Beachbody is a well-known name in the fitness industry, renowned for its popular workout programs like Insanity, P90X, and 21-Day Fix. Founded over two decades ago, the company has built a reputation for delivering structured home fitness and nutrition programs. However, its business model, which operates as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme, has garnered mixed reactions.
In this review, we’ll delve into whether Beachbody is a legitimate business opportunity or a cleverly disguised pyramid scheme. We’ll explore the pros and cons of joining Beachbody as a coach, examining the effectiveness of their products, the support system in place, and the financial realities of participating in their MLM structure. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect from Beachbody and whether it’s the right fit for your business aspirations.
While Beachbody’s products and community support have helped many achieve their fitness goals, the MLM model’s inherent challenges cannot be ignored. From the high upfront and ongoing costs to the aggressive recruitment tactics and high turnover rates, there are significant hurdles that potential coaches must consider. Through a balanced evaluation, this review aims to provide you with all the necessary insights to make an informed decision.
Disclaimer: This Beachbody MLM review has been thoroughly researched with information and testimonials that are available online to anyone in the public. Any conclusions drawn from that information are my own opinions.
Beachbody MLM Review Overview
Product Name: Beachbody BODI
Owner: Carl Daikeler and Jon Congdon
Product Type: Fitness Program/Nutrition MLM
Price: $9 for 3 Months + extra costs
Best For: If you’re interested in their fitness programs
Pros
- Reputable Company
- Free Trial
- Products Are Good
- Supports Their Users
Cons
- Pay to Play
- Social Media Site Spam
- High Turnover Rate for Coaches
- High Startup & Monthly Costs
Quick Summary
Recommended? Depends on how well you can sell expensive fitness programs
Table of Contents
What Is Beachbody?
Beachbody was founded in 1998, quickly making a name for itself with its nutritional line and fitness programs. The company invested a staggering $100 million per year in advertising and marketing to build its brand. Eight years later, in 2006, Team Beachbody was formed to expand its reach through multi-level marketing (MLM).
Beachbody, now known as BODi, was founded by Carl Daikeler and Jon Congdon in 1998. Carl Daikeler continues to play a significant role in the company as its CEO. Over the years, the company has grown and evolved, recently rebranding to BODi and focusing on a holistic approach to health and wellness, which includes both fitness programs and nutritional products.
To give you a better understanding, here is a short video that showcases what this MLM company is all about:
The legitimacy of Beachbody is a hotly debated topic. Opinions vary widely, with some claiming it operates as a pyramid scheme, while others defend its business model as a legitimate MLM.
Consider this: It wouldn’t make sense for a reputable and highly-successful company to suddenly run its business as a pyramid scheme, would it?
However, there is a problem…
When you search ‘is Beachbody a pyramid scheme?’ on Google, most of the top results are articles written by individuals who are part of the Beachbody MLM program. This can lead to biased information that may not give you the full picture.
The Bias in Beachbody Reviews
Be cautious when reading reviews written by current Beachbody affiliates. Here’s why:
- Inherent Bias: Affiliates have a vested interest in portraying Beachbody positively. They rely on the company’s reputation to maintain their own credibility and income.
- Financial Motivation: Beachbody teaches its affiliates to make money by recruiting others into the program. If they convince you that Beachbody is a great opportunity, they stand to earn financially.
To truly understand whether Beachbody is a pyramid scheme, you need unbiased, thorough research and critical thinking. The rest of this review will delve into the facts and myths surrounding Beachbody, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Let’s jump into the next sections to uncover more about the Beachbody business model, its practices, and whether it stands up to scrutiny.
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Is Beachbody a Pyramid Scheme?
Beachbody is not a pyramid scheme because it markets products through its website and representatives. Here’s why:
- Product Line: Beachbody offers a wide range of fitness programs and nutritional products.
- Commission Structure: Trainers earn commissions based on the sales of these fitness and nutritional products.
So, no, Beachbody is not a pyramid scheme. However, it’s important to understand the nuances:
Common MLM Practices and Challenges
Many MLM companies have real products but often come with high prices and sales quotas. This means participants might find it challenging to make a decent income without recruiting new members. This is where some accusations arise.
What Is a Pyramid Scheme?
According to Wikipedia, “A pyramid scheme is a business model that recruits members by promising payments or services in exchange for enrolling new members into the scheme, rather than providing investments or product sales”. You can check out a short video below to learn more…
Why do so many people think Beachbody is a pyramid scheme? It’s because you can make money by recruiting others into the MLM plan. This leads to the perception that Beachbody might be a pyramid scheme in disguise.
