Over the past five years, red light therapy, or RLT, has become increasingly popular in health and fitness. This is for a number of reasons, some of which even proponents of RLT might not be aware of.
After all, RLT is sort of a “catch-all” solution to a number of health and wellness issues, including those related to skin health, muscle recovery, and chronic pain. Two of the largest chains that have adopted RLT—albeit in different forms—are Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness.
But what is red light treatment at Planet Fitness? What experience have users had with the RenuvaSkin Red Light Bed at Anytime Fitness gyms? More importantly, is an at-home device a better solution after all?
This article will compare things like features, benefits, and accessibility to determine the answer to all these questions and more.
The Red Light Therapy Revolution
The integration of red light therapy into fitness centers marks a significant shift in the wellness industry. Above all, it shows that gyms are now recognizing the value of offering therapies that not only enhance physical performance but also aid in recovery and overall health.
There’s a reason why red light therapy at Planet Fitness comes in the form of a machine called “Total Body Enhancement.” RLT is well known for reducing muscle soreness and inflammation, accelerating recovery, and improving blood flow and oxygenation, leading to enhanced endurance and strength. But it also has internal benefits as well as the capacity to improve skin health and appearance, hence the RenuvaSkin Red Light Bed at Anytime Fitness.
Regardless of approach, both gyms are clearly trying to align their services with the evolving expectations of gym-goers, who want more comprehensive wellness solutions.
How Does Red Light Work?
Red light therapy works by delivering low-wavelength red and near-infrared light deep into the skin and underlying tissues. This exposure stimulates cellular energy production and natural healing processes and, unlike UV light, does not damage the skin.
The target of RLT is mitochondria, which many of you will remember is the “powerhouse” of the cell. By activating the mitochondria, red light therapy increases levels of adenosine triphosphate (also known as ATP), the body’s primary energy source. This is the mechanism by which users start to see improved cellular repair, reduced inflammation, enhanced circulation, and accelerated recovery for muscles, joints, and skin.
The Spa, the Gym, and More
For spa customers, red light therapy offers proven anti-aging and skincare benefits. For example, the increased collagen production helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, making it a popular treatment for improving skin texture and elasticity.
It can also help reduce the appearance of acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and redness, leading to a more even complexion. Many high-end spas now include red light facials, full-body therapy beds, and infrared saunas. While not technically a spa, Anytime Fitness’ RenuvaSkin Red Light Bed is an attempt to capitalize on this demand.
For gym-goers, red light therapy is primarily used for muscle recovery and enhanced performance. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can see a lot of benefits from reduced muscle soreness, increased endurance, and faster recovery times after intense workouts. There are Planet Fitness red light therapy benefits that closely align with the Total Body Enhancement treatment.
Studies suggest that regular exposure to RLT can reduce oxidative stress in muscles, improve oxygenation, and decrease inflammation, allowing users to train harder with less downtime between workouts. In addition to fitness recovery, red light therapy has been linked to joint pain relief, improved mobility, and even faster healing of injuries like sprains and strains.
What is Red Light Therapy at Planet Fitness?
Not let’s take a closer look at the Total Body Enhancement system. Planet Fitness, one of the largest and most accessible gym franchises in the world, offers the TBE machine as an exclusive benefit available to Black Card members. The TBE machine combines therapeutic red light with whole-body vibration technology, making it a unique hybrid of muscle stimulation and recovery treatment.
And there are more innovations as well. For example, unlike traditional red light therapy beds, which focus solely on light exposure, the TBE machine introduces a vibrating footplate. Planet Fitness claims this is intended to stimulate muscle activity and enhance circulation, and there is quite a bit of evidence for this. Still, there are clear pros and cons to using type of machine.
Review of the TBE at Planet Fitness
The Total Body Enhancement machine operates similarly to an upright tanning bed. A standard session lasts approximately 12 minutes, during which users stand inside the machine while red light wavelengths penetrate their muscles and skin. At the same time, the vibration plate activates, helping stimulate blood flow, increase lymphatic drainage, and relax tense muscles.
