X-TrainFit: At Home Workout [DVD] by Stephanie Oram

For me it is hard to rate it because I probably won't use it in the next ten years although it is an excellent solid workout with excellent cuing. My problem is I got fooled by the description as "extreme" and "intense" and most reviews seemingly matching this description. I come from other home workouts like some by Cathe Friedrich ("Butts and Guts", "Athletic Training", "Afterburn" etc) and Ilaria Montagnani (Athletic series) which are challenging for me. I thought these ones being described as "extreme" would be an upgrade in my training for being more of a challenge. Contrary, these adress trainees at least one level under trainees who work with the dvds mentioned above with excellent cuing for all levels under that. For example if someone struggles with regular pushups there is excellent cuing for modifications making the push ups a bit easier. Contary to Ilaria Montagnani who gives cuing if regular pushups become too easy for making them harder, in her "Abs and Push-Ups", such as going into the direction to one armed push ups. I would rate this X-train series as five stars and excellent for the right group of exercisers but it shouldn't be described as containing "extreme" workouts. Now I have read a review stating that it is not so challlenging as the "Insanity" set. I am not the right target group for "extreme" workouts and "burn circuits" which leave me fresh for the next workout although other people might feel the burn and exhaustion after these workouts. Therefore the only thing to critisise might be the labelling as "extreme" for these good, solid workouts.

I am only three weeks into this program, and I am really liking it! First of all, let me say that I am an avid exercise video junkie--I have ~ 40 workout dvd's (Cathe, Jari Love, Supreme 90, Physique 57, etc), so I have tried many different types of workouts with many different instructors. I will admit in the past to being "fussy" about the aesthetic qualities of the workout--if the music is bad, the exercisers aren't looking like perfect fitness models or the camera work is shaky, it would turn me off and I wouldn't want to put the dvd in the player. But I've gotten older, and middle age is rapidly catching up with me, so now I am more concerned about getting an all-around good workout over those superficial things.I will say this, the camera work is not great, Stephanie (the instructor) says some goofy things at times (telling the camera man not to pan in on Rebecca's legs because "she doesn't shave"), and the music is rather generic and not to my liking. But in the end, I've grown to really like Stephanie (she's sometimes a bit sarcastic, but I have found her to be rather amusing and down to earth). She does sometimes tease the other exercisers of "sandbagging" and she does pick on the lone male exercisers in the video, but I honestly think she's just trying to be funny. The exercisers don't look like fitness models. . . they look like real people and they are really working hard--some are in great shape, and others, not as much, but who I am to judge? They have an option where you don't have to play the music, so I do that and put on my own music. And most importantly, the workouts themselves are great! I consider myself an intermediate exerciser and these DVD's are kicking my butt. I can feel my body changing and have lost a few pounds, which is more than I can say about other workout programs I've tried. The workouts have all options from beginner to advanced, so it is a program that you can adjust base on your fitness level and how you happen to be feeling that day. I have hurt myself with other workouts because the instructor and exercisers acted as if it were a contest to see how fast they could go, and for the average exerciser (like me), it meant my form would suffer greatly to try to keep up and I ended up with very sore joints. X-train allows you to go at your own pace without having to constantly hit the pause button. The workouts are pretty much close to an hour long (the circuit workout is a bit longer), and that's fine with me. So far, I really like it.The one negative thing I would say is that in general, I don't LOVE working out. . . . . and if you follow the X-train program, it advises working out every single day in the first three weeks. That part has been a bit of a challenge, because mentally I need one day off a week where I am not worrying about how I am going to squeeze an hour of working out into my day. Looking at the recommended schedule for week 4 through week 9, it does at least give an option of having a day a rest or doing the Yoga routine. Weeks 10 through 12, they really amp it up and you're supposed to do multiple workouts on some of the days. It will be interesting to see if I am willing to spend over 90 minutes every day working out. . . . I guess if I continue to see the progress I have in the first 3 weeks, then I will think it's worth it. I will update my review once I have finished the 12 weeks to give my final impressions, but so far, so good!

