In the world of MLMs, Team Beachbody represents a relatively new player. Originally focused on fitness videos and instruction to help customers achieve their fitness goals, the company has since expanded its offerings to include nutrition supplements, meal replacements, and apparel.
Their distributors are called “coaches,” marketing products through various channels. Like most MLM companies, Team Beachbody faces recurring pyramid scheme accusations.
Team Beachbody Company Overview
History of Beachbody
Beachbody LLC was founded over 20 years ago, in 1998, by Carl Daikeler and Jon Congdon. The company created several popular fitness series, including P90X, INSANITY, and 21-Day Fix. Nearly everyone has heard of at least one of these Beachbody programs.
Expanding beyond instructional videos and diet guidelines, the company ventured into nutrition supplements. They launched their flagship product, Shakeology, in 2009—a superfood nutrition shake that remains one of their top sellers.
As Beachbody grew, the company expanded its distributor network and adopted the “Team Beachbody” name to unite all distributors under one banner. These distributors, called coaches, provide advice, accountability, and motivation to customers. Today, Team Beachbody operates with over 350,000 independent coaches.
Company Investigations
Unlike many MLMs, the company has maintained a relatively clean record regarding fines and pyramid scheme investigations. While public scrutiny continues around company practices, no major formal penalties have been imposed. The primary complaint centers on most coaches failing to generate profit, with many misled by false earning potential promises.
Though avoiding major structural investigations, the company hasn’t escaped all legal troubles. In 2016, Beachbody settled with Santa Monica, CA, for $3.6 million, agreeing to stop making unsubstantiated claims about Shakeology. California now prohibits the company from making any claims not backed by scientific evidence.
Beyond product claims, the company faced criticism over auto-renewal policies. They were forced to revise how customer subscriptions were handled after Santa Monica found it excessively difficult for customers to cancel, with charges continuing even after program cancellation.
Current Company Structure
The company maintains a network of over 350,000 coaches today, down from 450,000 in 2016. Both coach numbers and sales revenue have declined in recent years. Carl Daikeler, one of the founders, remains CEO.
Despite the coaching decline, the company maintains over $1 billion in annual revenue. Daikeler continues evolving the product line to sustain business success. While DVDs once dominated sales, they now offer “Beachbody On Demand”—an online video library accessible anywhere through subscription.
Beachbody Product Lines
While DVDs once ruled the Beachbody lineup, fitness programs are now delivered on-demand through their website. The company offers approximately 40 different workouts with associated nutritional programs.
These programs range from established products like P90X and INSANITY to newer offerings like Hip Hop Abs and Turbo Jam, all designed to help people achieve their health and fitness goals.
Beyond fitness programs, the company sells comprehensive nutrition programs—not mere supplements or meal replacements, but complete systems designed to build healthy habits and transform how customers approach nutrition. The 2B Mindset and Ultimate Portion Fix rank among their most popular nutrition programs.
Physical products include their popular Shakeology supplement and other nutritional items. Their BEACH BARz snack bars have gained significant traction, alongside apparel and accessories like resistance bands and chin-up bars.
Rather than selling individual products, the company emphasizes bundles called “challenges,” encouraging customers to complete comprehensive programs. For instance, customers can purchase a 21-day challenge including workouts, diet plans, and nutrition supplements. These challenge groups generate significant revenue for coaches.
How Does Beachbody Work?
Beachbody operates through an on-demand membership program. Exercise routines and meal plans are designed to accelerate weight loss goals, featuring diverse workout options including dance, yoga, and cardio.
Upon signing up, users connect with a coach who helps establish healthy lifestyle habits. Users can join coach-led groups or challenge groups with shared objectives, download classes, and participate in the annual Beachbody challenge.
Note that some programs require equipment. Depending on your chosen workouts, you may need items like yoga mats, dumbbells, or resistance bands.
Beachbody Cost
Users can subscribe quarterly ($74.97), semi-annually ($89.94), or annually ($119.88) for unlimited content access. Those wanting the streaming platform pay $159.95 for the Total Solution Pack.
Company Marketing Practices
Initially, infomercials dominated the company’s marketing strategy. This approach has evolved dramatically, with social media now driving their primary marketing efforts alongside traditional advertising.
Coaches are encouraged to document their fitness journeys on social media, allowing customers to witness product results firsthand. The highest-earning coaches maintain substantial social media followings, using network marketing to sell products and recruit additional coaches. Product purchases occur primarily through the company website, eliminating physical distribution requirements for coaches.
Making Money With Beachbody
Most people question whether they can profit from every MLM out there. The answer remains consistent across most MLMs: substantial earnings are possible, but the average person earns very little.
According to Beachbody’s Statement of Earnings, the average coach earned just over $3,000 in 2018. Other data indicates over half of active coaches generated zero profit. Conversely, top earners made over $3 million in 2018.
If you’re seeking supplemental income or creating passive revenue streams, coaching could work. However, if you want a legitimate business with substantial monthly income, Beachbody MLM may not be optimal.
How Does Beachbody Coaching Work?
Becoming a coach is straightforward. Visit the Beachbody website and click the enrollment button. The $39.95 signup fee includes a welcome book and online business management tools.
After 30 days, a monthly $15.95 fee maintains your coaching business. New coaches are encouraged to purchase a Challenge Pack, though it’s optional. Additional business service fees may apply.
Compensation Plan
The basic compensation structure for product sales is straightforward. Coaches earn 25% commission on retail products like Shakeology and other nutritional items. Challenge Packs generate 35% commission, while Beachbody On Demand subscriptions pay 40%.
Recruiting adds complexity to earnings. Coach recruits generate money from downline sales, with additional commission from “personally sponsored coaches.” Weekly and quarterly bonuses are available based on tier level and sales volume.
Sales and Marketing Techniques
Social media represents the most effective path to Beachbody coaching success and high income. The company views coaches as walking advertisements, making substantial social media presence crucial for demonstrating product benefits. Strong social media presence creates the largest audience for marketing products and recruiting new coaches.
Comparison to Other MLMs
Among numerous MLMs available, Team Beachbody offers higher earning potential than many competitors. Average earnings of nearly $300 monthly exceed most MLM standards. However, like other companies, approximately half of Beachbody’s coaches produce zero income. The company’s exclusive focus on health and fitness limits product offerings to this niche.
Conclusion: Team Beachbody Review
Despite being considered a young company, Beachbody offers relatively high earning potential for new coaches compared to other MLMs. However, success requires coaches to embody the lifestyle they promote.
Beachbody streamlines the coach signup process and provides startup materials for success. This represents a legitimate opportunity, but generating income requires hard work and dedication.