Is Beachbody MLM a Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?
As I’ve stated, Beachbody is not a pyramid scheme. They pay commissions based on sales made by you and those you recruit. Since there are no direct payments just for signing up new members, there’s no deceptive activity. Beachbody sells real products for people to consume.
However, whether you consider Beachbody a pyramid scheme depends on your perspective of these business models.
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Is Beachbody a Scam or Legit MLM?
Beachbody is not a scam. They offer legitimate products aimed at weight loss and fitness. The confusion often arises from their compensation and incentive structure, which some people misunderstand as being deceptive.
Beachbody even offers a free trial for new members to test their services before committing financially. Thus, Beachbody is a legitimate MLM.
At this moment, I cannot recommend Beachbody. There are numerous free exercise videos and meal plans available online that can guide you on your fitness journey. It’s essential to consider all your options and choose the one that best fits your needs and goals.
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What Products Does Beachbody Offer?
Part of Beachbody’s marketing strategy involves multilevel marketing (MLM), where individuals sign up as Beachbody coaches. These coaches can lead a team and recruit other coaches, generating revenue through these networks. We’ll delve into the MLM aspect soon, but first, let’s focus on their products.
Beachbody is the company behind several popular and successful workout programs, including:
- Insanity
- P90X
- 80 Day Obsession
- Body Beast
- Shift Shop
In addition to workout programs, Beachbody offers a line of performance supplements such as:
- Energize
- Hydrate
- Recover
- Recharge
- Shakeology
These products allow users to customize their workout routines and set specific goals, selecting the right products to help achieve them.
What Is Beachbody’s Flagship Product?
Beachbody’s Shakeology stands out as a flagship supplement. It’s more than just a protein shake; it’s packed with nutrients, including phytonutrients, antioxidants, adaptogens, and pre-and probiotics. For more details, you can check out this video:
Beachbody’s products are generally well-perceived among users, as evidenced by many positive reviews. They are considered legitimate and effective by many customers.
Now, let’s shift our focus to Beachbody’s MLM program and explore how, or if, you can make money with it…
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How Does Beachbody MLM Work?
As highlighted in this review, Beachbody operates as an MLM (multi-level marketing) company. When you join Beachbody, you become a coach, essentially starting your own home-based or online fitness business. You receive a supply of products that you are expected to sell.
You can market these products directly to earn commissions, or you can recruit others to sell the products while you act as a mentor. Consequently, Beachbody coaches earn commissions not only from their sales but also from the sales made by their recruits. Here’s a high-level view of how the system operates:
Beachbody’s MLM structure is the main reason it is sometimes labeled a pyramid scheme. To qualify for certain bonuses and payments, coaches must achieve specific sales targets (more on this later in the review). The challenge is that many coaches struggle to meet these targets, leading to frustration and claims that Beachbody is a scam. This frustration is understandable.
How To Join Beachbody MLM
To join Beachbody, you need to purchase a membership. The options are:
- $39 for a 3-month membership with a 2-week free trial.
- $59 for a 6-month membership with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- $99 for a one-year membership with a 30-day money-back guarantee, billed on the first day.
As you can see, there are various membership levels, each with its own pricing structure.
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What Is a Beachbody Coach?
Contrary to what the title might suggest, a Team Beachbody Coach is not someone who creates fitness videos for the public. Instead, a coach is responsible for selling Beachbody’s weight-loss and fitness products.
In 2014, the sales figures from Team Beachbody coaches surpassed the company’s direct sales. This shift marked a significant change in Beachbody’s business model, solidifying its focus on MLM. Given the substantial revenue from this structure, it’s understandable why they made this shift.
While Beachbody continues to profit from its commercial fitness programs, the MLM model has become a major revenue stream, potentially even more lucrative than their original business model.
In the next section of this review, we’ll dive into the specifics of how you can make money with Beachbody’s MLM program. This will include detailed information on commission structures, sales targets, and the overall feasibility of earning a substantial income through this model.
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How To Make Money With Beachbody MLM?
Once you join Beachbody On Demand, you can purchase a plan that licenses you to advertise Beachbody products and recruit others to join the business. As a certified supplier of Beachbody, you can start earning through incentives and direct sales.
Beachbody Offers Three Tiers of Coaches:
- Discount Coaches: Customers who want a discount on their products and have no intention of coaching others.
