Planet Fitness Red Light Therapy vs Having Your Own Device
Red light therapy is now a popular wellness treatment. You might have noticed the glowing red pods at your local Planet Fitness. These Total Body Enhancement machines claim to deliver various health benefits. The real question is: Should you rely on Planet Fitness red light therapy or buy your own device?
Your treatment quality, convenience, and long-term costs depend on choosing between Planet Fitness red light therapy and professional-grade devices like the VITAL PRO or VITAL ELITE. Planet Fitness provides simple full-body red light therapy through their Beauty Angel system. Home devices give you targeted treatment options with specific wavelengths that match your unique needs.
This complete comparison will show you the main differences between these options and help you find what works best for your wellness goals and lifestyle.
Understanding Planet Fitness Red Light Therapy System
At the time you enter Planet Fitness’s Total Body Enhancement booth, you’ll find yourself in the Beauty Angel RVT30, a full-body red light therapy system that combines LED technology with vibration therapy. The system’s cabin has 30 beauty light bulbs at 180W each to create an enclosed treatment experience.
Beauty Angel RVT30 specifications and limitations
The Beauty Angel RVT30 has these key features:
- Silent cooling system with overhead ventilation
- Vibra-Shape technology with patented vibration plate
- 3D sound system with MP3 connectivity
- 12-minute preset session duration
The system needs plenty of space. It measures 55″ L x 76″ W x 93″ H when closed. The enclosed design gives you privacy, but people with claustrophobia might want to think twice.
Available wavelengths and coverage areas
The Beauty Angel system delivers red light wavelengths between 620-700nm. It’s worth mentioning that this is not an infrared sauna – you won’t get near-infrared wavelengths above 900nm. Your tissues won’t get the deep penetration that medical-grade devices provide such as Vital Elite.
The LED placement needs a closer look. The lights sit at the ends of tubular bulbs instead of facing your skin directly. This setup creates four gap areas where panels meet, which leads to “dead spaces” that get less light coverage.
Membership requirements and associated costs
You’ll need a Black Card membership to use the Total Body Enhancement machine. This costs an extra $25.00 per month on top of your regular Planet Fitness fees. Daily use is possible, but most locations have just one unit.
The best results come from 2-3 sessions per week. Not all Planet Fitness locations have this machine, so check if your local gym has one before upgrading your membership.
Each session runs for 12 minutes total. This includes a 10-minute vibration program plus warm-up and cool-down periods. The system is UV-free and works for all skin types. People with light sensitivity or epilepsy should stay away from the machine.
Exploring Professional-Grade Home Devices
Vital Pro vs Beauty Angel comparison
The VITAL PRO comes equipped with 72 premium 5-watt anti-flicker LEDs that outperform Beauty Angel’s traditional bulb system by a lot. The VITAL PRO delivers targeted treatment with a power output of 110 mW/cm² , making it a leader in its class, while Planet Fitness’s system provides simple full-body coverage. Key differences between the systems:- Treatment time: VITAL PRO needs only 10-minute sessions versus Beauty Angel’s 12-minute requirement
- Cooling system: Dual high-speed, quiet fans compared to simple overhead ventilation
- Coverage area: Half-body targeted treatment with precise LED placement
- Portability: Compact 12.5″ x 8.5″ design that fits at home
Wavelength options and targeted treatment capabilities
Professional-grade devices expand your treatment possibilities. The VITAL PRO combines wavelengths effectively:- Red light (630nm, 660nm)
- Near-infrared (810nm, 850nm)
This multi-wavelength system penetrates tissue deeper than Planet Fitness’s system that only uses red light in the 620-700nm range. Near-infrared features treat conditions beyond surface-level issues and reach up to 5mm into tissue.
Power output and treatment area coverage
Superior power delivery and precision set professional devices apart. The VITAL PRO’s beam angle of 30 degrees will give a focused light concentration while keeping treatment parameters safe and effective. You can target specific areas with therapeutic light intensity of 110 mW/cm², which exceeds standard gym-based systems by a lot. A comparison of key specifications:| Feature | VITAL PRO | Beauty Angel |
| Power Output | 110 mW/cm² | Not specified |
| LED Count | 72 spot LEDs | 30 tube bulbs |
| Treatment Time | 10 minutes | 12 minutes |
| Wavelengths | 4 specific wavelengths | Single range |
Cost Analysis: Gym vs Home Ownership
Original investment comparison
A Planet Fitness Black Card membership costs $24.99 monthly with an annual fee of $49.00. You’ll need this premium tier to use their Total Body Enhancement booth. Home devices require these upfront investments:- VITAL CHARGE: $329 – Facial coverage
- VITAL PRO: $479 – Half-body coverage
- VITAL ELITE: $1,129 – Full-body coverage area
Long-term cost breakdown
Your yearly Planet Fitness expenses add up to: (Pricing based on the best knowledge at the time of writing. Please consult your closest Planet Fitness gym for the latest pricing.)- Monthly membership: $299.88 ($24.99 × 12)
- Annual fee: $49.00
- Total yearly cost: $348.88
Return on investment calculations
Here’s how the numbers stack up over time:| Time Period | Planet Fitness Cost | Professional Sessions | VITAL PRO |
| Year 1 | $348.88 | $4,320 ($30×12×12) | $479 |
| Year 3 | $1,046.64 | $12,960 | $0 |
- Home devices include a 2-year warranty
- No travel expenses
- Daily treatments without extra costs
- You can keep a regular gym membership instead of premium
- You can let other family members get the benefits of it too
A home device saves you money in the long run, especially with regular treatments. Planet Fitness might offer unlimited access, but the real value depends on how often you can make it to the gym given your schedule and when they’re open.
