August 6, 2020
Body FX is a complete home workout program with nutritional guidance and coaching. This review includes everything you need to know that makes the program unique. The Body FX workouts are different (and probably more fun) than anything you’ve tried before (and the reason I love this program).
Let me tell you everything you need to know about Body FX…
I was given free access to the Body FX program to write this review but the links in this review are not affiliate links. During my membership I did the workouts that are included in the program but did not follow the nutritional guides as my company does not endorse any specific diet or nutrition program. I do give you the facts you need about what’s in the nutritional side of the Body FX program in this review including images of the program materials and links you can use to get more information.
Body FX is a complete home workout program that includes a library of streaming workouts and workout calendars, ‘e-coaching’ (delivered to you via emails), membership to a private Facebook community with other Body FX members and detailed nutritional guides with meal plans.
I’m going to go deeper into the workouts in the next few sections but I want to point out right away that the Body FX workouts won’t be for everyone (but everyone should try them).
Most of the workouts are based on the Figure 8 method, a workout style created by the instructor, Jaana Kunitz, on Latin dance competition moves*. There’s some choreography you’ll have to learn but do NOT let this stop you from trying this program. The Figure 8 workouts are the best thing about Body FX.
*There’s a second category of workouts called JNL Fusion, with circuit intervals using more traditional exercises, too. But the majority of the routines in the workout library are from the Figure 8 category.
The Figure 8 workout style is dynamic core cardio training through dance.
The Figure 8 routines stay true to their promise as dynamic core workouts. You’ll never do any traditional sit-ups or crunches but you’ll feel every workout sculpting your mid-section.
I won’t lie. I thought these workouts would be on the easy side (for me). My typical workout routine consists of intense cardio and strength training so my ego told me that there couldn’t possibly be any dance workout that could push my limits.
Plus, I do a lot of different workout styles, and I’m not afraid to try routines packed full of complex choreography.
My assumption about the Body FX workouts (specifically the Figure 8 routines) was very wrong.
Every Figure 8 routine was a fun new challenge (that pushed my limits) which made it that much more satisfying every time I finished a routine without missing any of the steps. (Seriously, you’ll want to call the family over to watch you when you get down all the steps. Plus, you’ll feel incredibly strong, confident and sexy after each workout.)
The second category of workouts you’ll see in the Body FX library are called JNL Fusion. (JNL stands for Jennifer Nicole Lee, the instructor of the workouts.)
The JNL Fusion routines are completely different (and a nice complement) to the Figure 8 workouts.
These workouts are done using 30-second intervals of cardio and strength training exercises.
The JNL Fusion routines don’t require you to learn any choreography and are a nice complement to the Figure 8 workouts that demand more coordination and focus.
Incidentally both workout styles are perfect for the Program Stacking Method.
Here are some more specifics about the ‘Fusion System’:
It’s both.
Body FX is a complete program that offers a nutrition plan and a library of workouts (along with pre-filled workout calendars).
So, if you’re looking for an all-in-one package then you might love Body FX.
And if you’re on the hunt for some fun routines to challenge you in a new way (and don’t need a nutrition plan right now) then Body FX is great for that, too.
The Figure 8 workouts were created and are lead by Janna Kunitz. She and her husband, James (the co-founder of Body FX) are internationally recognized former Latin dance competitors.
Jaana’s energy and passion for this program are contagious. She makes you want to learn the moves so you can have as much fun as she is. You’ll love her.
The JNL Fusion workouts are lead by Jennifer Nicole Lee, a fitness model featured in magazines like Oxygen and Shape.
Jennifer Nicole Lee’s workouts have a completely different ‘feel’ than the Figure 8 routines. (In fact, it was a little jarring for me to transition between the two programs. But I quickly got used to it and appreciated what each program has to offer.)
Jennifer is also passionate about her workouts. She’s full of energy and encouragement. And while her routines aren’t as fun (in my opinion) as Figure 8, you’ll like how effective and straight forward they are.
In general*, the Figure 8 workouts are steady state cardio with a focus on toning and strengthening your core.
*There are a few workouts that focus on toning the upper body, lower body and improving flexibility that are not cardio routines.
And in general, the JNL Fusion workouts can be described as more metabolic cardio (interval training) style workouts with a focus on total body conditioning and toning.
