XB Sweat + Sculpt on BODi with Andrea Rogers: a Review

Are you looking for a low-impact, dance-inspired, intermediate level at-home workout with elements of Barre and Pilates — but without the complicated equipment? “XB Sweat + Sculpt” on the BODi online streaming platform with trainer Andrea Rogers might be for you!

Why Trust this Workout Review?

As background about the person writing this workout review, my name is Lillie, and I’m a 42-year-old teacher and mother of two young kids, and I am in no way affiliated with the BODi (formerly called “Beachbody on Demand”) company; I’m not an employee or “BODi Coach,” and no one paid or asked me to do this review. Because of that non-affiliation, I can be extremely honest in my opinions about BODi workout programs — as you may have seen from my dozens of previous articles!

Before we begin the review, a disclaimer: Please use wise judgment before starting this or any other workout program. Listen to your body for safety, and consult an expert first if there’s any doubt about whether a new fitness plan is a match for you. As I explained in my “Job 1” BODi review, even folks like myself who’ve done numerous at-home workout programs can get injured if not careful. Now, on to the review…

“XB Sweat + Sculpt” Overview

Andrea Rogers’s “XB Sweat + Sculpt” has three weeks of intermediate-level 30-minute workouts, spanning 5 days per week. There is also a collection of five shorter (approximately 15-minute) Express Workouts which can be added in to amp up the program. The release date was 2023.

“XBSS” is a low-impact combination of simple dance moves, plus Barre and Pilates-inspired, ballet-like moves that use either bodyweight, very light weights, or resistance loops. A modifier is present in all videos. (See my “XB Pilates” review for more Andrea Rogers fun.)

Why is “XB Sweat + Sculpt” called “XB?” The reason is that Rogers’s signature program that brought her fame was “Xtend Barre,” so all of her subsequent programs have the “XB” starting letters now. The reason it’s called “Sweat + Sculpt” is that it’s a combination of heart-pumping cardio from low-impact dance-inspired moves (“Sweat”) plus lean muscle-building resistance training with bodyweight, light weights, and resistance loops (“Sculpt”).

Equipment Needed

What equipment is needed for “XB Sweat + Sculpt?” Not as much as programs like “9 Week Control Freak!” For “XBSS” you just need 2-3 pound ankle/wrist weights (I actually used as much as 5 pounds sometimes), plus a squishy mat for floor work, and resistance loops.

XB Sweat + Sculpt Review

So, how did I like “the program”XB Sweat + Sculpt?” Just as I did with my “Sure Thing” review, here are the positives and negatives, laid out before a final assessment. (Hint: This has become one of my favorite programs on all of BODi!)

Positives of “XBSS”

1. Wonderful moves: low-impact easy dance, plus Pilates and Barre-like full-body strength.

I LOVED the exercise moves in “XB Sweat + Sculpt.” The dances were easy enough to follow (even more so than Shaun T’s “Let’s Get Up”), and got my heart rate up while still being low-impact — and fun! Meanwhile, the Pilates and Barre-inspired strength moves used light weights to build long, lean muscle, and help me feel limber and functionally strong. I think “Intermediate” is an accurate level classification for “XBSS,” and it can also be modified up or down.

The program kept the pace spiced up by alternating multiple times per video between low impact cardio dance (“Sweat”) and standing or mat-based strength with low or no weights (“Sculpt”), and also had very little repetition throughout. Expect creative, interesting, varied workouts!

2. Uplifting mood.

Like “6 Weeks of the Work” with Amoila Cesar, “XBSS” never failed to put me in a better mood. The combination of the exciting yet effective and exuberant moves, plus the trainer’s no-judgment, “Just try your best” vibe had me feeling good. Speaking of Andrea…

3. Andrea Rogers is an expert trainer.

I am awed at the skill with which Andrea can continuously give cues (“Engage your core!”) for all 30 minutes of each video without struggling for breath! As with her other programs, she starts every move slowly first to show form, then speeds up “to tempo.” I found her words positive and useful (not cloying or harsh), and declare her a very effective trainer.

4. No time is wasted.

Like Andrea Rogers’s other programs, not a single second is wasted in “XBSS” (unlike, for example, “645” on BODi.). “XB Sweat + Sculpt” has a tad more rest time between sections than “XTend Barre,” but that’s still a briskly-moving pace! You will feel like you’ve gotten your “money’s worth” in each video, since the 30 minutes is jam-packed.

5. Time frame and difficulty are doable yet effective.

30 minutes a day for 5 days a week over 3 weeks (plus 5 bonus 15 minute workouts) is a supremely doable program. Further, like “4 Weeks for Every Body,” the moves are low-impact, and have further modifications offered in each video. I found “XBSS” to be a delightful mix of doable yet challenging enough for great results — much more accessible than “XTend Barre,” which was painfully tough for me.

6. Motivating music.

Unlike programs like “LIIFT4” that have no music, “XB Sweat + Sculpt” has built-in music — and it actually consists of solid tunes! I found it very motivating to bop to during the dance moves, and useful for helping time reps during the strength portion.

7. Less equipment needed.

In contrast to programs like “LIIFT MORE” that require a bench, or “Xtend Barre” which needs a tall chair or barre, “XB Sweat + Sculpt” just needs a mat, resistance loops, and ankle weights. Because the ankle weights are adjustable, you don’t have to spend money on lots of different sizes of dumbbells. I found the ankle weights to be quite a satisfying and fun piece of equipment to use, too.