Convenience and Usage Flexibility
Your therapy success depends a lot on flexible treatment scheduling. You need to think over gym-based and home systems as each has its own benefits. Let’s get into how these options line up with your lifestyle needs.
Scheduling and availability considerations
Planet Fitness’s Total Body Enhancement comes with some limitations. You get 12-minute sessions and most locations have just one unit. This means you might wait during busy hours. You’ll need to plan carefully around gym hours since experts recommend 2-3 sessions per week.
VITAL devices give you more freedom with your schedule:
- Quick 10-minute treatment sessions
- Use them anytime at home
- No waiting or driving needed
- Easy to keep up with daily treatments
- Turn it on before you go to bed for improved sleep
Treatment customization options
Planet Fitness’s Beauty Angel system gives everyone the same 12-minute sessions. VITAL devices are different – they let you customize your treatment based on what you need:
Feature | VITAL CHARGE | VITAL PRO | VITAL ELITE |
Coverage | Facial | Half-body | Maximum area |
Session Time | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable |
Position Options | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple |
You can adjust your treatment by changing:
- How long you want to treat
- Light strength for different areas
- How often you need sessions
- Your position to target specific areas
Privacy and comfort factors
Planet Fitness does provide private rooms for Total Body Enhancement. Yet you’re still at a public gym. You stand in a booth with fans and music playing.
VITAL devices at home improve your comfort through:
- Total privacy in your space
- Mix treatments with other health routines
- Wear what you want
- Set up your perfect treatment space
Home treatments let you try different times and find what works best for your body. This helps a lot especially when you need 3-4 sessions per week to get the best results.
Treatment Effectiveness Comparison
Clinical results and user experiences
Studies verify that professional medical-grade devices like the VITAL PRO and VITAL ELITE deliver better results. Research shows that red light therapy can build muscle mass and reduce inflammation with proper use A detailed study found that 100% of subjects experienced positive results in their body composition. These factors make professional devices more effective:- Treatment precision: VITAL devices employ targeted wavelengths of 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, and 850nm that create optimal cellular response
- Power output: Professional-grade devices deliver steady therapeutic intensity
- Coverage area: Full-body treatment without missing spots
- Session control: Treatment settings that adapt to your needs
Treatment frequency and consistency
Red light therapy works best when you stick to the right treatment schedule. Studies show that 5-6 sessions per week give you the best results. VITAL devices let you adjust treatment time based on your needs, but Planet Fitness’s Beauty Angel system restricts you to 12-minute sessions. Here’s how they match up:| Factor | VITAL Devices | Planet Fitness |
| Session Duration | 10 minutes optimal | 12 minutes fixed |
| Recommended Frequency | Daily or 5+ times/week | 2-3 times/week |
| Wavelength Control | Multiple specific wavelengths | Single range (630-680nm) |
| Treatment Customization | Full control | Preset programs |
Progress tracking capabilities
Professional-grade devices help you track progress better. Research shows that regular tracking creates better outcomes. One study reported 3% body fat reduction after just 45 days of consistent use. VITAL ELITE and VITAL PRO improve your progress tracking through:- Precise Treatment Documentation
- Session duration monitoring
- Treatment area tracking
- Intensity level recording
- Results Assessment
- Before and after comparisons
- Progress photography integration
- Treatment journal capabilities
Studies show that using light therapy before workouts creates better strength and muscle growth compared to post-workout or placebo treatments. Professional-grade devices let you maintain daily treatments, unlike gym options that might have limited availability. Clinical trials demonstrate that people using red light therapy perform better physically, with measurable improvements in strength, speed, and endurance. Your treatment works better when you follow a regular schedule, and research confirms that daily treatments produce optimal results. Planet Fitness’s Beauty Angel system offers convenient simple treatment but has limitations. The manufacturer states it only “temporarily firm and tone the appearance of muscles“. Professional-grade devices provide detailed therapeutic benefits supported by clinical research.
Conclusion
Red light therapy provides powerful health benefits, but your choice of delivery method substantially affects the results. Planet Fitness’s Beauty Angel system offers simple red light therapy. However, professional-grade devices like the VITAL PRO, ELITE, and MAX deliver superior treatment options with specific wavelengths and higher power output.
