In my next experiment, we look at Beach Body on Demand franchise. One that’s been around forever and made popular by P90X. But first…..I have a question if you don’t mind answering.
Do you still buy workout DVDs?
If your answer is positive then it would be in your best interest to read the rest of this piece.
Contrary to what you might be thinking, I am not about to engage in tech-shaming or any of that stuff. That’s just rude and classless. It’s just that I have also been a fan of workout DVDs and know the troubles that come with it such as:
The fact that you have to buy a DVD for every specific workout program.
The video skipping that occurs when there is a scratch on the DVD.
The space that it clogs that could be used for a much more beneficial purpose.
The seemingly endless wait for a DVD to arrive.
Did I mention that annoying skipping thing? Ugh!
You could dismiss the above problems because, after all, you burn your DVD into your computer. But since you and I are being real with ourselves, we can admit that that option is just marginally better. Besides, let’s be frank, not every one of us is tech-savvy enough to know how to do it.
I can almost hear the questions buzzing in your mind.
So what then?
Should you just chuck all your workout DVDs into a trashcan and forget about your fitness goals?
Believe me, I don’t need you to take such drastic action. However, I have another option that you will definitely find appealing.
Without any further hesitation, allow me to welcome you to an age where you will no longer need to buy workout DVDs. That’s right! We are in the 21st century where we’ve got streaming service for TV shows, movies, music, seminars, so why not get one for fitness? Obviously, Beachbody also has the same as its Beachbody on Demand service shows the company is aiming to become the Netflix of the fitness world.
In this article, I will take an in-depth look at this service, its benefits, why it works, what features are making me give it the side-eye, and if you should cop one for yourself.
Don’t even think about subscribing for the service without reading this review. With that in mind, let’s see what we can find out about Beachbody on Demand.
| Summary
Product Name: Beachbody on Demand Founders: Carl Daikeler and Jon Congdon Price: $38.87 Free Trial: Yes Suitable For: Those serious about fitness |
Summary: Streaming service exclusive to members of Beachbody.com that offer you access to tons of workouts available under the Beachbody umbrella.
What is Beachbody on Demand?
Beachbody on Demand is the mecca of all things fitness. It offers you unlimited online access to the tons of grueling and effective workouts that Beachbody is famous for. Not only that, there are additional features on the service including meal plans, recipes, discounts, workout timetables, and easy-to-follow exercise plans. You also get access to chat with the fitness trainers that you fancy, I mean those you want to learn from. However, this live chat feature is not for everybody, it is only available to those on VIP membership.
But wait, I have not even told you the best part of this service. Unlike the dark ages where you could only get the workout programs on DVDs, the Beachbody on Demand allows you to safely stream all of your favorite exercises on your various mobile devices and get to stepping. And to make it worth your time, adds new fitness programs and workouts every month. So you never get bored with the selection on offer.
How does it work?
If you have a Netflix or Hulu subscription, I am sure you know how it works, right? It requires you to log in to your account which gives you access to a library containing tons of movies and TV shows. Well, Beachbody on Demand works exactly the same way but this time, replace the movies with the various workouts program exclusive to Beachbody.
Also, the workout timetables, meal and nutrition guides, recipes etc. are available in a PDF format for easy download.
What workouts will I have access to?
If you are a fitness nerd, then go right ahead and geek out because Beachbody is opening ALL of its archives and vaults to Beachbody on Demand subscribers. So that means you get access to full workout programs like Insanity, Hip Hop Abs, P90X, Tai Cheng, Brazil Butt Lift, TurboFire, RevAbs, Body Beast, Tony Horton Workouts, 10 Minute Trainer, 3 week Yoga Retreat, Shift Shop, Yoga Booty Ballet, Slim in 6, Shaun T Workouts, Tony One on One, I could go on for a while with this but you get the picture.
Benefits of Beachbody on Demand
Private access to popular Beachbody fitness trainers
10% discount on purchases from the Beachbody online store.
An inexhaustible fitness library
Relatively inexpensive and pocket-friendly.
How much does it cost?
When you want to sign up you will be given three packages to choose from.
3 months: Subscribing for the 3 months package will cost you $38.87.
6 months: The half-year package can be had for $59.
1 year: If you want a year subscription, get ready to pay $99.
In addition to your package, you get to enjoy a discount of 10% on all future buys from the Beachbody store.
In the event that you are done with the program and want to try something else or you’re simply not feeling it, feel free to cut the cord at any time because there is no cancellation fee.
