I, too, felt a little weird about the affirmations. The more I did the workout, the more I LOVED it. It didn't feel exceptionally high intensity, but I just felt GOOD. Strange as it may seem, I think it was in large part because of the affirmations and the attitude in the workout. There are times when I say them out loud or to myself. I haven't really felt a difference there, but I feel like smiling for hours after the workout.
I have to force myself to do yoga or pilates, but do not find myself fighting NOT to do this workout. It definitely is a different type of workout tho.