Why Nobody in Their Right Mind Should Join Beachbody (Now Rebranded as BODi)

 

If you’ve spent any time online searching for ways to get fit or make money from home, chances are you’ve come across Beachbody — now rebranded as BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive).

On the surface, it sells a shiny package: world-famous workout programs, premium supplements, and a way to earn income by “inspiring others.” But scratch below the surface, and it’s clear this company has built its empire on MLM deception, predatory recruitment, and empty promises.

As The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger, I’ve made it my mission to shine a light on scams, schemes, and shady operators exploiting everyday people — and Beachbody deserves to be on that list.

BODi’s Shiny Rebrand Can’t Hide Its Dirty MLM Past

Beachbody recently announced it would abandon its multi-level marketing model entirely and move to a “single-level affiliate program.” While that might sound progressive, let’s call it what it really is: damage control.

According to a September 30, 2024 investor update (reported by BehindMLM), Beachbody admitted that its MLM model was “outdated and unsustainable.” Executive Chairman Mark Goldstone said:

“The evolution to the affiliate model offers a simpler, more modern approach to customer acquisition…”

Translation: after years of squeezing money out of low-level “Coaches” while flooding the internet with toxic hustle culture, they’ve finally realized the MLM pyramid doesn’t stand up anymore — at least not in the public eye.

But this isn’t a redemption story. It’s a company trying to rebrand before it collapses under its own weight.

BODi’s Exploitation Playbook: How Coaches Were Chewed Up and Spat Out

Before the rebrand, Beachbody operated like every other MLM scam in disguise:

• Coaches were sold a dream: Make money, get fit, and “inspire others.”

• In reality, they had to buy overpriced products, pay monthly fees, and recruit relentlessly just to stay “active.”

• The flagship shake, Shakeology, was hyped as a superfood miracle, but came with a $130/month price tag and no verified medical benefits.

• Success stories were paraded on social media, while hundreds of thousands quietly lost money, energy, and time.

In 2021 alone, 25% of Beachbody Coaches didn’t earn a single commission check. Many more lost money due to the mandatory $15.95 monthly Coach fee. And yet the company bragged about paying out billions in “Partner compensation,” ignoring the overwhelming number of Coaches left with nothing.

Class-Action Lawsuit Exposes the Truth: “We Were Employees, Not Entrepreneurs”

In May 2023, Jessica Lyons, a former Coach, filed a class-action lawsuit in California, alleging Beachbody misclassified Coaches as independent contractors. She exposed the grim truth:

“We did all the work — marketing the products, pushing sales, answering questions, creating content — and got paid next to nothing.”

The lawsuit argues that Beachbody controlled how Coaches sold, what they could say, when they could post, and even what other companies they could associate with. In short, they weren’t entrepreneurs — they were unpaid employees.

If this lawsuit succeeds, it could change the way MLMs operate in California and set a precedent that these so-called business opportunities are really exploitative labor schemes.

(Credit to BehindMLM for tracking this case and documenting the legal details.)

Shakeology, Supplements, and the Science-Free Sales Funnel

Let’s not ignore the other elephant in the room — BODi’s product line. Shakeology is the cornerstone of their pitch: a “superfood shake” that supposedly fills nutritional gaps and boosts your energy, mood, and metabolism. Sounds great… until you read the fine print:

“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.”

That’s MLM code for: we legally can’t promise it does anything. And yet the company pushes it relentlessly through its army of “Coaches,” who are trained to treat the product like a miracle cure. It’s snake oil in a modern bottle, sold with influencer marketing and fake before-and-after photos.

The BODi “Affiliate” Program Is MLM 2.0 in Disguise

Now they’re calling it an “affiliate opportunity” and shouting about up to 50% commissions. But here’s what really hasn’t changed:

• You’re still expected to buy the product.

• You’re still expected to sell the lifestyle.

• You’re still rewarded for recruiting others, just now it’s rebranded as “inspiring wellness” and “sharing your journey.”

And they’re still leveraging contests like “Workout and Win $10,000”, badges, and progress tracking to hook people in emotionally — classic MLM gamification designed to keep people loyal to a broken system.

Final Thoughts: BODi Is a Rebrand, Not a Redemption

Let’s be clear: Beachbody didn’t fix its business model — it just changed its clothes.

They’ve profited off exploitation, manipulation, and false promises for decades. Rebranding as “BODi” and shifting to an affiliate label doesn’t undo the damage they’ve done to hundreds of thousands of people who were sold the dream of passive income, personal growth, and freedom — and instead found debt, burnout, and betrayal.

No one in their right mind should get involved with a company like this. The business model might be evolving, but the mindset behind it — squeeze every drop out of your reps, then move on — remains the same.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

• Beachbody (BODi) admitted its MLM model was unsustainable and is trying to rebrand under pressure.

• A class-action lawsuit could set legal precedent recognizing MLM “Coaches” as employees, not independent contractors.

• The “affiliate” model is just MLM dressed up with new buzzwords.

• Shakeology and other products are overpriced, overhyped, and under-deliver on results.

• Everyday people — especially mums and dads — deserve protection from these deceptive recruitment machines.

Final Thoughts

I’m Danny de Hek — The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger. I’ve seen this MLM story play out far too many times. It’s always the same bait, the same emotional manipulation, and the same financial fallout.

Don’t fall for the transformation tale. Don’t buy the “empowerment” fantasy. And don’t let your kids’ inheritance fund the next MLM bottom-feeder’s bonus check.