Updated: June 17, 2021
Originally Published: Sept. 4, 2017
Recently, Beachbody, a fitness company renowned for its pre-packaged health shakes and intense workout videos, faced a hefty $3.6 million fine for unauthorized charges to customers. A judge in Santa Monica’s Superior Court determined that the company had enrolled clients in automatic payment programs without their knowledge, leading to the significant penalty.
In light of this ruling, Beachbody will now be required to clarify renewal terms, include a consent checkbox for customers, facilitate straightforward cancellations, and provide reminders for upcoming renewals. These practices will now be enforced, as they were not previously followed by the company.
When a friend informed me about the California court’s decision, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I had also fallen victim to the Beachbody autopay trap, and I couldn’t help but feel frustrated.
About a year ago, I was eager to shed a few stubborn pounds and explore new fitness options. With rave reviews about Beachbody coaches and their workout routines filling my social media feeds, I decided to give it a shot. The names P90X and PiYo sounded more like video games for my teenager, but the glowing testimonials from users were hard to ignore. The promotional videos featured smiling, fit individuals who didn’t appear to be starving on a diet of lemons and water. Their website boasted about rapid weight loss, and the ready-made shakes seemed like a perfect fit for my busy lifestyle as a working mom. Just one shake a day and a fun workout, and I’d be on my way to seeing my abs again? Count me in!
I promptly ordered the PiYo videos and shake powder, but I quickly realized that starting my health journey wasn’t as simple as a single click on Amazon. I needed to find a “coach,” as Beachbody operates through a multilevel marketing structure, relying on sales reps to build their networks. Ugh.
But surely those shakes would turn everything around! I was ready for my superfoods!
Once I secured a coach, I expressed my desire for just a month’s supply of Shakeology shake powder and a set of PiYo DVDs. I wanted to ease into this new Beachbody lifestyle. Naturally, my coach was thrilled by my interest and immediately began pitching every single product Beachbody had to offer. She promised to help me craft a personalized health plan and be there for every step of my journey. Plus, she asked if I wanted to become a coach too and invite my friends to join the Beachbody revolution. Thanks, but no thanks; just give me the shakes and let me work out in peace.
Though I was slightly put off by her aggressive sales tactics, I accepted and eagerly awaited my Beachbody package. When it finally arrived, I dove into my fitness routine, following the workout schedule and integrating the shakes into my daily life. My enthusiasm was sky-high, even as the shakes tasted like chalky mushrooms. I was determined to transform my body.
However, my excitement lasted only about ten days before my body staged a full-blown protest against the shakes. Let’s just say that the aftermath was not pretty. It became quite challenging to perform pilates-style exercises when I felt like I might lose control at any moment.
Shakeology was a complete disaster, and my transformation was over before it even began. Not wanting to upset my overly enthusiastic coach, I dodged her constant messages checking in on my progress and suggesting new products. I simply wanted to forget about my Beachbody ordeal—and stop the, um, gastrointestinal issues.
Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me, my “coach” had signed me up for the autopay option for my Beachbody products. The next month, my credit card was charged double the introductory rate, and more products showed up at my door without my permission.
Things took a turn for the worse when my once-eager coach disappeared. I couldn’t reach anyone for help in stopping the payments. After hours of searching, I finally connected with a Beachbody representative who chastised me for wanting to abandon my transformation journey. After expressing my dissatisfaction with her superfood shakes, she agreed to help me cancel my autopay subscription—but only after I signed an affidavit promising not to purchase Beachbody products for six months and giving up my chance to be a Beachbody coach for an entire year.
You can imagine my devastation—if you could even call it that. By holding Beachbody accountable for their sneaky tactics, the California ruling sends a clear message to other MLM companies that utilize questionable practices to lure customers into continuous purchases. Additionally, the ruling mandates Beachbody to provide scientific evidence for its health claims, and it seems the company is willing to make necessary changes for its 23 million customers, ensuring greater transparency moving forward.
Time will tell how this unfolds, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
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In summary, my experience with Beachbody was a frustrating lesson in the dangers of automatic renewals. I was drawn in by promises of a healthier lifestyle but ended up feeling cheated and frustrated. With recent legal actions pushing for more transparency, perhaps others won’t have to endure the same pitfalls.
Keyphrase: Beachbody autopay experience
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