It’s been about 2 years since a Beachbody coach messaged me on Instagram wanting to know if I was interested in trying a program. After numerous attempts and plenty of eye rolling about the whole concept, I caved and gave it a try. It has been, by far the best fitness solution for me and my workout routine. I don’t really have a big ol’ story behind it or a “fitness and health journey” to take you on. No “mind, body, spirit”, “new sense of identity” narrative to share. Just a gal who likes to stay in shape. But lets be real, Beachbody does appear to be a social marketing scam. If you follow me on social media, you’ll catch me working out, most often alongside one of these programs. So, I am here to just lay out some of my truths and provide a window of information for those who might be looking for a resource like Beachbody to add to your life. Becoming Wiza is about learning what works for your lifestyle, maybe this isn’t it.
- Its not a scam- It just isn’t, ok. If you take the slew of at home video tapes from the 80’s and 90’s…digitize them times 100, add technology & are way better…you get Beachbody programs. Is there a marketing strategy behind this brand? Totally! IT’S A BUSINESS FRIENDS. Are the results you see online real? Totally, and people love to share…because its almost 2020, and people share everything online. But a scam…nah. I am sure people have been led in the wrong direction before, but hopefully this helps those curious avoid that.
- You don’t have to join an online group- They are an amazing community of similar people who will help you stay accountable and encouraged..but you don’t haaaaaave to. Personally, if you’re the type of person who needs the accountability to get started, is motivated by others, and thrives off connection, I would say it is a good place to start. On the other side of the coin, maybe you don’t. I am part of a BB team, but I wake my ass up on my own to workout and have never joined an online group. I may pout, kick and scream…but I do it on my own. Plus, I live with a former college athlete who is still dedicated to health and fitness and he serves as my accountability partner. BUT, like I said…do what will get you the results you’re looking for. The online groups are the equivalent to going to a class at the gym, you see the same 15 people and celebrate with each other…but from your living room, ha! Don’t want to be around other people..you can totally JUST buy the workouts and do them on your own.
- Not all coaches are licensed fitness instructors or dietitians- Some are, some are not. Think of a coach as a resource not a fitness instructor. They have access to new program launches, nutrition guides, workout schedules…etc and they are your BIGGEST supporters. Like the online group leader if you will. Many, if not most of them have had a transformational experience by being committed to these programs and have lost weight, gained muscle and truly gotten their life back. So they know, like a friend how to help and give ya a nice pat on the booty or a shove when necessary. Lots of coaches get involved as a side hustle, so thats why it can come across like a scam…but like with anything in life when you want to buy something…ask questions to make sure you are set up for success.
- It is less expensive than a gym membership- Like I said, I was already active before joining this community myself. I belonged to a boxing gym, boutique gym, Lifetime Fitness, LA Fitness, and I actually think at one point Charter Fitness (is that still a thing?) And my annual subscription to BOD (Beachbody on Demand) is like $8 a month. Plus I get, very literally like 100 different workout programs to follow. I still pay for my local park district membership, but I had to cut ties with other expensive gyms. (Come on, I got a kid coming in November and i’d rather online shop for cute clothes). It works for my family financially. Can you buy other products from BB? Absolutely! They have pre workout, protein, recover, equipment, nutrition packs, collagen powder…etc, that are expenses you would pay outside of the monthly membership if you wanted them. My favorite? Shakeology, aka…the protein shake.
- The community and business model is focused on empowerment-I think that’s why I like it so much because it is such a positive brand. Maybe that too is why sometimes it comes off so disingenuous because everyone is so damn happy about it. It’s like, it must be a scam because you all are way too happy about your workouts. But, when people are dedicated and see changes in their body and then become confident and secure in their mind….they are going to be happy, ya know?
- Like with any other fitness programs out there, its up to you to put in the work- Its not rocket science people…ya don’t follow the eating plan and skimp out on workouts…ya wont see a difference. Hard work is hard work, plain and simple. If you want quick overnight results, go get liposuction.
- Shakeology is their brand of protein shakes- Maybe I was just confused in the beginning but I was like what is Beachbody vs Shakeology? Beachbody is the name of the business, Shakeology is the line of protein shakes. It comes in a ton of yummy flavors and even a vegan offering.
- Stream it anywhere– This is probably my FAVORITE fact about the programs because I can do them from my cellphone. I mainly workout from home, but sometimes I go to the park district gym with my husband and I press play and do them there. But I have streamed them while on vacation, while traveling for work, or even just from my iPad outside in my yard on nice days to change up the scenery. So, if you can get WiFi, you can get a workout in.
So, just to clarify if you were ever wondering what the heck I was doing on Instagram or were interested in learning more about Beachbody as a fitness solution…there ya have it. If you are interested in wanting to learn even more, contact me, I am happy to help find a program that will work for you- on a very non scammy basis. Otherwise, you will still find me..pregnant and all, completing my 30 minute workouts between the hours of 5-6am. And I hope, if anything it inspires you to love the body you were given and try to treat it kindly with an activity you like and food that fuels you. There are so many awesome programs out there, Tone it Up, Kayla Itsines, Strong Sexy Fit, Body by Lex…I follow them all for daily inspiration, but have never tried their programs. Wait, thats I lie…I have done a YouTube Tone it Up video. Anyway…If you like any at home workouts or workouts you stream, let me know about them!
xoxo
Lyss
Here is a interview I did with Maggie, a Beachbody coach who leads online groups
Becoming Wiza 