Benefits of Red Light Therapy at Planet Fitness
Experience the Benefits of Red Light Therapy at Planet Fitness: An Evidence-Based Guide
Red light therapy booths are increasingly found in various settings, from dermatology offices and boutique recovery studios to local Planet Fitness locations. If you’ve walked past the purple-and-yellow Total Body Enhancement machine and wondered whether the Black Card upgrade is worthwhile, this guide is for you.
Below, we break down the science, costs, and realistic results of Planet Fitness red light therapy so you can decide if it belongs in your recovery routine (and how to track its impact with objective data, like BodySpec DEXA scans).
Quick Take: Does Planet Fitness Red Light Therapy Work?
• Wavelengths: 620–700 nm (red LED only).
• Primary Use: Targets skin-surface benefits; lacks near-infrared for deeper muscle penetration.
• The built-in vibration plate adds light whole-body exercise that may boost circulation.
• Expected timeline: Noticeable skin improvements often require 3–5 sessions per week for 8–12 weeks. The TBE’s red light offers minimal direct benefit for deep muscle soreness; any relief you feel is more likely due to superficial warming or the vibration plate’s mechanical action.
• Access is included with a $24.99/mo* Black Card—roughly $2.08 per session if you use the booth three times a week (12 sessions per month).
• Track progress by pairing sessions with periodic BodySpec body composition scans to monitor muscle recovery and fat changes.
Prices vary by club. Check your local Planet Fitness for current rates.
1. What Exactly Is the Total Body Enhancement Machine?
Planet Fitness outfits most clubs with the Beauty Angel RVT30, branded in-house as the Total Body Enhancement (TBE).
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Light source | 30 LED panels (red light only) |
| Wavelength range | 620–700 nm (visible red) |
| Session length | 12-minute default cycles |
| Additional features | 4-level vibration platform; built-in fan |
| Power density | ~15 mW/cm² at skin surface (manufacturer spec) |
| Heat output | Minimal—unit is not an infrared sauna |
Why it matters: Dermatology trials that target skin rejuvenation typically use red-light power densities between 8–40 mW/cm² for 10–20 minutes (Jagdeo 2018). The TBE therefore lands within a comparable range for surface-level effects—though it lacks near-infrared (850–880 nm) LEDs needed to reach deep muscle tissue, so don’t expect dramatic relief from delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
2. How Photobiomodulation Works (in Plain English)
Red photons hit your skin → absorbed by cytochrome-c oxidase inside cell mitochondria → more ATP (cell energy) → downstream effects:
- Higher collagen and elastin synthesis → smoother skin, fewer fine lines.
- Temporary vasodilation → increased blood flow and nutrient delivery.
- Modest anti-inflammatory signaling → potential pain relief.
Near-infrared light extends these effects deeper into muscle and connective tissue, but remember, the Planet Fitness unit stops around 700 nm.
3. Evidence-Backed Benefits (and What’s Over-Hyped)
3.1 Skin Health & Cosmetic Results
Controlled trials show that 8–10 weeks of red LED exposure around 630–660 nm can noticeably smooth fine lines, improve skin texture, and increase dermal collagen density (Wünsch 2014; Ablon 2018).
Expect subtle but meaningful improvements—think “good skin day,” not Photoshop. Combine with a retinoid and sunscreen for best results.
3.2 Muscle Recovery & Soreness
A 2023 systematic review in Applied Sciences concluded that near-infrared photobiomodulation (810–880 nm) reduced post-exercise muscle soreness by ~25 % and sped strength recovery, especially when applied before training (González-Muñoz 2023).
Because the TBE lacks those deeper-penetrating wavelengths, its red light offers limited direct benefit for deep muscle recovery. Any perceived looseness or reduced soreness some members feel may stem from the booth’s vibration plate, which can gently enhance circulation and lymphatic drainage rather than from the light itself.
3.3 Mood & Sleep Support (Secondary Benefit)
Bright visible light—red included—can stimulate retinal photoreceptors that help anchor circadian rhythms.
Because many members hop in the booth right after a morning workout, the TBE’s intense red LEDs may provide a modest alertness boost similar to stepping into sunrise light. While this effect is mostly anecdotal and not yet studied on the RVT30 specifically, it’s a pleasant side perk reported by frequent users.
3.4 Fat Loss Misconceptions
No credible human study shows that visible red light alone “melts” fat. Any scale changes likely come from increased gym consistency rather than lipolysis. For hard numbers, schedule a BodySpec DEXA scan every 6–8 weeks to separate fact from wishful thinking.
