it easier. The workouts can be tough, but she does have modifications which I liked.

Original Post by pumpkin314:

 but at $20/set, it can add up.

I'd recommend getting adjustable weights - for $60, you can get two dumbbells that you can make go from 3-20lb each, and it's easy to buy extra plates to increase as you get stronger.