Is there a money back guarantee if I don’t like the program?
Of course, there is. There is a 30-day money back guarantee that you can absolutely take advantage of if the program is not to your liking. But note that your account will not be deactivated right away. If you are already subscribed for a quarter, it will wait until the 3 months are up before deleting your account.
What I absolutely Love
It has a free trial period
Am I only the one who loves the word “free” and tries to take advantage of it wherever it’s available? If you cannot relate, you can stop reading and move on to the next section. But for my fellow freeloaders, you don’t have to subscribe instantly. Just use up the free trial period and see if it’s worth your time.
However, note that the time length of the free trial depends on the type of subscription package you choose. If you subscribed to the three-month package, you get a 14-day trial. The rest of the packages get the full 30-day free trial. It sounds fair if you ask me.
It is cheap
Now, you may be looking at the subscription costs and thinking that in the longer run, this might be more expensive than simply buying the DVD. But let’s do the math, shall we?
A Beachbody workout DVD, containing only ONE program, can be usually purchased for about $150 or more. In sharp contrast, a Beachbody on Demand subscription, giving access to ALL of Beachbody’s workouts in one place, rounds up to about $100 per year. In other words, you are getting access to premium content at a measly $2.99 per week!
Still not convinced? How about the shipping costs for each DVD that are in the neighborhood of $2 to $10? Let’s assume you plan on buying four DVDs at different times in a year. Apart from the $150 for the DVD, you also have to pay extra shipping costs which can leave a dent in your pocket. But with this service service, you just pay and start streaming pronto. There are no shipping costs and no handling fees. Take that DVD!
It is not dependent on location
Sitting in the park and feeling like knocking out some exercise moves? Taking a lunch break and desiring to kick ass? Walking through the mall and looking to break a sweat? No problem, just whip out your iPad, phone or tablet, log in to your account, and start working out wherever you are. Side note, working out in the mall may or may not get you escorted out by the police.
So with this service, there is no need to tether yourself to your TV screen. You can do your workouts anytime, any day, and anywhere with absolutely no excuses. In your face DVD!
It gives you access to an amazing fitness library
If you have been living the exercise life for a while, you will agree with me that doing the same sets of exercises day in day out can be mind-numbingly boring. Be sincere with yourself. How long do you think you will keep playing that particular workout DVD before you decide to just give up doing the same thing over and over? Not for long I can assure you. Which is why I am pretty excited about this service.
It contains a variety of programs you can do that will keep you excited and longing for more. So if you don’t feel like doing the Insanity workouts, then unroll your mat and do the Yoga Booty Ballet. How about if Shaun T cannot get you in the mood? Then the Hip Hop Abs workout should do the trick. In summary, the Beachbody on Demand has more than enough workout programs to ensure you never get bored.
It eliminates wait time
Yeah, I know that companies like Amazon are doing; offering shipping services that bring your goods to your doorstep within two days of purchase. But nothing beats the feeling of having access to a service the instant you are done subscribing to it. So kiss goodbye to having to constantly track your shipping as it makes its way to you.
It comes with a discount
I know I just glossed over this benefit this before, which is why I am explaining it again. When you subscribe, you automatically become a member of Club Membership, a service reserved for its premium members. This membership entitles you to a 10% discount on whatever you will buy in the Beachbody store such as supplements, workout formulas, gear, proteins, and many others. Rest assured, the hardest thing about this feature is controlling the urge to go on a shopping spree.
What I really don’t like
It is only available as long as you subscribe
You get access to the many workout plans on the service just as long as you are an active subscriber. But when you decide to cancel your subscription, that means no more workout programs for you. So in essence, you don’t actually own the program like you would if you bought it on DVD. You are merely renting it.
Should you subscribe?
This subscription literally has something for every person interested in staying on top of their fitness. Irrespective of whether you are an avowed couch potato, an aspiring beginner, or even a fitness expert, you will find a workout program that can challenge you to do more. And it can all be yours at a decent price.
I recommend that you try the free trial to see if the service is something you are comfortable with. Just ensure that you remember to cancel before you get debited for a service you don’t want.
In conclusion
Citizens living in the digital era are fanatical about services that give them flexibility at no extra cost. Beachbody on Demand seems to have stepped up to the plate to give us an effective workout program that encompasses those needs. With its numerous offers of nutrition and fitness, you should be well on your way to becoming your own fitness goals.