Both programs start off with a group of ‘basic’ workouts with more intense routines to follow.
At the time of this review, the Body FX workout library has a lot more Figure 8 workouts than JNL Fusion routines (which may or may not matter to you, depending on what you’re looking for).
The majority of the Figure 8 workouts don’t use any equipment. However, there are a few sculpting workouts that use a tubing (the kind with handles). And you’ll want a mat if you’re exercising on a hard surface because you’ll occasionally be on the floor.
The JNL Fusion workouts use light dumbbells, cordless jump rope and a mat.
You’ll need a little bit more room than a typical workout uses to do the Figure 8 routines (you’ll be moving in every direction). And you won’t need any extra space (beyond what you normally use) to do the JNL Fusion workouts.
The Figure 8 workouts are fast-paced and have advanced choreography (in my opinion) but anyone (from beginner to the advanced home exerciser) should try them. You can make them as cardio-intense as you want.
The key with these routines is to relax, have fun and be patient. Unless you already know how to do the Merengue, Samba, Salsa, Jive, Paso Doble and Rumba then you’ll feel silly at first. Leave your ego at the door and stick with it.
I think the workouts are primarily designed for women, however, there are men in the team of exercisers in some of the workouts, some of the testimonials feature men and the co-creator of the program is a man, so what do I know.
Any exerciser who wants to work on their coordination, balance, and agility while burning a bunch of calories should try the Figure 8 workouts.
The JNL Fusion routines do have some unique moves that I’d never done before but they don’t require extra coordination or balance (the beginner to advanced home exerciser can do them). These workouts are for men or women who love gym-style cardio interval total body conditioning.
Both programs have high-impact moves that can easily be modified to low-impact.
The Figure 8 workouts are up to 50 minutes long and the longest JNL Fusion workout is 40 minutes (Ballistic Backside) but average around 30 minutes.
The Body FX nutrition guide is a 47-page pdf document packed full of information about the diet principles they use as well as pages of suggested meal plans.
Here’s a look inside the guide…
There are also a set of healthy cooking videos inside the workout library under the category ‘clean cuisine’.
Yes, there’s a Body FX app and yes, subscribers can download the workouts to your device.
I love this program but I there are a few things that I think could make Body FX even better.
As someone who dove directly into the workout library (this is how I normally approach new workout programs, and may or may not be how you do things), I was a little confused about where to start (and how to use Figure 8 vs. JNL Fusion in my workout calendar).
There are workout categories labeled ‘Figure 8 Basic’ and ‘JNL Fusion Basic’ so I started with those.
There are several instructional videos that ‘teach’ you the Figure 8 and JNL Fusion foundational moves. (Make sure you watch those AND download the Figure 8 and JNL Fusion Fitness Guides.)
Once I did several of the workouts in each ‘basic’ category I felt more confident about how to add them to my workout calendar but I’d love to see a tab I could navigate to that included all of the workout calendars in one place (for people who sign up just to do the workouts).
The next problem for me is that when you click on an individual routine in the app there’s no information about the workout.
This seemed odd to me. I hope they add a workout description into each individual routine on the Body FX app that includes how long the routine is, what equipment is used, whether it’s considered a beginner, intermediate or advanced workout, the goal of the workout (cardio vs. toning) and a short description of what I’ll see if I play the workout.
The app overall is a little clunky to me but it’s definitely not a gamechanger. I’ve seen much more polished workout program apps and a few that are far worse than this one.
The Body FX program thought of everything.
You’ve got accountability with the e-coaching and Facebook group (with over 100K members), a nutrition and meal plan and a library of really fun workouts all in one membership.
Programs like Body FX run promotions and different offers all the time so please check the website for any current offers, but as of today the price of a membership is $11.99/monthly or $9/month (billed annually), after your 30-day free trial period.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one diet + home fitness program I recommend you sign up for the free trial period of Body FX.
During the free trial period, try out both workout categories, join the Facebook community and read all the emails they send you.
If they’re still running a challenge when you read this post then sign up for that. It’s a great way to get started with any program.
There are a lot of great video testimonials for this program on the main page of the Body FX website so make sure you check those out, too.