- Hobby Coaches: Individuals who coach for a bit of extra income and enjoy promoting and selling products.
- Full-time or Business-Builders: Those serious about earning a full-time income from home, achieving financial freedom, and motivating others to do the same by actively participating in the business (e.g., using and promoting Shakeology).
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What Is the Beachbody Compensation Plan?
The Beachbody compensation plan is binary, requiring the creation of two separate downline legs to earn money. However, this plan can be quite complex, often requiring a significant understanding to navigate effectively.
To keep things simple in this review:
- In Beachbody network marketing, you need to earn “Balanced Volume Points” to receive commissions.
- When one leg of your downline (strong leg) accumulates 200 points and the other leg (weak leg) accumulates 100 points, a cycle is completed.
- Completing a cycle earns you a compensation bonus between $14 and $18.
If this still seems confusing (and it likely does), you can watch the video below for a more detailed explanation:
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Can You Make Money With Beachbody MLM?
Like many MLM companies, Beachbody offers various ways to earn money. Here’s an updated look at the earning potential with Beachbody’s MLM program:
Retail Sales
As a Beachbody coach, you earn a 25% commission on each product sale. This is a straightforward way to start making money by promoting and selling Beachbody’s fitness and nutrition products.
Club Membership Bonuses
Beachbody offers a quarterly bonus for club members. As of the latest update, this bonus is $19.44 every three months for active club members.
Diamond Plan and Showcase Bundle
High-achieving coaches can earn additional bonuses. Coaches who utilize the Diamond Plan can receive perks, with some reaching bonuses up to $200. Additionally, Beachbody offers a Showcase Bundle, which includes a $50 bonus, adding another revenue stream for active coaches.
Earning Potential
Your earnings largely depend on your ability to recruit and motivate a team, as well as your sales skills. Coaches who excel in these areas can significantly increase their income. However, it’s essential to recognize that many people find the MLM model challenging. Success requires dedication, strategic marketing, and a strong network.
Compensation Plan Complexity
Beachbody’s compensation plan is structured as a binary system, which can be complex. To earn commissions, you need to build two legs of downlines and achieve “Balanced Volume Points.” For example, when one leg accumulates 200 points and the other 100 points, you complete a cycle and earn a commission between $14 and $18. This structure requires consistent recruitment and sales to maintain.
Overall Feasibility
While it’s possible to make money with Beachbody, the MLM structure presents significant challenges. Many coaches find it difficult to achieve the necessary sales levels to earn substantial income. Marketing and recruitment skills are crucial, and without them, making a significant profit can be challenging.
In summary, earning money with Beachbody MLM is possible but requires significant effort, skill, and strategic planning. It’s essential to understand the complexities of the compensation plan and be prepared for the challenges inherent in MLM models.
For further details, you can review Beachbody’s compensation plan and recent financial reports available on their investor relations page.
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Beachbody Reviews and Complaints
One of the best ways to determine if Beachbody is a scam or a legitimate business is to look at customer testimonials and reviews online. Here’s an overview of what people are saying about Beachbody:
TrustPilot Reviews
On TrustPilot, Beachbody has an “Average” rating. Approximately 25% of reviews claim that Beachbody is a scam, citing issues with unauthorized charges and difficulties obtaining refunds. Examples of negative reviews include complaints about being billed for products they did not order and struggling to get refunds for returned items.
Consumer Affairs Reviews
Beachbody fares slightly better on Consumer Affairs, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5. This platform features a mix of positive and negative reviews, with many users praising the effectiveness of the workout programs and the quality of the nutritional products.
Influenster Reviews
Similarly, on Influenster, Beachbody has an average rating of 3.7 out of 5. Many users highlight the benefits of the Beachbody On Demand platform and the positive impact of the programs on their fitness journeys, while some criticize the business practices and customer service.
Common Positive Reviews
Positive reviews often highlight significant weight loss and fitness improvements, praising the effectiveness and convenience of Beachbody’s workout programs and nutritional products. Here are a couple of examples:
- Transformative Experience: One user reported losing over 42 pounds within a year, attributing their success to the Beachbody programs and community support.
- Long-term Success: Another reviewer, who has been using Shakeology and Beachbody On Demand for nearly nine years, credits these products with a 100-pound weight loss and consistent fitness despite a busy travel schedule.
