It uses a combination of red light therapy and vibrations to supplement your daily fitness routine.
In this article, we’ll discuss what the Full Body Enhancer is, how it works, and the pros and cons of red light therapy at Planet Fitness gyms.
Recover after a Hard Workout?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a method of applying light in the red and near-infrared spectrum to the body, which can help with muscle recovery after a hard workout.
Recover after a Hard Workout
Planet Fitness has added the Planet Fitness Full Body Enhancer, aka the Beauty Angel.
Red Light Therapy Technology at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has introduced the RVT30 Beauty Angel. According to Planet Fitness, the Beauty Angel LED emits red wavelengths between 620-700nm.
You may have heard the Planet Fitness Full Body Enhancer referred to as an “infrared sauna.” However, this is not accurate, as it does not emit infrared wavelengths above 900nm.
The difference between below 900nm and above 900nm is that the former is only red light, while the latter enters the realm of infrared light.
Infrared saunas typically use infrared light with a wavelength of 1000nm or higher. This is considered heat therapy, while red light therapy with lower wavelengths is only used for red light therapy.
Pros of the Full Body Enhancer
Users can enjoy the convenience of using the Full Body Enhancer device before or immediately after a workout. It delivers red light therapy in a limited range of wavelengths.
The tanning booth is completely enclosed and covers the entire body with red light. It does not emit UV rays like a tanning bed, so it is generally safe for most people.
The vibration plate is said to provide a low-impact, full-body workout.
Cons of the Full Body Enhancer
The Planet Fitness Full Body Enhancer only has red wavelengths, which are not absorbed as deeply as near-infrared wavelengths. You need near-infrared light to effectively treat muscles and joints.
Because the LEDs are located at the end of the tubular red light therapy bulb, the light does not shine directly onto the skin. This greatly reduces the effectiveness of the therapy.
Depending on the number of Full Body Enhancer booths at each Planet Fitness gym, you may have to wait until the gym is busy to use the RLT.
For people who suffer from claustrophobia, the Planet Fitness Full Body Enhancer Center may not be the best place for therapy.
The gym also reminds people with certain major conditions, including light sensitivity, to avoid the machine.
It is best to check with your local Planet Fitness and doctor before proceeding.
You must be a Planet Fitness member and upgrade to Black Membership to enjoy the Total Body Enhancement experience ($25/month additional to your regular membership, plus an annual fee).
Not all Planet Fitness locations are equipped with Total Body Enhancement equipment. Be sure to check with your nearest Planet Fitness location to see if this is an option for you.
How to Use Red Light Therapy at Planet Fitness
The Total Body Enhancement machine is an enclosed red light therapy room surrounded by LEDs, like a stand-up tanning bed or red light therapy bed. During therapy, users also stand on a vibration plate to help tone the entire body.
The Total Body Enhancement machine provides a low-impact, full-body muscle workout along with the cellular-level benefits of red light therapy and can be used before a workout to prepare the body for exercise or after a workout to help the body recover.
Depending on the vibration intensity you choose, the experience may be relaxing or energizing. The vibration plate runs for 10 minutes.
If you are using a red light therapy machine for the first time, it is recommended that you start with a few times a week. After that, users typically work their way up to daily therapy, although using a red light therapy panel at home may be preferable for a number of reasons.
Total use time for the Planet Fitness Full Body Enhancer is about 12 minutes.
Red light therapy is safe, non-invasive, and generally has no side effects; however, if you are taking photosensitizing medications or are sensitive to light, you need to consult your doctor before use.
Wear eye protection when using the machine to prevent eye strain; and always shine the red light onto clean, bare skin without lotions, makeup, or sunscreen on the skin that would block the light.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy uses an LED device to deliver red and/or near-infrared light to the body to stimulate beneficial biological processes.
The most commonly used wavelengths include 630-660nm red light in the visible spectrum and 810-850nm near-infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye.
Red light therapy is also known as low-intensity light therapy (LLLT). In the past, the light was delivered by lasers and the therapy was called low-intensity laser therapy. Today, LED devices are more common, and powerful, major devices are available to consumers.
Red light therapy is based on the ancient form of daylight therapy, except that it uses only beneficial wavelengths, not potentially harmful wavelengths, such as ultraviolet (UV) light from natural sunlight.
When your body absorbs the light, it interacts with the light-sensitive chromophores in your cells. This, in turn, stimulates the mitochondria in your cells to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the primary fuel for cells. This is the spark that ignites a range of benefits throughout your body.
Note that red light therapy is not used as a tanning booth, as it does not contain UV light. Only UV light can darken the skin, but UV light can also cause skin damage and even cancer.
F-Series for at-home RLT therapy
Now you can enjoy the benefits of red light therapy in the convenience of your own home with a powerful, major LED device.
Because the LEDs are aimed directly at the skin, you get exceptional power. You benefit from two red wavelengths; three near-infrared wavelengths; and trace amounts of blue wavelengths for a more comprehensive therapy.
It’s an investment in your overall wellness in the convenience of your own home.
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