4. Membership Math: Is the Black Card Worth It?
| Perk | Classic Membership (≈ $10/mo) | Black Card (≈ $24.99/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Gym access | ✔ | ✔ |
| Total Body Enhancement | ✖ | ✔ |
| HydroMassage | ✖ | ✔ |
| Bring-a-Friend | ✖ | ✔ |
| Multi-club Access | ✖ | ✔ |
ROI Snapshot
If you use the TBE three times per week:
• 12 sessions/month → $2.08 per session when allocating the full Black Card fee to TBE access.
• Incremental cost versus a Classic membership ≈ $1.25 per session ([$24.99 – $10] ÷ 12).
Conclusion: The Black Card is financially sound if you’ll consistently use at least one premium perk.
5. Step-by-Step: Your First Planet Fitness Red Light Therapy Session
- Book or queue at the front desk (policies vary by club).
- Wear appropriate clothing: athletic shorts or swimwear maximize skin exposure; remove lotion & makeup.
- Set vibration level (1 easy → 4 intense). Beginners start at 1–2.
- Select program: Basic = constant light; Plus = pulsed sequences.
- Put on eye protection: Wear the provided goggles—red LEDs are bright and prolonged exposure can cause eye strain.
- Stand centered on the plate, knees soft, core engaged.
- Breathe & relax for 12 minutes; the unit shuts off automatically.
- Hydrate afterward to support circulation.
Pro tip: Schedule sessions post-workout to piggy-back on exercise-induced blood flow.
6. Safety & Contraindications
Red light is non-ionizing, but precautions matter:
• Photosensitizing medications such as doxycycline can increase light sensitivity—consult your physician before using red light.
• Pregnancy: As a general precaution advised by dermatologists and other health professionals, avoid direct abdominal exposure.
• Individuals with epilepsy or light-triggered migraines should skip pulsed modes.
• If you have recently received Botox or filler injections, wait 48 hours before using the machine to reduce potential swelling risk.
If you experience excessive heat, dizziness, or discomfort, step out immediately and alert staff.
7. Planet Fitness vs. At-Home Panels
| Feature | Planet Fitness TBE | Mid-Size Home Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $24.99/mo | $600 one-time |
| Wavelengths | 620–700 nm | Typically red (~660 nm) + near-infrared (~850 nm) |
| Session time | 12 min | 10 min |
| Convenience | Must travel to gym | In-home; no commute |
| Full-body coverage | Yes | Need large panel |
Verdict: If you want deeper muscle recovery and can afford the upfront cost, a dual-wavelength home panel wins. For casual skin benefits and budget-friendly access, stick with Planet Fitness.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Does red light therapy at Planet Fitness really work?
Yes—for certain goals. The Total Body Enhancement booth delivers therapeutic-range red wavelengths proven to improve skin texture and support superficial recovery when used consistently. However, because it lacks near-infrared light, its impact on deep muscle tissue is limited compared with medical-grade dual-wavelength devices.
Do you need eyewear for red light therapy in Planet Fitness?
Absolutely. While red LED light is safer than UV, the brightness can cause eye strain over a 12-minute session. Planet Fitness provides protective goggles; wear them every time.
Does Planet Fitness charge for red light therapy?
Access to the Total Body Enhancement machine is included with a Black Card membership (about $24.99/month). Classic $10/month members need to upgrade or purchase a day pass where available—there’s no separate per-use fee once you have Black Card access.
How many sessions of red light therapy does it take to see results?
Most studies—and Planet Fitness users—report visible skin improvements after 4 weeks of consistent use (3–5 sessions weekly). Collagen-driven changes peak around 8–12 weeks. For recovery benefits, some athletes notice reduced soreness within 2–3 sessions, but deeper muscular effects require near-infrared wavelengths.
Does it tan your skin?
No. The LEDs emit zero UV light, so you won’t tan or raise skin-cancer risk.
Should I shower before or after?
Shower before to remove lotions that block light; after is optional.
Can I combine with HydroMassage?
Yes—many members red-light first, then HydroMassage for a relaxation stack.
For Planet Fitness–specific questions (e.g., machine availability, club policies), please consult your local Planet Fitness team. For guidance on using BodySpec scans to track your progress, see our DEXA FAQ.
Key Takeaways
• Planet Fitness’ red light booth effectively supports skin rejuvenation and may offer superficial recovery benefits, but it is not a fat-burning miracle.
• Consistency trumps intensity—aim for 3+ sessions weekly.
• Use BodySpec DEXA scans to replace mirror-guesswork with hard numbers.
Ready to see real data on how your workouts (and red light habit) change your body? View BodySpec scan pricing and start tracking progress like a pro.
