Chalean Extreme vs P90X – My opinion

So I have been getting so many people asking me about P90X and Insanity, I figured I’d just do another post with a workout I’m currently right in the middle of, Chalean Extreme. Both are great programs! But there are some differences and maybe if you are torn between the two, this can help.

Chalean Extreme has been called P90X for girls, but I find that comment to be so untrue. I know a lot of guys who were totally challenged by this program. You’re encouraged to push yourself and use heavy enough weights to reach fatigue by a certain number of reps.

P90X is long. I love it and I figured out how to save time by fast forwarding through Tony’s chit chat, but its sort of annoying to do that and sometimes you need to rewind if you went too far.  Most P90X workouts from start to finish are 49-55 minutes in length with Yoga x being the longest at 90 minutes.When you add Ab Ripper X in, then you are looking at 75 minutes for a workout. Still better than traveling to the gym and back.

Chalean Extreme workouts are shorter in length with main workouts coming in around 35-45 minutes. The cardio workout, Burn Intervals in about 42 minutes and there is an ab workout to do after and that is 10 or 15 minutes depending on which one you are on.

P90X is a 6 day program (optional 7 days if you do X Stretch). You get one rest day that you can rest or do X Stretch.

Chalean Extreme is a 5 day per week program with 2 rest days.

P90X, in my opinion doesn’t show too many modifications for people beginning their workout journey. I know its recommended for experienced exercises, but as a former fitness instructor, I can tell you that the exercises are tough (and some unsafe) if you don’t know how to modify. This can be discouraging and maybe dangerous for some people.

Chalean Extreme has 2 modifiers right up front. One is on resistance bands and the other offers low impact and beginner’s modifications. There are also 2 exercisers that are doing the more challenging versions of the exercises. Chalene is pretty good about bringing you in from whatever level you’re at. As a former fitness instructor, I can tell you that is a big deal! You always want people to walk away from the workout feeling good about themselves!

Both programs are 90 days in length. Both programs offer nutrition guides. Honestly, I think the Chalean Extreme one is easier to follow, but both are great for the program they were designed for.

Tony Horton and Chalene Johnson are personable and funny.  Tony seems a bit more sarcastic than Chalene does. Chalene reminds you of someone that could be your neighbor. She also offers a lot of great advice during the warm-ups and cool-downs. Tony just tries to be funny. He offers some advice, but he also does a lot of one-liners and I remember those more than helpful advice.

Let’s talk price. Chalean Extreme is $89 and comes with a nutrition guide, motivational CD, exercise guide, body fat tester, resistance band and a thigh toning band (plus a free workout when you order through a coach like me). P90X is $119 and comes with a nutrition guide, exercise guide (plus a free workout when you order from a coach). So what I like about Chalean Extreme is that you can start right away without having to purchase any equipment if you don’t have it.

Here is a clip from the Chalean Extreme infomercial

And here is a clip from the P90X infomercial

So what do you think? Have you done both programs? Which do you prefer?

Love & Light!

Jessica

2 Responses to “Chalean Extreme vs P90X – My opinion”

1. Cheryl Ann says:

   August 2, 2012 at 9:35 pm

   I love Chalene Extreme. This is a great program and I got great results. I have never tried P90X but have such great results with Chalene Extreme. You are so right about the workouts and the way she makes you feel like she is a trusted friend helping you with your fitness journey. Great comparison Jessica. Thanks.

   Reply
2. Francis Anderson says:

   August 4, 2012 at 1:39 am

   Great review! Need to try Chalene! Love p90x it works I’ve done it several times but dread it cuz its long!

   Reply