BODi – The Blessing in Disguise
Many of you are probably familiar with BODi (formerly Beachbody). In March 2023, after seeing great results and falling in love with their programs and supplements, I decided to become a BODi Partner. I wanted everyone to feel as good as I did, and what better way to do that than by representing a company I truly believed in?
Little did I know that I was about to go on a whirlwind of emotions—ones that I’m still processing to this day.
This moment right here—climbing to the top of the playground with Garon—was everything. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t just watching from the sidelines. 💙
The Beginning
For years, I had been following a BODi coach (or partner, as they later rebranded). I was drawn to the fitness programs, but let’s be real—the all-expenses-paid trips she went on were also pretty appealing.
At one point, I considered joining, but life had other plans. In 2022, we moved to a new house, and soon after, I found out I was pregnant. So, I let go of the idea and watched from the sidelines as this woman built her life, her routine, and her business—envying her confidence and wishing I had something like that for myself.
But at the time, I was deep in postpartum life. I wasn’t working, and I wasn’t sure if I could justify spending money on myself when I wasn’t financially contributing to the household. I convinced myself that it just wasn’t my time.
Jumping Off Point
By early 2023, I had hit my lowest point. I didn’t recognize myself anymore, and at 275 lbs, I felt like I was creeping closer and closer to 300. I couldn’t keep up with my kids, and I was tired of feeling miserable.
Then, I saw a post about a March Madness Challenge, and something in me just said yes. I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines anymore—I wanted to feel better.
And I did.
I showed up for myself every single day during that challenge. I even became a team captain, and it gave me the accountability I needed to push forward. That momentum made me feel unstoppable, and I started to think, Maybe I should become a BODi Partner after all.
I told myself that if I could help just one person feel the way I was feeling, it would be worth it.
Not going to lie, though—I also wanted those reward trips. I had dreams of sipping my Shakeology on the beach after a super trainer workout in Mexico. Who wouldn’t want that?
This workout program was more than just exercise—it was the start of a whole new life for me. For Beginners Only gave me the confidence, strength, and momentum I needed to change everything. 💪✨
“You Do the Work, You Get Results”
I was told that I was already doing most of the work—I just needed to do a little more. I was sharing my workouts, posting about my journey, and filling my social media with daily updates. That part was easy.
What wasn’t easy? Messaging people to join BODi.
And preferably, as partners—because that’s where the money was.
I hadn’t fully understood that before I joined. I thought I’d find success simply by sharing the products and getting people into fitness programs. I genuinely wanted to help others on their own health journeys.
But I quickly learned that building a team was the priority.
Shoutout to my amazing (and very patient) friend Steff—who supported me, showed up to Super Weekend with me, and even joined me on this wild BODi journey. Sorry it didn’t turn out the way we hoped, but at least we have the memories! 😂💙
It Felt Icky
At first, I tried to justify it.
Some messages felt okay—if someone had liked or commented on my fitness posts, I’d send them a friendly message, just reaching out to see if they were interested in learning more. That felt natural, and I actually enjoyed those connections.
But then, there were the other messages.
We were encouraged to friend people from high school, friend friends of friends, and interact with strangers online in hopes that they’d interact with us back.
The rule? No cold messaging. But warm them up first, then message them.
Why did I do it? I don’t know. It felt wrong every time, and I often had this deep conviction that I was forcing something that wasn’t authentic. But when I voiced my concerns, the answer was always:
“If you really want to help people, this is okay.”
And I did want to help people. I loved BODi workouts. But the business tactics? They just didn’t sit right with me.
If there’s one thing I’m truly grateful for from this journey, it’s Sweat & Shine. ✨ These group workouts became more than just fitness—they became a space for support, growth, and community. And two years later, we’re still showing up together! 💪💛
“Just Sign Up Your Mom”
If you’re not familiar with MLMs, here’s a crash course:
You have to rank up to make real money. And to rank up, you have to sign up people under you. The more people under you, the more money you make.
Oh, and all your points reset every month—so you constantly have to recruit three new people every month to stay afloat.
At one point, the suggestion was, “Just sign up your spouse. Ask your mom to sign up.”
I was told I could control their “business” and benefit from it financially. And in turn, the people above me would benefit, too.
That was when I really started questioning things.
I wasn’t naive—I knew MLMs were structured this way—but I had convinced myself that BODi was different. That it was truly about helping people.
But for many of the women at the top, it wasn’t about helping people get healthier. It was about helping people build a business—and their own rank depended on it.
We were even told, “Don’t spend too much time in your challenge groups. The money is in your inbox.”
I thought the difference with BODi was that partners helped people. But at the end of the day, the real priority was recruitment.
Met Ilana… well, kind of. 😂 At Summit, I was so inspired by her approach to nutrition with 2B Mindset. While my journey with BODi took an unexpected turn, the lessons I learned along the way still stick with me.
The Abrupt Ending
One evening, I was making dinner when my friend (and fellow partner) messaged me:
“Did you see the news?”
BODi had just announced they were switching to an affiliate marketing model.
I cried.
I had spent months trying to make something out of this business, only to find out that it was never really possible for me at my level.
Dan and I had been fighting a lot about money. He was frustrated that I was spending money on products and supplements to keep his account active, and he was right to be. I felt attacked every time he brought it up because I was working so hard, and nothing was coming from it.
But after watching the call, I actually felt…relief.
I saw that maybe, just maybe, this change was for the better.
Until I found out that as affiliates, we couldn’t track our own sales.
BODi had always preached that partners make the difference—but how could I help people if I didn’t even know who had signed up?
So, I walked away.
I Still Love BODi (Sort Of)
I don’t agree with their business model, and I don’t agree with how they handled things—but I can’t deny that BODi changed my life.
Finding For Beginners Only saved me from continuing down a path of self-destruction.
And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
From struggling through 20-minute workouts to crushing a 2.5-hour Super Workout at Summit—this was a moment. 💪 I never imagined I’d come this far, but here I am, proving to myself what’s possible.
The Good With the Bad
A lot of good came from my time with BODi:
• I transformed my health and found confidence I never had before.
• I met amazing women, including one of my best friends to this day.
• I discovered my true passion—helping people outside of an MLM model.
Would I do it again? No.
But would I change the lessons I learned? Also no.
One of the greatest things to come from this journey? The friendships. 💛 Rooming with Heidi at Summit led to an amazing friendship that I’m so grateful for to this day. Sometimes, the best part of an experience isn’t the outcome—it’s the people you meet along the way.
The MLM Trap
Have you ever fallen into the MLM trap before? If so, I’d love to hear your story in the comments below!
Let’s talk about it—the good, the bad, and everything in between. 💬