Further, since the weights are so light (or even optional), if you’re doing this program on the road, you could just use water bottles or cans for some of the moves, or skip the weight altogether (as the modifier does). “XBSS” is quite a travel-friendly program!

8. Lots of core mat work.

Nearly every video in “XBSS” features core work done while lying down or kneeling on a mat. As I found in “80 Day Obsession,” you don’t have to ask me twice to lie down! I found this varied mix of standing and reclining moves a welcome change from programs that exhaust you on your feet the whole time — and the bonus was boosted results in core definition and strength.

9. The “Express” workouts are fantastic.

Though it may seem that the five 15-minute “Express” workouts are just throwaway bonus content, I found them of excellent quality, and highly useful for days when you only have a sliver of time. Because Andrea packs so much into a short period, you’ll really get bang for your buck doing them, too.

10. Cast is more varied.

In contrast to some of Andrea’s earlier workout programs, the cast of “XBSS” is more varied in ethnicity, gender, age, and body type. Though the diversity is still not the level of the wonderful mix in “Muscle Burns Fat #mbf,” with Megan Davies, it’s a start! Meanwhile, for those who prefer quieter casts, the “XB Sweat + Sculpt” cast is almost totally silent, which helps keep the pace moving.

11. Emphasis on functional strength, mobility, and balance.

“XB Sweat + Sculpt” is a functional, full-body, well-rounded program. In other words, you’ll be building real-life strength, mobility, and balance that you’ll begin to notice on an everyday level.

A lot of the moves are unilateral, working your balance and twisting muscles. If you’re like me and do a lot of writing at a desk, you’ll appreciate all the work to un-hunch the back and build tall, erect posture.

12. Fun for younger exercisers too.

Because of the easy-to-follow dance moves and the fact that weights are optional for the strength moves, I found “XB Sweat + Sculpt” a particularly good match to do with my 7 year old daughter sometimes. We had such a blast doing the exercises together!

Negatives of XBSS

A. I missed heavier weights.

Though I think there is a place for workouts that feature light weights like this one, and I believe it’s healthy to cycle back to them intermittently, I REALLY missed lifting heavy weights during my weeks doing “XB Sweat + Sculpt,” and longed for at least some dumbbell moves like those “21 Day Fix.” It’s not that the 3-pounders were too easy in “XBSS” — in fact they became embarrassingly hard with the moves used — but it’s a totally different feeling for the body to be hefting 20s, and I missed that heavy lifting “high.”

B. There’s no on-screen timer.

Unlike the newer BODi programs like “Dig Deeper,” “XBSS” has no on-screen timer, which I find makes it harder for me to plan my exertion and go full out. This was particularly tricky since the program has so few pauses, so I’d think 10 minutes went by… when it was actually 5!

C. Some dance moves aren’t even on both sides.

Though for the most part, “XB Sweat + Sculpt” exercises both sides evenly, there are a number of dance moves in the program that always start on one side, thus giving a slightly unbalanced feeling (for example, Week 2, Day 3). To remedy this, I modified by starting on the opposite side half the time. Here’s the good news, though: at least Andrea Rogers has her right and left accurate to what the viewer sees, unlike the flipped view in “CHOP WOOD CARRY WATER!”

D. Pace and style aren’t for everyone.

Though I really liked “XBSS,” the relatively brisk pace and the twisting dance-like moves could be a mismatch for some people. For example, though it has men in the cast, the program has a relatively “feminine” vibe. Further, the side to side movements could be challenging for some fitness preferences. Finally, the rapid pace may necessitate adding in extra breaks or rest days. (Since injuring myself in “30 Day Breakaway,” I’m keen to warn people when there are possible risks regarding how your body moves.)

“XB Sweat + Sculpt” Results

I was very happy with my “XB Sweat + Sculpt” results. I built long, lean muscle, felt trimmer and tighter, and increased mobility, core strength, and balance. The mix of low-impact dance cardio and Barre/Pilates-inspired strength training with light weights really works.

What’s the Best Andrea Rogers Workout on BODi?

XB Sweat + Sculpt vs. Xtend Barre vs. XB Pilates

Naturally, this review begs the question: “What’s the best Andrea Rogers workout program on BODi?” Is it “Xtend Barre,” “XB Pilates,” or “XB Sweat + Sculpt?” Having done all three, I would declare that “XB Sweat + Sculpt” is the best match for most people, since it’s well-rounded, fun because of the dance, and effective with full-body results. I definitely liked it the most of all three!

“XB Pilates” comes in second place in this ranking because I loved it for core and floor work, but I don’t think it’s adequate on its own for significant results. In last place comes “XTend Barre” which I found extremely challenging for my long frame — though effective for results if you can push through.”

“XB Sweat + Sculpt” Review, in Sum

“XB Sweat + Sculpt” with Andrea Rogers ended up being one of my favorite programs on BODi — just below “Fire and Flow” and #mbf! Though I missed lifting heavy weights too much to repeat the program, I was very pleased with my full-body results of long, lean muscle and increased mobility — gained via a fun, dance-based, Barre and Pilates-infused set of workouts. Most importantly, my mood was lifted every time I pressed “Play.”

So what about you? If you’ve tried “XB Sweat + Sculpt,” what was your experience? If you haven’t tried it yet, what questions do you have about this, or any other BODi programs? Do share!