And as a side note, the Body FX program sells supplements and shakes. I’m not sure if that’s a big part of their nutrition plan or not. Make sure you get all the answers about that during your trial period.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, get in better physical shape, or both, the Body FX program might be perfect for you. Try it out and let me know what you think.
Les Mills On Demand (they have a complete line up of dance workouts)
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From one Southern Girl to Another, thank you sugar for the great review of Figure 8. I have been seeing this on FB and Instagram and wondering if it was worth the money. You answered all my questions about the program. Keep on doing what your are doing! đź’ś Your reviews have helped me on several other occasions.
Thank you for this Madelyn! We’re so happy to hear that our review helped you. You made our day!❤
This is the most helpful review of a workout and diet plan that I’ve seen in a long time. You answered all of my questions, and touched on things that I probably wouldn’t have thought to ask about until later. I’m much more comfortable doing this than I was before, because you weren’t trying to sell me anything! You just gave the honest truth. A thousand thanks!!!
Hi Pam! Thank you for reading and especially for taking the time to leave such kind feedback! I’m so glad it helped you! Have a great day! Mickie
Can you order just the figure 8 program?
Hi Kathy,
Body FX is currently offering a membership which includes access to all of the workouts, daily coaching emails and access to an online community with other Body FX members. But you can also purchase an individual workout program package from Body FX that’s a one-time cost. You just have to pick which program you want to try out. Right now they have a list of their different offers here: https://shop.bodyfx.com/collections/products
I hope that helps! Let me know what you think about it if you try the workouts.
Have a great day! Mickie
Hey! Thank you for doing this review, it was so helpful! And you’re so right, exercise SHOULD be fun and we’re sabotaging ourselves when we pick the most boring thing we know to work out. Thank you!
Hi Eva,
So much yes!!
Have a great day!
Mickie
Thank you so much for your review. I am actually interested in the meal plan as well – I need to lose more than 40 pounds. What I don’t know if there is an actual. Difference between the membership and the basic package (I purchased the basic plan, but I don’t know if the membership would give me more information than the one given in the basic plan, or just more workout videos). Do you know something about that? Thanks in advance!
Hi Fabiola,
That’s a great question! The basic package are just the workout routines from the Figure 8 Basic program. When you sign up for the membership you get access to the daily coaching emails, ALL of the Body FX workouts and access to the online community. There’s a free trial period right now for the membership so you could always sign up for the membership and then cancel it if it’s not what you need. I hope that helps! Let me know what you think of the workouts! Mickie
Fabiola, if you sign up, you can join the monthly challenges or coaching, which is now continuous. You get a daily email with the suggested workouts (choose one) and the meal plan of the day. Each week you get a shopping list including the meal plan of the following week and some recipes. There are a lot of people who loose successfully and fast weight when they follow this meal plan. If people hit a plateau they can send in their food diary to Mika (nutrition specialists) and she can help find a solution.
Personally I think this is very good service my only problem is that I am vegetarian and there is not a comprehensive list which protein could be replaced by which other…
Thank you, Eva Maria!
I am very interested in the figure 8 program as I cannot go down on my knees or on my back. to do exercises. I am 67 years old and would really like to join your program. My goal is to loose 10kg. I would like to make use of your offer for $47. Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Bets van Rensburg
From South Africa
Hi Bets, we reviewed the Body FX program but don’t sell it ourselves. You can go to https://bodyfx.com/ to sign up. Good luck! Let us know what you think of the program. It’s a lot of fun!
This was a helpful review. With so many ads vying for attention, it is hard for me to trust what is real. I am willing to try the 30-day trial. Really looking forward to adding a dance style routine to my workout.
Thanks 1StrgSthrnGrl!
Hi, I’m so glad our review helped you with your decision about Body FX. Check back in with us and let us know what you think about the program! Best, Mickie
I found this really helpful. I needed to hear a review for sure. I am not interested in the meal part so this was perfect. I am looking for FUN in my workout as I realize I need the endorphins/hormonal rush from FUN to help me keep motivated. You made me feel this is the right program for me
Hi Heather, I’m so glad my review helped you! Make sure and check back in and let us know how you like the program!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! You answered all my questions! Thank you!!!
You’re so welcome! Thank you for taking a moment to tell me that! You made my day!