I started my most recent journey [there have been others, of course] to weight loss and fitness last October using a treadmill and a bowflex. I lost about 10 pounds, meeting my initial goal, by January. I started getting different work-out videos from NetFlix, but hadn't really found any I liked.Although not exactly a beginner to fitness, I was both a little skeptical I could keep up with this type of exercise program, but I was getting dangerously bored and I knew I did not want to start slipping now. So I started investigating. I read all the reviews, good and bad, of a lot of different programs. To be honest, what grabbed me first about X-TrainFit was the price - it's a total bargain. I read all the reviews and the next thing that grabbed me was the description of the folks in the videos as REAL people. I'm a REAL person and although I like to be motivated by people in awesome shape, I also like to see people like me [I'm a solid level 2 right now] completing these workout. I'm not really interested in watching perfectly chiseled fitness models working out. And to the other reviewers who thought that the people in the video didn't look like they were in shape - look again; Stephanie, Rebecca and Karen are in fabulous shape and look beautiful to me.I like the flexibility of the workouts, having the different levels and using equipment I already had or was easily and cheaply obtained (resistance bands). The variety is good and I can mix up the workouts if I need to [that Circuit Burnout is pretty long!]. I also like that the X-TrainFit community is available via email/facebook.I was surprised by folks complaining about the repetitiveness of the instructions, Stephanie talking, etc. I'm pretty sure if you listen to ANY workout video more than three times, it's going to be repetitive. Once you've learned the moves, turn down the audio and just peek at the TV now and then to keep yourself on track. I will admit, the music leaves a lot to be desired [hence the four stars], but at this point I've got the sound mostly off.So, all that being said, I'm three weeks in. I'm already seeing improvements in my stamina and upper body strength which is awesome. I've also noticed some improvement in the booty, too :)That was a lot of words to say - for the price you simply cannot go wrong. I'm extremely pleased and cannot wait to start the next phase.

I've started this program 10 days ago, and can already see and feel some results. I've lost 8 pounds and more than 1 inch of my waist, not all down to the DVD as I've reduced my calorie intake and stopped eating rubbish, but it really helps. I have loads of energy and feel much fitter. As some reviews say, it's not the best production quality, the music is bad, but the workouts are great thanks to the different levels of modifications ... some people mention they did not sweat ... well they must have stayed on level 1 as believe me there are enough levels and opportunities to push yourself really hard ! If you are after a fancy video with fancy music and model looking people, avoid this ... if you're after a real workout accompanied by real people, then give it a go. It is the cheapest program out there, and it will challenge you and make you fitter (as long as you play the game, unlike those people who did not sweat). To be honest, I'm sure that a lot of fitness DVD would have help me shed the weight, at the end of the day the difference is your dedication and commitment, but I think that XTrainFit is a good honest program, and great value for money, I'm glad I bought it !

This is exactly what I was looking for, back to basics to get me back in shape. I am 38, and 2 stone overweight and was feeling a lack of motivation. After just a few days I started to wake up looking forward to doing the exercise programme. I am still in my first week and already I feel more energized and motivated. I love the encouragement from the dvds to work at your own level but to push yourself. There are a few items you may want to buy to help you with certain dvds. I am buying what I need as I progress and its not expensive. For the price I think this is definitely the best you can get. I am loving it, and I know I will complete the program but I may need to rearrange some days as I work 12 hour shifts and some days toward the end have 2 dvds in one day! I would recommend this to anyone, even the guys. Its exactly what you need to build your strength and confidence at home before you venture to the gym where you fear you cant keep up and will embarrass yourself!

This was a big disappointment in comparence with "XTFMAX Personal Trainer" (ASIN: B073Z3N1NR) that I rated 5 stars. "X-TrainFit At Home Workout" is too slow and not that inspiring that "XTFMAX Personal Trainer" is. You also must wait a lot for things to get started, a lot of talking between (wasted time.) Even for a beginner I think "XTFMAX Personal Trainer" is better and you work your way up even though that program really isn't for beginners. I have tried MANY fitness DVDs and "XTFMAX Personal Trainer" is on my top list (see my review). Best of luck :-)

I have a few workout DVD's and have always gone for the celebrity of the moment.. Then as most people, watched it once and put it in a cupboard to forgot all about it..I haven't been to the gym for a while, and decided something really needed to be done, i didn't want to pay for membership i would probably only use once or twice, so decided to look for a non-fad workout dvd.I stumbled across this quite by accident and having read some of the reviews decided it was just what i needed.I haven't followed this religiously everyday and i probably haven't done these in the order they are meant to be done..the first one i tried was the legs (going skiing in a few weeks so thought i needed to improve that part the most. At first i thought it seemed quite easy and got into the flow of it, time went very quickly and before i knew it i had done my first class.. i can honestly say i was a bit disappointed and somewhat smug thinking it really didn't hurt that much, the next day was a whole different story! i was in agony for several days, parts of me i never knew existed hurt!.I've managed to carry on, although as said i'm only doing these twice a week and alternating which one i do every time, i'm also walking to work and home which is another hour of exercise every day.. yes i'm breaking myself in gently.I have combined this with a better eating plan, and after 2 week i can notice a very real difference. just imagine what i would feel like if i had followed this to the letter...... perhaps after my holiday.enjoy if you do buy this, i can highly recommend.

This is my 1st ever fitness dvd brought for home as i no long have access & time to go to classes and the gym. All the reviews sounded great and after looking at my dvds and fitness guide today and completeing my 1st workout session I am pleased with what I have. There is plenty of advice & options on adjusting the routine to your level which is great and the bar across the bottom of the screen, counting down each session was a real motivation for me. I had a quick peak at the other dvd's to let myself know what im getting into and it definately looks 'do'able' Im just hope'in i have enough time each day to complete these workouts.