A VITAL device quickly pays for itself compared to gym membership costs or professional session fees. These devices let you perform daily treatments with precise wavelength combinations and targeted therapy options. You won’t find these advantages in a gym-based system.
Scientific evidence shows professional medical-grade devices produce better results through consistent, customizable treatments. VITAL’s device range fits different coverage needs and budgets while meeting clinical-grade specifications that exceed gym-based alternatives.
Professional-grade red light therapy proves to be a smart health investment. The mix of convenience, treatment effectiveness, and budget-friendly options makes home devices a better choice than gym-based options. Choose the right equipment to realize the full potential of red light therapy in your daily routine.
FAQs
What is the authenticity of red light therapy at Planet Fitness?
Yes, Planet Fitness offers legitimate red light therapy which can serve as an effective short-term recovery tool when used correctly. It’s a safe, non-invasive treatment for the skin that generally has no significant side effects, though it is crucial to use eye protection and ensure the light intensity is appropriate.
Are personal red light therapy devices a good investment?
Absolutely! They can be beneficial as they help smooth the skin, reduce wrinkles by promoting collagen production, and improve sun damage. They are also found to be effective in treating acne, making them a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance their skin health.
What is the recommended frequency for using red light therapy at Planet Fitness?
The ideal frequency for undergoing red light therapy at Planet Fitness varies based on individual goals and the guidance provided by the gym’s staff. While some users might see benefits from daily sessions, others might achieve their desired results with two to three sessions per week.
Do all red light therapy devices function the same?
No, red light therapy devices come in different types, including devices that emit only red light, only near-infrared light, or a combination of both. While red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy share some similarities and are sometimes confused, they are distinct treatments with different applications.
References
[1] – https://uvalux.com/shop/equipment/wellness/red-light/ergoline-beauty-angel-rvt-30/?srsltid=AfmBOophY1OqxPSXOHEWb0qbIDLMXz6Nj5JJdkRJEp3amgs6Gc0FUgSD
[2] – https://platinumtherapylights.com/blogs/news/h1-data-mce-fragment-1-b-data-mce-fragment-1-red-light-therapy-at-planet-fitness-nbsp-b-h1-p-data-mce-fragment-1-nbsp-p?srsltid=AfmBOoqsUvoDNkNIBonPwpn5RF-ZMTJt8ZB7L5T2-791mZ47UwEb6PnZ
[3] – https://mitoredlight.com/blogs/mito-red-blog/planet-fitness-total-body-enhancement?srsltid=AfmBOopsnJ557aUw1_aaTy9Zq-p2xb2CQZIMr_eP7w1XNc_EUu28VeGL
[4] – https://www.sunspawellness.com/equipment/beauty-angel/beauty-angel
[5] – https://vitalredlight.com/product/vital-pro/?srsltid=AfmBOorZjTMQVDc7KWn4a5DtglmC9–EDPh2e50qhvMBim644gf_JG6y
[6] – https://platinumtherapylights.com/blogs/news/red-light-wavelength-everything-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOorrrqEKQvl1a1zcVsmu-j5dt2V-UZnDoqoEgkreARVO8mdinlrj
[7] – https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/planet-fitness-membership-cost
[8] – https://www.reddit.com/r/30PlusSkinCare/comments/18rmgjw/just_found_out_i_have_access_to_free_red_light/
[9] – https://huelightusa.com/red-light-therapy-price-guide/
[10] – https://rouge.care/blogs/rouge-red-light-therapy-blog/is-it-really-worth-it-to-choose-red-light-therapy-at-home-over-professional-sessions-you-betcha
[11] – https://rouge.care/blogs/rouge-red-light-therapy-blog/3-gyms-that-offer-red-light-therapy
[12] – https://mitoredlight.com/blogs/mito-red-blog/planet-fitness-total-body-enhancement?srsltid=AfmBOor-atw0M5-NMyulAb0XxcmkHY8cixvSgiI1gHYLPb4WPlcHoyjh
[13] – https://medium.com/illumination/the-science-behind-planet-fitness-total-body-enhancement-what-you-need-to-know-0f48485a13a1
[14] – https://yourjourneyhealthclub.com/benefits-of-red-light-therapy-at-home/
[15] – https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/total-body-enhancement-at-planet-fitness-a-review/
[16] – https://www.vogue.com/article/red-light-therapy
[17] – https://platinumtherapylights.com/blogs/news/red-light-therapy-before-or-after-workout?srsltid=AfmBOopearmSCm_MLyOu62gafdHODGiti2pV4n56scLwU8O-O0N0wKeR
[18] – https://carbonwellnessmd.com/blogs/red-light-therapy/how-often-should-i-do-red-light-therapy?srsltid=AfmBOoqHz-mFV57E-31nigcv-8dzuESYMEMTuM6k1OwzEHQWuvAA9SxB
[19] – https://wvderm.com/should-i-use-the-red-light-at-planet-fitness/
