Beachbody On Demand: Is It Worth $120/Year?

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Have you ever joined a gym and asked yourself if it was really worth it? Between commuting to the building, navigating peak times and access to machines and keeping up with all of the extra fees and contracts, you might be wondering if there is a better option.

Living a healthy lifestyle is really important to me, and so is saving money. Traditional gyms can cost hundreds of dollars every year! I work out 5-7 times every week, and I needed to find a solution to stay fit while cutting costs.

A few years ago, I saw a commercial for Beachbody On Demand and decided to try it. I was worried that an on-demand workout routine would feel less like a gym and more like an outdated workout video. I would save money, but would I even break a sweat?

Beachbody On Demand Review: Table of Contents

I have been a Beachbody member since May 2017. Read on to see if it’s worth switching from a traditional gym to save money.

What Is Beachbody?

Beachbody On Demand is like the Netflix of workout plans. It’s an on-demand fitness service that offers more than 40 workout programs. They include P90X by Tony Horton, Insanity and Focus T25 by Shaun T, 21 Day Fix by Autumn Calabrese, and more.

When you sign up for the service, you also get access to a personal coach. I have never contacted my coach, but it’s nice to know that someone is available to answer my questions or keep me motivated if I ever need help.

Beachbody also has a nutrition component called Beachbody Nutrition, but I have never tried it because it comes with an additional cost. Many of the workout programs actually have free recipes and tips you can use at home.

How Does Beachbody Work?

Beachbody is a subscription-based service that you can stream online from practically anywhere. When you become a member, you can begin working out right away.

Programs and Classes

The best part about Beachbody is the wide variety of workout programs. Yoga, cardio, muscle building, dance, and low impact are just a few of the options. The easiest way to start is to use the guide at the top of the workout page on the website. You can filter programs by fitness level, time, type and trainer.

Beachbody On Demand workout programs filter

When you choose a program, you are taken to a landing page with an overview, workout list and other program materials. The workout list is how you access each class in the program.

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The reason I like Beachbody more than other apps is because of the programming and instructors. The structure of a timed workout during a set number of weeks helps me accomplish my fitness goals. It can take the place of a personal trainer. Plus, I don’t miss the machines at the gym because I would rather run or bike outside in addition to using Beachbody.

Equipment

Some of the Beachbody programs require equipment; others do not. Before you start, make sure you have everything you need to participate in a class. You’ll notice a small dumbbell next to the Play button, which means that the class requires equipment such as a yoga mat, weights or a resistance band.

Focus T-25 is my favorite program because I get a full-body workout in 25 minutes without using any equipment. I just don’t have the space to store it!

Streaming Devices

You can access Beachbody on a variety of devices:

  • Computer or laptop
  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Android
  • Roku
  • Amazon Fire
  • Apple TV (via the Apple TV App Store)

I typically stream Beachbody on my Roku or laptop. If you prefer to work out outdoors or while traveling, you can download classes in advance so you don’t have to rely on cell phone data or Wi-Fi.

Beachbody On Demand streaming on Roku TV

Tracking and Results

Once you start a program, you can track your progress under My Account. The system measures your workouts per week and total workouts since becoming a Beachbody member.

Beachbody On Demand weekly workout statistics

In addition, some classes have calendars and materials to help you stay on track. Focus T-25 has a calendar I can print to see my class schedule and mark my measurements.

How Much Does Beachbody Cost?

How much is Beachbody on Demand? You have three subscription options.

Subscription LengthCost
3 months$74.97 billed every three months
6 months$89.94 billed every six months
12 months$119.88 billed every year

In June 2022, Beachbody increased pricing for the first time since launching in 2015. However, the annual plan is still cheaper than other fitness programs.

For example, the Peloton app — a boutique fitness subscription that you can use with or without Peloton equipment — costs $12.99/month or $156/year.

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If you’re not sure if Beachbody will work for you, try starting with the 14-day free trial — which you can get by selecting the three-month plan — to see if you like any of the workout programs.

I began with the three-month plan to test the service. If you decide that you want to keep your subscription, it might be worth changing to the annual plan because it costs $120, while the three-month plan’s total cost after 12 months is $299.88. (You’ll save $180 by paying annually.)

Note: Carefully review the plan details before you sign up! Some membership options are bundled with a nutrition subscription which costs $60-$100 more than the fitness-only plan.

How Do You Cancel Beachbody?

Beachbody says that you can cancel your membership at any time by calling 1-800-470-7870 or by visiting this website. Here’s another way I found to cancel a subscription:

  • Go to the Beachbody On Demand website
  • Log in to your account
  • Click the down arrow in the top right side of the screen and select My Account
  • Click Manage My Membership
  • Click My Orders under General Settings
  • Locate your most recent bill and select Click for Details
  • Click Cancel My Membership

Final Thought

Overall, I recommend signing up for Beachbody if you are looking for a cost-efficient way to stay active. The instructors and program structure can help you stay motivated. The products and nutrition sales can be annoying but can be easily overlooked to enjoy your workout.

While you don’t have access to the variety of equipment at a traditional gym, you can still achieve your fitness goals for less than $120 a year.

Beachbody On Demand: Pros and Cons

ProsCons
AffordableProduct advertisements
ConvenientLack of community
Variety of workoutsEquipment storage in your home
Minimum equipment required, if any 

If you want to work out but you don’t want to pay a dime, check out this list of free workout apps!

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