By: Emily Carter
Updated: June 17, 2021
Originally Published: September 4, 2017
In a recent ruling, fitness powerhouse Beachbody—famous for its ready-made health shakes and intense workout videos—was slapped with a hefty $3.6 million fine for charging customers for products they didn’t authorize. The Santa Monica Superior Court found that the company had enrolled clients in automatic payment programs without proper consent, leading to significant penalties.
As a result of this ruling, Beachbody must now clearly state renewal terms, provide customers with a checkbox to confirm their consent, facilitate easy cancellations, and send reminders about upcoming renewals. These changes are now mandatory, as the company was not previously transparent about its practices.
When I learned about the court’s decision from a friend, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I, too, had fallen victim to Beachbody’s autopay trap, and I was still furious about the experience.
About a year ago, I was eager to shed a few extra pounds and boost my fitness routine with something fresh. Everywhere I turned, people were raving about their “coaches” and Beachbody’s workout programs, so I decided it was time to give it a shot. The names P90X and PiYo sounded more like video game titles for my teen, but the enthusiasm of the participants in the promotional videos—who looked fit and happy, not deprived on some extreme diet—caught my attention. Their claims of rapid weight loss were enticing, and the shakes promised to fit seamlessly into my hectic lifestyle as a working mom. Just one shake a day and a fun workout? I thought I could handle that.
Excitedly, I set out to order the PiYo videos and shake powder. However, I quickly discovered that getting started wasn’t as simple as clicking “purchase” on Amazon. I had to find a “coach,” because Beachbody operates as a multilevel marketing company, relying on sales reps to expand their network by selling products.
After locating a coach, I shared my desires: a month’s supply of Shakeology and a set of PiYo DVDs. That was it. I wanted to ease my way into this new lifestyle. My coach, thrilled by my commitment, launched into a sales pitch about how she could help me develop a personalized health plan and support me throughout my journey. She even suggested I become a coach myself and start signing up friends for these fantastic deals. No, thank you. Just give me the shakes and let me work out in peace, please.
Despite her enthusiastic sales tactics, I accepted her guidance while eagerly awaiting my Beachbody package. Once it arrived, I immersed myself in my new fitness routine. I followed the workout schedule diligently and incorporated the shakes, convincing myself that I would soon be fit and fabulous—even if the shakes tasted a bit like chalky mushrooms.
However, my excitement fizzled out after about ten days when my body revolted against the shakes. The result? A relentless case of diarrhea that made even simple pilates moves nearly impossible. Shakeology turned out to be a major disappointment, and my transformation was over before it even began.
Determined not to upset my overly eager coach, I avoided her constant messages checking in on my progress and promoting additional products. I just wanted to forget the Beachbody ordeal and, quite frankly, stop the gastrointestinal distress. But Beachbody had other plans—without my knowledge, my coach had signed me up for their autopay program. The following month, my credit card was charged double the introductory rate, and more products showed up at my doorstep—again, without my consent.
To make matters worse, my once-enthusiastic coach went silent. I struggled to get answers about stopping these payments or understanding what had happened. After hours of searching, I finally reached a Beachbody representative, who scolded me for wanting to abandon my fitness journey. After expressing my dissatisfaction rather bluntly, I managed to get her to assist with unenrolling me from the autopay program—but under the condition that I sign a sworn affidavit promising not to purchase any Beachbody products for six months and to forfeit my rights to be a coach for an entire year.
You can imagine my reaction. While I was relieved to escape the clutches of Beachbody’s sneaky billing tactics, I also felt a sense of injustice. The California ruling serves as a wake-up call for other multilevel marketing companies that employ questionable methods to entice customers into continuous purchases.
Moreover, the ruling mandates that Beachbody provide scientific evidence for its health claims, a step that could enhance transparency for its 23 million customers. Only time will tell if these changes will be effective, but it’s a positive shift in the right direction.
Summary:
My experience with Beachbody began with excitement about their fitness programs and health shakes, but it quickly spiraled into frustration due to unexpected charges and questionable practices. The recent court ruling against Beachbody highlights the need for transparency in the multilevel marketing industry, ensuring customers are fully informed about their purchases.
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