An In-Depth Look at Beachbody, Team Beachbody, and Popular Beachbody Programs

An Introduction to Beachbody and Team Beachbody

Beachbody is an American health and fitness company that was founded in 1998 by Carl Daikeler and Jon Congdon. The company is best known for its popular at-home workout programs like P90X, Insanity, and 21 Day Fix. Beachbody utilizes infomercials, social media, and multi-level marketing to sell its workout DVDs, supplements, shakes, and merchandise.

Team Beachbody is the network marketing arm of Beachbody that allows customers to become "coaches" and earn commissions by selling Beachbody products and recruiting others to join their "teams." The company employs a multi-level marketing structure where coaches can progress through various ranks by meeting certain quota and team-building requirements. Coaches promote and sell Beachbody products either in-person or online and receive a percentage of sales based on their rank.

The Origins and History of Beachbody

After meeting at a 24 Hour Fitness gym, Carl Daikeler and Jon Congdon co-founded Beachbody in Santa Monica, California in 1998. Daikeler served as CEO and Congdon as President. Their original goal was to help busy people get in shape with at-home workout programs that didn't require expensive equipment or gym memberships.

One of Beachbody's first successes was the Great Body Guaranteed program created by super-trainer Tony Horton in 1998. This 12-week workout program promised visible results in just 3 weeks. Next came Power 90 in 2001 which also became hugely popular and became the companys first infomercial.

Over the years, Beachbody continued to grow its catalog of fitness programs while utilizing the power of television infomercials for marketing. Some of the company's most successful programs have included P90X (2004), Insanity (2009), Brazil Butt Lift (2009), Les Mills PUMP (2010), and 21 Day Fix (2014).

Beachbody expanded into nutritional supplements with the launch of the Shakeology daily shake in 2007. That same year, the company introduced Team Beachbody which allowed customers to become coaches who could sell products and mentor new fitness clients.

In recent years, Beachbody has focused on digital streaming and on-demand workouts with platforms like Beachbody On Demand (2015) and Myx Fitness (2019). The company also introduced Beachbody Nutrition with portion-controlled containers and timed-nutrient supplements.

Today, Beachbody offers over a dozen different fitness programs along with supplements, shakes, apparel and gear. It relies on social media and its coach network to promote and sell its products. The company reportedly generates over $1 billion a year in sales.

An Overview of Team Beachbody

Team Beachbody was launched in 2007 as a network marketing division to help promote and sell Beachbody products. It allows customers to become "coaches" who can then earn money by selling products and recruiting others into the company.

Anyone can become a Beachbody Coach by signing up on the company's website and paying a $39.95 monthly fee. Coaches receive an online store, marketing materials, and most importantly, the ability to earn commissions.

Coaches earn 25% commission on products sold through their online stores. They can also earn bonuses by recruiting new coaches into their "downlines." As a team grows, the original coach moves up in rank and receives higher bonuses and commissions.

There are 10 ranks in the Team Beachbody compensation plan:

• Emerald Coach
• Ruby Coach
• Diamond Coach
• 1 Star Diamond Coach
• 2 Star Diamond Coach
• 3 Star Diamond Coach
• 4 Star Diamond Coach
• 5 Star Diamond Coach
• 6 Star Diamond
• 7 Star Diamond

Coaches must meet certain quotas and have a specific number of personally sponsored coaches to move up the ranks. For example, becoming a 3 Star Diamond Coach requires one to have 25,000 Team Volume Points (TV) and 15 personally sponsored coaches, among other requirements.

In addition to commissions and bonuses, Team Beachbody Coaches get discounts on products, invitations to company events, and recognition for hitting goals. However, very few coaches actually earn substantial income through the program.

The Controversy Around Multi-Level Marketing and Beachbody

Multi-level marketing (MLM) companies like Team Beachbody generate controversy for relying on recruitment over actual product sales. According to the FTC, around 99% of people who join MLMs lose money.

Critics argue that Team Beachbody operates like a pyramid scheme that benefits those at the top while burdening those at the bottom. Coaches are pressured to continuously recruit new members and meet steep sales quotas which may not be realistic.

There are often more coaches than actual customers in MLMs. Most people struggle to earn back their monthly fees, let alone turn substantial profits. Drop out rates for MLMs tend to be extremely high as well.

Team Beachbody claims that most people join just to receive the discounted prices on workout programs and nutritional supplements. However, many see Team Beachbody primarily as an income opportunity that will be difficult or impossible to actually achieve.

