I would wait (a few weeks) for a lot of different reviews
I have P90X, I pre-ordered STS and I looked into CLX. Add me to the list of the many people who are disappointed that there isn’t much first hand information available in order to make an informed decision on this program. I did end up receiving the preview disc on CLX and these are my thoughts. I’m sure the coming reviews will have more information.
Just a few things to keep in mind:
-Cathe is my first preference for weight work, but I do use other instructors.
-I have Chalene’s original TJ workouts and I like her, but she can be a bit too hyper for me and that was a concern of mine going into CLX.
-This is just one persons opinion and what I don’t like other people may agree with, like or be neutral on.
My thoughts on the CLX preview disc. I can’t believe the two clips I saw were representative of the CLX program. I didn’t get a feel for the different CLX cycles. I didn’t see anything that made the workouts different from using a total body workout such as a Ripped workout or generic Boot Camp type workout. Given this narrow picture of CLX, I think it would be easy to follow a CLX-like rotation without investing in this program. I can only judge the program on the workout choices that BB made to represent the program.
More thoughts:
The exercises that made up the workouts looked as good as anything already on the market.
-For the most part, I saw reliable exercises.
-There were one or two exercises that I don’t think I would like, but that is not a deal breaker.
-I don’t know how I feel about the band around my ankles, I would hate to lose my balance while using heavy weights with a band tied around my legs, OUCH!
The instructor is a matter of personal preference.
-For me, she was a bit over excited; I found her exaggerated enthusiasm a bit much.
-The word “Extreme” is over-used especially for a program that is meant to stand the test of time.
- I would have liked a little more balance in her lead of the workouts verses her walking around pointing and touching the exercisers muscles (& pointing out sweat) as they exercised. A little more demonstration and a little less roving chatter because I’m not invested in any of the background exercisers.
The music was fine except for a couple of things.
-One thing that I didn’t like was the cuckoo clock effect in the 2nd clip.
-Another thing that didn’t really bother me, but based on the 4 DS reviews may be a problem for some, was the plyometric exercises that were done off the beat of the music.
The set was a bit low budget for such a high dollar project (I wouldn’t have minded a low key and simple set but this one seemed like a caricature, tin hat-err head band and all).
-The set seemed out of date and cheesy (the fitness models on the televisions in the background reminded me of the background posters in Ripped except animated.
-The look of the set in the 2nd clip was improved by a simple change in wardrobe.
Miscellaneous things that looked and sounded off:
-The counting in the second workout reminded me of classic Billy Blanks, UGH!
-The roving on set camera man was so much worse than the floating microphone in the old Firms.
-The Bowflex weights looked really cumbersome.
This preview has convinced me not to buy this program at this time. There is much that can be over looked for people who really enjoy Chalene’s work and I’m sure the program will appeal to many home exercisers. After all, the actual workout is what produces the results. However, the workout has to have a reach factor for it to work for me and I didn’t feel like I would be inclined to reach for either one of these workouts (& I wouldn’t want to use them for a month at a time). I just don’t feel the pull to order this program after what I previewed, maybe my preferences will change in the future when I get more information.
jordan