Common Negative Reviews
Negative reviews frequently mention issues with billing and customer service. For example:
- Unauthorized Charges: A customer complained about being charged $245 twice for products they didn’t order and facing difficulties in getting a refund despite providing bank statements.
- Cancellation Issues: Another reviewer decided not to sign up for Beachbody On Demand after reading about other customers’ struggles with cancelling memberships and getting refunds.
Average ratings and reviews do not necessarily mean that Beachbody is a scam. However, they do highlight areas where the company could improve, particularly in customer service and billing practices. In the next parts of this review, I will share my own set of pros and cons to provide a balanced perspective on Beachbody’s MLM program and product offerings.
For further information and detailed reviews, you can visit TrustPilot, Consumer Affairs, and Influenster.
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Beachbody MLM Review: Pros
If you’re interested in helping people lose weight and eat healthily, Beachbody could be a good option. Compared to other MLMs, it functions more like an affiliate program. Here are a few things I appreciate about Beachbody:
#1 Beachbody Is a Reputable Company
Beachbody has been around for over two decades, which is significant considering many network marketing companies struggle to survive beyond five years. Their longevity and ongoing success lend credibility to the brand and its business model.
#2 Free Trial Before Making a Commitment
One of the standout features of Beachbody is the free trial they offer to new members. This allows potential customers to test the products and services before fully committing, reducing the risk of wasted time, money, and effort. It’s a fair and customer-friendly approach.
#3 Their Products are Good
The effectiveness of health and fitness products can be subjective and often depends on individual commitment. However, Beachbody’s products and programs are well-structured and generally well-received. Positive reviews and testimonials support the notion that these products can be effective when used correctly.
#4 Beachbody Supports Their Users
Beachbody offers robust support groups comprised of instructors who share various training courses and their progress. This community aspect helps users stay motivated and accountable. Coaches, who receive discounts on Beachbody products, further benefit from additional support and resources to advance their fitness and business goals.
Beachbody MLM Review: Cons
While Beachbody offers several benefits, it’s not the best choice for everyone. There are some significant drawbacks to consider:
#1 Despite Free Trial, You Need to Pay to Play
Even with a free trial, Beachbody requires you to purchase a starter package before you can earn commissions. This can be seen as unfair since it prioritizes the company’s sales over your success. In contrast, affiliate marketing typically doesn’t require any upfront payment to start earning, making it a more accessible option for many.
#2 Social Media Site Spam
Beachbody’s presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can lead to spammy interactions. When you post about Beachbody, you may be inundated with messages from various “coaches” trying to recruit you into their team. This aggressive recruitment tactic is more a critique of the MLM model in general rather than Beachbody specifically, but it can be off-putting for many.
#3 High Turnover Rate for Coaches
According to Beachbody, the average tenure for a coach is about two years. This high turnover rate suggests that many coaches struggle to build a sustainable business. The demands of maintaining a team and consistent sales can lead to burnout, causing many to quit.
#4 High Startup and Monthly Costs
To become a Beachbody coach, you need to pay $39.95 upfront and $15.95 per month for registration. Additionally, you must buy or sell 50 Personal Volume Points (PVP) worth of products each month to maintain an active status. This means you or your downline/customers need to spend a significant amount each month to keep your business viable.
While Beachbody offers a potentially rewarding opportunity for those passionate about fitness and nutrition, the MLM model presents several challenges. High startup and monthly costs, a need for aggressive recruitment, and a high turnover rate can make it difficult to succeed. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully before committing to Beachbody or any MLM program.
Beachbody MLM Review: Conclusion
After a thorough review of Beachbody’s MLM program, it’s clear that while the company has a solid reputation and offers effective products, the MLM structure presents significant challenges that make it difficult for many to achieve lasting success.
Given the high costs, aggressive recruitment tactics, and high turnover rates, Beachbody’s MLM program may not be the best option for those looking to start a home-based business. While the products themselves are generally well-regarded, the MLM structure makes it challenging for the average person to succeed.
For those passionate about health and fitness, exploring alternative business models like affiliate marketing or starting a personal fitness coaching business might be more sustainable and less financially burdensome. These options can provide the flexibility and earning potential without the inherent challenges of an MLM structure.
In conclusion, while Beachbody offers some benefits, I do not recommend joining its MLM program due to the significant challenges and risks involved. Consider exploring other avenues that align with your goals and financial situation for a more viable path to success.
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Thanks for reading my Beachbody MLM Review! If you have any questions, or any experiences to share then please write them in the comments below. ;).
