Chalean Extreme vs P90X

The basic kit (not the deluxe kit) comes included with the following:

Burn Basics and Band Basics. This is an instructional DVD that guides you through the basics of how to lift the weight or use the bands.

Burn Circuit. The Burn Circuit has three workouts. Circuit 1, 2 and 3. Typically you will perform each circuit once each week, for a total of 4 weeks, if you are following the program guide.

Push Circuit. The Push Circuit also has three workouts. Circuit 1, 2,and 3. Again, performing each one, once a week, for a total of 4 weeks.

Lean Circuit. Just like the first two circuits, three circuits, performing each one, once per week for 4 weeks.

Burn Intervals. Burn Intervals is a weight/cardio workout, performed during each week of the program.

Burn It Off. Also a cardio workout but with no weights. Shorter, and somewhat easier than the Burn Intervals. Performed each week during the program.

Recharge. Recharge is a stretch/yoga routine, performed each week of the program. Performed each week during the program.

Two Ab workouts. Extreme Abs and Ab Burner.

Bodyfat calipers and guide to measure your badyfat throughout the program.

A thigh toner band, used throughout the program for additional resistance during the circuits and the cardio routines.

A Motivational audio CD and a “Healthy Eats” and Kitchen Makeover DVD.

Also included with Chalean Extreme is a Fitness and Nutritional guidebook.

The basic kit (not including P90X+) comes included with the following:

“How to Bring It” DVD. This DVD is a short instructional/introduction to the P90X workout. Explaining briefly the program, what is needed, and what to expect.

Chest & Back. This DVD, depending on which rotation you follow, will depend on when you perform. In the most popular rotation the “Classic”. You workout with this DVD in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week, and then again in the 9th and 11th week.

Plyometrics. An extreme cardio routine, “jump training”. This workout is done every week, except on “recovery weeks”. Make no mistake, the recovery week, is not a time where you sit on the couch and eat potato chips. it’s a tough week in it’s own right, Just different than the typical weeks where you lift weights.

Shoulders & Arms. This DVD goes right along with the Chest & Back, and used during the same weeks.

Yoga X. This is a Yoga/Stretch DVD. This workout is done every week, and on the recovery weeks, it’s often done twice per week.

Legs & Back. This DVD is used in every week of P90X, with the exception of the recovery weeks.

Kenpo X. Kenpo X is a cardio kickboxing type routine. This cardio routine is used in every week of P90X.

X-Stretch. A stretch routine which is performed every week in P90X. It’s not a requirement, and is done on your 7th day, if you choose to use it.

Core Synergistics. A total body workout. Used with lighter weights, and is mixed with cardio moves as well.

Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps. This workout is used in the Classic rotation on the 5th, 6th, and 7th week, and then again in the 10th and 12th week.

Back & Biceps. This workout program is used in the same weeks as Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps.

Ab Ripper X. This ab routine is brutal, and is used in every week of P90X, with the exception of the recovery weeks. It is usually performed on the same days as the resistance/weight workouts, or 3 times per week.

Cardio X. This DVD is not used in the Classic rotation, however, it does have its place in the other rotations. It can also be a substitute for Plyometrics if you are not “ready” for Plyo yet.

Also included with P90X is a Fitness and Nutritional guidebook.

Equipment needed for Chalean Extreme:

Resistance bands or dumbbells. The program demonstrates the use of both, and you can get a great workout using either. It’s personal preference which you decide on. I personally enjoy both, and use the bands when traveling, and weights while at home. If you are looking for a alternative to dumbbells, and want an “all in one” dumbbell setup, you might consider PowerBlocks as an option.

Equipment needed for P90X:

Resistance bands or dumbbells. The program demonstrates the use of both, and you can get a great workout using either. It’s personal preference which you decide on. I personally enjoy both, and use the bands when traveling, and weights while at home. If you are looking for a alternative to dumbbells, and want an “all in one” dumbbell setup, you might consider PowerBlocks as an option.

A chin up bar, or a place to do pull ups. As an alternative, you can use the resistance bands to simulate pull ups. You only need a door attachment for this option.

Chalean Extreme vs P90X, Differences:

Chalean Extreme:

Shorter workouts. Chalean Extreme lasts about 35 minutes on average, with the longest workout lasting 45 minutes. The ab workouts are 11 minutes and 16 minutes.

Well suited for all fitness levels. Chalean Extreme is best suited for those between beginner and advanced fitness levels. It’s only my opinion, but I believe people just starting out can use this program. The program is so well developed, that you can easily use this program as a beginner by using lighter weight on the weights, and taking breaks as needed on cardio and ab routines. As you grow stronger and advance in your personal fitness level, you can add more weight, and take less breaks.

Chalean Extreme does not have chin ups. For those people that enjoy chin ups, you will miss this in the Chalean Extreme program. For those that don’t like them, or don’t feel the need for them, you won’t miss them a bit. It’s also one less piece of equipment you will need to complete the program.

Chalean Extreme combines muscle groups. Chalean Extreme groups multiple muscle groups, such as a squat exercise for the legs, while doing a bicep curl for the arms. This combination of muscle groups is also one reasons the workouts are shorter. P90X, with the exception of Core Synergistics, works muscle groups separately. For example, while using the Chest & Back DVD, you perform a chest exercise, followed by a back exercise. Both are done individually.

Chalean Extreme emphasizes slow controlled exercises. This is one of the great things about Chalean Extreme. From beginners to advanced it’s difficult to not lift weight properly when you are using very slow concentrated movements.

P90X:

Longer workouts. P90X lasts about 60 minutes on average, with the longest workout lasting 92 minutes (Yoga X). The ab workout is about 16 minutes.

Best suited for advanced fitness levels. If you are a beginner, and have weight loss as your primary goal, you are better off starting with Chalean Extreme, Power 90, or any other “Getting Started” program. Let me state that this is only my opinion. I have seen beginners start with P90X and achieve excellent results! You can also modify the P90X program and start with it. You can do half of the weight routines, and take breaks on cardio and abs. But having done both programs, P90X is just harder.

P90X has chin ups. I love chin ups personally, and missed them terribly during my Chalean Extreme rotation. That doesn’t mean you can’t add them to your Chalean Extreme rotation. However, I am trying to make a comparison on the base program without modifications. For an article I wrote on the benefits of chin ups, check that out here.

P90X focuses on one muscle group at a time. With the exception of Core Synergistics, P90X focuses on working one muscle group at a time. For example, while using the Chest & Back DVD, you will perform a chest exercise, followed by a back exercise. Chalean Extreme groups multiple muscle groups. Such as a squat exercise for the legs, while doing a bicep curl for the arms. This combination of muscle groups is also one reason the workouts are shorter. Exercises are combined, whereas P90X works them separately.

P90X emphasizes controlled exercises. Each rep and exercise is done with an emphasis on control. Perfect form and when the form starts to diminish, you should stop the exercise. The movement itself is a normal average speed.