While Beachbody offers legitimate workout programs, the company itself largely makes money through its thousands of coaches rather than product sales. Many see the focus on recruitment over fitness as problematic.

Tips for Becoming a Successful Team Beachbody Coach

While the odds are against turning Team Beachbody into a lucrative full-time income, some coaches do find success. Here are some tips to maximize your chances:

• Use the products and programs yourself. It's easier to sell something you have experience with and can personally endorse.
• Connect with customers online and in-person. Build relationships, provide motivation and accountability.
• Don't aggressively push recruitment. Focus on selling products and helping people reach their goals.
• Set realistic goals for yourself. Most coaches will not achieve the highest compensation ranks.
• Engage with other coaches but don't see them as competition. Support each other.
• Share your experiences and results on social media to attract customers.
• Stay up-to-date on Beachbody products, promotions and sales.

Becoming a Team Beachbody Coach can be rewarding for those who approach it as a part-time endeavor and passion project. But pursuing it solely for lucrative financial gain will likely lead to disappointment.

The Beachbody Programs

Beachbody offers a variety of popular fitness programs focused on strength training, cardio, weight loss, yoga and more. These programs feature structured workout schedules and dietary plans to help customers achieve their fitness goals. Here is an overview of some of Beachbody's most popular programs.

P90X

First released in 2004, P90X is one of Beachbody's oldest and most successful programs. It incorporates resistance and bodyweight training, cardio, yoga, plyometrics, martial arts, and more. The diverse workouts are designed to continually shock the muscles for maximum results.

The 90-day program revolves around following a schedule of 12 different workout videos. Equipment needed is minimal - just dumbbells, a pull-up bar, and exercise mat. Dietary guidelines are provided that emphasize lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

P90X is meant for individuals who already have a baseline level of fitness and want to push themselves to the extreme. The workouts are very intense and high-impact.

Insanity

Insanity lives up to its name with cardio-dominated workouts that raise heart rates to the max. There's no equipment used except for an exercise mat. All bodyweight exercises focus on plyometrics, interval training, cardio bursts, and more.

Fitness trainer Shaun T leads the 60-day program which requires following back-to-back workout videos. Dietary guidelines cut calories substantially while emphasizing lean protein sources. Recovery stretches and rest days are built-in to help avoid injury or burnout.

Insanity delivers an extremely intense workout that requires a high level of existing fitness. It's meant for those looking to take their cardio to the next level and "dig deep."

21 Day Fix

21 Day Fix is one of Beachbody's most beginner-friendly programs. There are seven 30-minute videos that focus on a wide array of strength, cardio, and Pilates moves. The workouts incorporate interval and circuit-style training for calorie burn in a short time.

21 Day Fix is best known for its portion control containers system designed for easy weight loss. Each brightly colored container represents a certain food group and portion size per meal. There are also modifiers for those needing more calories.

The 21 Day Fix eating plan emphasizes whole foods, complex carbs, lean proteins and healthy fats to help sculpt the body and shed pounds.

80 Day Obsession

80 Day Obsession is perfect for those seeking an intensive, high-impact program with specific muscle group targeting. Trainer Autumn Calabrese leads challenging 25-minute videos focused on arms, abs, glutes, legs and more.

Resistance loops and light dumbbells are used for strength training. Low-impact cardio intervals are incorporated as well. The 80 day plan progresses through three distinct phases to shock the body and avoid plateaus.

80 Day Obsession requires adhering to the Ultimate Portion Fix eating plan which emphasizes lean proteins, nutrient dense carbs and healthy fats for fat loss and muscle definition.

Getting Started with Beachbody

Beachbody offers a variety of programs suited for all fitness levels and goals. Those new to Beachbody can follow these tips for getting started:

• Assess your current fitness level and goals. This will help determine the right program.
• Order a program bundle or sign up for Beachbody On Demand streaming.
• Clear your schedule. Programs like P90X and Insanity require serious dedication.
• Follow the diet and stick to the workout schedule. Consistency is key.
• Join the Beachbody community on social media for motivation and accountability.
• Invest in proper sneakers, comfortable clothes, and any equipment needed.
• Listen to your body and take rest days as needed to prevent burnout or injury.
• Enjoy the results! Hard work will lead to some serious fitness gains.

Beachbody offers support and encouragement every step of the way. Stay focused, dig deep, and transform your body one day at a time with Beachbody!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.