Planet Fitness mostly promotes its red light therapy service as a post-workout recovery tool. Many users have reported improvements in skin health, including a more radiant glow and a reduction in fine lines, while other members have noted increased muscle relaxation, reduced post-workout stiffness, and an overall feeling of rejuvenation after regular use.
As there’s no doubt that RLT works, the primary issue here is the fact that getting the maximum benefits will be near impossible at this level of use. Just 12 minutes a day, even if you use the TBE 5 days a week, is only going to provide you with the minimum benefits. It’s also important to note that the TBE machine is held behind a premium pay wall, with Black Card memberships starting at around $25 a month.
The RenuvaSkin Red Light Bed at Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness has taken a different approach to red light therapy. Instead of a recovery-focused system, the company offers a dedicated, full-body red light therapy system in the RenuvaSkin Red Light Bed. There are no vibrating plates or other fitness elements. Instead, Anytime’s entire focus is on providing a spa-like experience for muscle recovery, pain relief, and skin rejuvenation.
As you might expect, using this system is more akin to a tanning bed than anything else. The RenuvaSkin is a lay-down therapy system equipped with a few dozen high-intensity red light lamps. During a 15 to 20-minute session, users can relax while red and near-infrared light penetrates the skin and tissues, triggering cellular repair, increased blood circulation, and reduced inflammation. Though even its name implies that the device’s focus is mainly cosmetic, the system is designed to aid those recovering from injuries, chronic pain, or muscle fatigue.
Review of the RenuvaSkin Red Light Bed at Anytime Fitness
Unlike standing inside a Total Body Enhancement machine, the RenuvaSkin Red Light Bed offers a more relaxing and immersive experience. This spa-like design allows members to unwind while benefiting from full-body red light therapy. As you might expect, this makes it particularly appealing for those seeking improvements in skin texture and appearance as well as better recovery after workouts.
Users often report smoother skin, reduced wrinkles, and improved muscle recovery after consistent use, and members are encouraged to use it three to four times per week for optimal results. As with Planet Fitness’ red light therapy option, getting the most from Anytime Fitness means spending a lot of time at the facility.
And that’s not the only issue. The RenuvaSkin Red Light Bed also uses CFL Bulbs, which are far less effective than LED technology. The primary difference here is that CFL bulbs emit a broader, less-targeted spectrum of red light. As a result, they lack the depth of penetration provided by LED devices, which have far more focused wavelengths. In the end, those who want a transformative red light therapy experience are recommended to seek medical-grade or LED-based devices.
The Power of At-Home Solutions
While gyms like Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness offer convenient access to red light therapy, owning a personal RLT device a range of advantages. For instance, at-home devices eliminate the need for premium gym memberships and provide the flexibility to incorporate therapy sessions into one's daily routine without scheduling constraints. Personal devices also ensure privacy and hygiene, which can be concerns in public facilities.
High-quality at-home red light therapy devices, such as those offered by Recover Red, allow users to experience the benefits of RLT in the comfort of their own homes. Not only are they better suited to regular use, but they are also more cost-effective and, in many cases, powerful enough to deliver maximum results. Two of the biggest sellers on the current RLT market are The Beam and The Core.
Both The Beam and The Core offer full-body treatment with clinical-grade power, utilizing dual-wavelength technology (to penetrate deep into the skin, muscles, and bones, promoting cellular healing, reducing inflammation, and accelerating recovery.
The Beam is more ideal for those seeking high-intensity, full-body treatments, making it perfect for athletes, individuals with chronic pain, and those focused on anti-aging. Meanwhile, The Core, features a more versatile, space-saving design.
Most importantly, as the user is in control, they have access to precision controls to adjust intensity, treatment duration, and pulse frequency for customized therapy
Conclusion
Both Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness have recognized the growing demand for red light therapy and have integrated it into their service offerings. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, desired benefits, and convenience. However, for those seeking flexibility, privacy, and consistent access, investing in a personal at-home red light therapy device may be the superior option in terms of time and results.
