Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I earn a commission. However, the insights and experiences shared are my own from completing the Athlean X Xero program.
- 1 THE RULES OF THE GAME Be sure to follow the following rules when performing the workouts for weeks 1-4 of ATHLEAN-X™ Training Camp: 1. Warm ups should consist of a brief 5-10 minute jog, jump rope, high knee drill, etc. To simply elevate core body temp. Static stretching before a workout is not advised, as it will change muscle length tension relationships and is better saved for after a.
- You will need all of this equipment for every Althean X program – AX1 has two items – a barbell with plates and squat rack – that are recommended but not required. Dumbbells There are lots and lots of dumbbell sets on the market and you will need a variety of weights (from light to heavy) for use in the Athlean X programs.
I decided to purchase the Athlean X Xero program since we’ve entered a lockdown in my country and the gyms are closed. It was a shame because I was getting to the halfway point in my Beaxst program and I was considering to invest in Xero at a later date.
Without having sufficient space in my apartment, as well as the convenience of the right equipment considering how my apartment is setup, I decided to opt for Xero.
What is Athlean X Xero?
What was your age, height, weight and body transformation before and after starting the ATHLEAN-X Training System? Before: Age 40 / 6’2″ / 229.0 / I didn’t know how to check bf% After: Age 41 / 6’2″ / 177.2 / just under 10% (calipers).I did AX-1 for a total of 9 months. 2.) What made you want to start using the ATHLEAN-X Training. Being powerful starts with feeling empowered. This is exactly what ATHLEAN-X delivers. 100% CONFIDENCE 365 DAYS A YEAR ZERO EXCUSES ONE PROGRAM BUT I’M NOT AN ATHLETE. ATHLEAN-X ACCOMMODATES ALL ABILITY LEVELS LOST 60 LBS BUILT ATHLETIC MUSCLE. CURRENT 2X A-X GAMES CHAMPION!! Jack Eltman Age 44. An ordinary out of shape 44 year old with a. 1 THE RULES OF THE GAME Be sure to follow the following rules when performing the workouts for weeks 1-4 of ATHLEAN-X™ Training Camp: 1. Warm ups should consist of a brief 5-10 minute jog, jump rope, high knee drill, etc. To simply elevate core body temp.
It’s a 6 week workout plan that promises to deliver intense muscle building and conditioning using nothing but your body’s weight.
There are different exercises that will make it challenging and force your muscles to use your body as resistant weight to trigger muscle growth and development.
What were my initial thoughts with the Athlean X program?
To be honest, I didn’t take it seriously and I had serious doubts about whether this program could help me improve my strength and conditioning.
After two weeks of procrastinating, I decided to bite the bullet and to take the Athlean X Xero program seriously.
What have I noticed since doing the program?
To my surprise, I’ve noticed that my body is looking more conditioned and it does appear that I am triggering muscle growth and adding muscle mass. (Not much, but enough to be noticeable).
I had a friend compliment me on how much more solid I was looking just after the restrictions were lifted. This was around week 4 of the program.
What makes Athlean X Xero unique?
The structure of the program is good for people that want to improve their functional fitness, strength, power, and conditioning without having access to equipment.
Athlean X Ax1
In my opinion, it is a great option if you just want to workout at home. I’ve been able to do my exercises in my living room space and also on the roof balcony.
The program focuses on completing exercise movements that target different muscle groups.
The exercises will fatigue the muscles until failure. And the aim is to maximise the amount of reps possible using that same muscle group.
If you have done the Max Size program, there is a similar methodology that’s used to maximise muscle growth.
Where have I seen the most amount of muscle growth from the Xero program?
I’ve seen it the most in my upper chest and shoulders. The program is a full body workout, but the growth has definitely occurred in the very upper body.
I have noticed some additional growth around the biceps and triceps.
How long does it take to complete the Athlean X Xero workouts?
I’d say anywhere from 20-45 minutes. With the abs session (Core4 or Six Pack Shuffle), you are looking at an extra 6-15 minutes.
I prefer this timeframe since it can be done very quickly without any travel time. You just need to find a space and go. So you really just need to block off an hour from your day.
Did I use the Athlean X supplements?
I used X-cite, which is the pre-workout. Apart from that, I made sure to eat a clean diet. The main reason I didn’t take the others is due to cost. My plan was to complete this program and then restart Beaxst, Max Size, and then either AX 1 or AX2 and use the supplements for those programs since they are more focused on size, strength, and power development.
Do you need to count macros?
In the program, it claims that you don’t need to count macros. And you don’t have to in theory. However, if you want to keep on track with your results, you do need to use some kind of measurement to ensure that you will meet your goals.
I usually start measuring if I see that my bodyweight is going up too fast (e.g. 1kg in a week).
I can then track what I’m consuming to make sure that I’m still on track.
Do you need to do cardio?
The program says no. I personally think that 20-40 mins of cardio will help. I’ve been doing this with some local running, sprinting, and cycling.
How does it compare to the other Athlean X programs?
To be transparent, I’ve completed AX1, Max Shred, Max Size, and Beaxst. From what I’ve experienced so far, it will help with the strength and development for your body in a similar way to AX1 and Shred.
I’d say it delivers on the athletic conditioning. However, you want to build more serious size and muscle, you will need to opt for the specific programs that will help you achieve those goals.
Should you buy Athlean X Xero?
If you want to train at home or quickly in the office or while you are travelling without access to a gym, then yes.
If you want to build strength and power, you need to opt for a different program.
In terms of having a program that you can access on the road or at home (such as in lockdown), it’s a great solution since you only need to use minimal space. Plus the exercises target different muscle groups as part of a full body workout.
The program contains 5 sessions a week for 6 weeks.
If you are looking for a structured bodyweight program, this is one that should be considered.
Athlean X Xero results
Below is a summary of the results from doing the Athlean X Xero program.
Photographic results
Final thoughts.
If you want to do functional exercises without weights, then this is a handy substitute.
I do think the program is lacking in cardio. Cardio is necessary especially for people like me who don’t move around alot.
While I did see progression with my strength, power, and function, I did not get the polished look that I was after. I can only seeing this work with a calorie deficit and cardio needs to be included more often to get a polished look.
I did add more cardio on some days, but I am carrying too much body fat.
But I did like the convenience of the program.
The other thing is the nutrition plan/guide isn’t caterd for vegans or vegetarians.
I prefer to opt for vegan options. I was trying to figure out what to have.
For meat-eaters, if you stick to greens and lean protein meats, it is much easier.
If you get this program, get it as a substitute if you want to preserve functional strength and mobility.
If you want to gain lean muscle, or if you want a bodybuilding program, you will need to opt for another program.
Get the items that will help you achieve your bodybuilding goals.
Because I’ve focused so much time reviewing the various offerings of the Althean X universe, I get a lot of questions about it.
Women, in particular, want to know if the Athlean-XX program for women works as well as the traditional AX1. And they want to know if they will get lean and strong vs. bulky.
In this review we’ll answer those questions along with some other things you should know if you’re thinking about purchasing Athlean XX.
NEW: If you’re looking for a women’s workout program that focuses on getting a slim, fit, and feminine look then I highly recommend Visual Impact for Women by Rusty Moore. The key thing that makes Rusty’s program different is his “100% Fit and Feminine” approach to women’s fitness. You can see my full Visual Impact for Women review here.
Overview of Athlean-XX for Women
Athlean-XX for Women focuses on the benefits that most women want from a fitness program. It stays completely away from fad diets, too much cardio, and exercises that bulk women up.
Instead it focuses on:
- Short weight based workouts
- An eating plan that is easy to follow and live with
- Proven science backed plans that create a lean and strong body
Athlean X Ax1 Program
Features and Benefits of Athlean-XX for Women
One of the first things that you’ll notice with the Athlean-XX program is that the meal plan isn’t an afterthought.
It’s specifically meant to help busy women eat right with a minimum of fuss and frustration.
Other great features of the Athlean XX program are:
- Workouts under 33 minutes
- Flexibility to customize workouts for home or the gym
- Workouts that are geared toward developing lean strength, never bulk
- Meal plan flexibility
- Restaurant eating cheat sheets
- 24/7 support
- Online accessible workouts
- Challenges to help keep you motivated
- A convenient 3 pay option
Special Features and Pros of Athlean-XX for Women
No bulk:
One of the challenges that women face when they try to adapt programs meant for men is that they can inadvertently become bulky. Athlean XX is specifically designed to sculpt strong, lean, athletic bodies with NO bulk.
Keep the weight off:
Because Athlean XX helps you build strong, lean muscle it also increases your metabolism. This makes it work much better than a diet alone approach for keeping weight off for good.
A meal plan that works:
It’s very easy to get caught in the next big trend when trying to slim down. But Athlean XX has a meal program that is flexible, practical, and most importantly keeps you full so that it’s easy to stick to.
Drawbacks and Cons of Athlean-XX
All online based:
If you are someone who prefers to have outside people motivating you, it’s a better idea to hire a trainer than to do something like Athlean XX. Because this program is based online you do need some self-motivation to get started and stick to it.
Only 90 days:
Athlean XX comes with a full 90-day eating and workout program. It’s meant to be repeatable, but if you get bored easily you may want to look for a different program or get a personal trainer.
Athlean X Ax1 Free
Athlean-XX Video
Here is a video of a mom of two young children and her experience with Athlean XX for women. Her results are quite impressive. Notice how her body is long and lean and not big and bulky.
What Equipment Do You need for Athlean XX
Athlean-XX For Women requires several pieces of equipment. I’m going to list my favorites from Amazon for each piece, but you can also pick most of these up used through Craigslist or at a yard sale (though I personally prefer to buy my equipment new).
- Light dumbbells (5lb to 10lb) – I like the Amazon basics here
- Heavy dumbbells (12 lb to 20 lb) – I like the BalanceFrom GoFit set
- Exercise tubing – I like Black Mountain resistance bands
- A stability ball – I like the URBNFit exercise ball
- A workout step – I like the Step Original
About the Athlean X Company
One of the things that has always impressed me about the Athlean X group of products is that they are put together by a guy with actual degrees and certification in exercise.
Because of that all the programs that Jeff Cavaliere puts together are both thoughtful and based in science.
The Bottom Line on Athlean-XX For Women
If you want to get a lean and strong body and increase your metabolism, then Athlean-XX for women is probably a good fit for you.
Athlean X Ax1 Equipment
This program is not meant to make you ripped, if you are looking for that I would go with another Athlean X program, like AX1. You can see my overview of every single Athlean X program here.
The meal plan is easy to follow and it’s effective as well.
Overall, this is a solid program that will get you results if you follow it.