If you’ve ever walked past a glowing red booth at Planet Fitness and wondered what it actually does you’re not alone. Total Body Enhancement is one of the gym’s most underused and misunderstood perks. It combines red light therapy with whole-body vibration technology to support skin health, muscle recovery, and overall well-being. It’s not a workout replacement, but as part of a consistent fitness routine, it can offer real, tangible benefits.
Planet Fitness added it to give members something beyond treadmills and free weights — a passive, wellness-focused tool that complements an active lifestyle. It appeals most to people who are new to fitness and looking for a gentle starting point, those recovering from soreness after tough workouts, and anyone interested in improving their skin or simply feeling better day to day.
What Is Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness?
Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness is a stand-up booth — branded as the “Beauty Angel RVT 30” that uses red light therapy and a vibrating platform simultaneously to promote circulation, skin tone, and muscle recovery. It’s a recovery and wellness tool, not a cardio machine or strength exercise.
You’ll find the booth near the tanning beds or in a dedicated wellness area, typically available to Planet Fitness Black Card members. Sessions last around 12 minutes, and you simply stand inside while the red lights illuminate your body and the platform gently vibrates beneath your feet.
Is it a workout? No. It won’t raise your heart rate or build muscle on its own. Think of it more like a therapeutic treatment, similar in spirit to a sports massage or sauna session, designed to support the work you’re already doing in the gym.
How Does Total Body Enhancement Work?
The booth uses two core technologies that work together to deliver its effects: red light therapy and whole-body vibration. Understanding each one separately makes it easier to set realistic expectations.
Red Light Therapy Explained
Red light therapy, sometimes called photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), involves exposing your skin and underlying tissue to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. The Planet Fitness booth emits light in the range of roughly 633–850 nanometers — wavelengths that research shows can penetrate the skin at varying depths.
At these depths, red light is absorbed by mitochondria (the energy-producing components of your cells), which may stimulate increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the molecule that powers cellular repair and regeneration. In practical terms, this means faster tissue recovery, improved circulation in the treated area, and potential collagen stimulation in the skin.
This isn’t UV light. It won’t tan your skin or cause sunburn. The red glow you see inside the booth is entirely different from the tanning beds sitting just a few feet away.
Whole-Body Vibration Technology
The platform you stand on during a Total Body Enhancement session produces low-frequency mechanical vibrations. These vibrations transmit energy through your body, causing subtle, involuntary micro-contractions in your muscles — particularly in the legs, core, and lower back.
This isn’t the same as lifting weights. The contractions are small and reflexive rather than controlled and progressive. However, whole-body vibration has been studied as a tool for improving circulation, reducing muscle soreness, and supporting flexibility — especially as a warm-up or cool-down aid.
Planet Fitness combines the two technologies because they complement each other well: the red light supports cellular repair and skin health from the outside in, while the vibration platform activates blood flow and muscle engagement from the ground up. Together, they create a full-body passive wellness experience in a single 12-minute session.
What Happens During a Total Body Enhancement Session?
If you’ve never stepped inside one of these booths before, here’s exactly what to expect.
Step 1 — Find the booth. Head to the wellness area of your Planet Fitness. The booth looks like a stand-up tanning bed with a red interior glow. You’ll need a Black Card membership to access it.
Step 2 — Check availability. Some locations have one booth; busier clubs may have two. If there’s a queue, you’ll wait outside like you would for a tanning bed.
Step 3 — Get inside and stand on the platform. Remove your shoes if the club requires it. You stand upright on the vibrating platform, arms slightly extended away from your body. There’s no need to hold on, though handrails are available.
Step 4 — Select your settings. A control panel inside the booth gives you options for vibration intensity and light intensity. Beginners typically start at a lower vibration setting (level 1 or 2) and work up over time. The default session length is 12 minutes.
Step 5 — What you wear. You can wear your regular gym clothes — shorts and a t-shirt are fine. Some people choose to wear less to maximize skin exposure to the red light. You do not need to wear goggles (the light is not a UV or laser source), but if you’re light-sensitive, you can close your eyes.
Step 6 — What it feels like. The vibration will feel like a low-level buzz running through your legs and body. It shouldn’t be uncomfortable. The red light produces a mild warmth, similar to sitting in a patch of afternoon sunlight. Most users describe the experience as calming and slightly energizing at the same time.
Step 7 — Finish and move on. When the session ends, the lights and vibration stop automatically. Step out, hydrate if needed, and continue your workout or head home.
Benefits of Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness
The benefits break down across four main categories. Here’s what the research and user experience consistently suggest — and where the realistic ceiling lies.
Skin Health & Appearance
Red light therapy at these wavelengths has been studied for its potential to stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve overall skin tone. Collagen is the structural protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness, and its production naturally declines with age.
Regular use may also improve circulation close to the skin’s surface, giving skin a healthier, more even appearance over time. Users often report that their skin looks clearer and more luminous after several weeks of consistent use.
Anti-aging claims should be approached with measured expectations. Red light therapy isn’t a replacement for proven dermatological treatments, but as a gentle, non-invasive supplement to skincare, it’s one of the more credible passive options available.
Muscle Recovery & Soreness Relief
This is arguably the strongest use case for Total Body Enhancement — using it after a workout to help your body recover faster.
Red light therapy at near-infrared wavelengths penetrates deeper into muscle tissue, where it may reduce inflammatory markers and support mitochondrial function in fatigued muscle cells. The vibration plate simultaneously stimulates blood flow, helping to flush out metabolic waste products like lactic acid that contribute to post-exercise soreness.
Many regular users report noticeably less delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) when they incorporate a session after heavy lifting or cardio. Think of it as an active cool-down that does more than just stretching.
Weight Loss & Body Composition — What’s Realistic
This is the area where expectations need the most calibration. Total Body Enhancement is not a fat loss device. It will not burn significant calories, melt fat tissue, or change your body composition on its own.
However, it can support your broader fitness goals indirectly. By reducing soreness and improving recovery, it helps you get back to the gym sooner and train harder over time. Better sleep quality, which some users report with consistent use, is another indirect pathway to improved body composition.
The honest position: Total Body Enhancement is a supporting player, not the lead. Combine it with consistent exercise and a sensible diet, and it can contribute to your progress. Use it alone expecting dramatic changes, and you’ll be disappointed.
Mental Well-Being & Relaxation
This benefit doesn’t get talked about enough. Many users describe stepping out of a session feeling noticeably calmer and in a better mood — particularly mid-morning or after a stressful workday.
Some research on red light therapy points to potential positive effects on cortisol regulation and mood, though this area is still developing. What’s more established is the simple effect of taking 12 quiet minutes away from screens, noise, and demands. That alone has genuine value.
Used consistently, the routine itself showing up, doing the session, continuing your workout becomes part of a positive habit loop that reinforces a healthy lifestyle overall.
Does Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness Actually Work?
The honest answer: it depends on what you’re using it for, and how consistently you use it.
The science behind red light therapy is legitimate and growing. Peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated meaningful effects on skin collagen, wound healing, muscle recovery, and even mood in controlled settings. The wavelengths used in devices like the Beauty Angel are within the ranges studied in this research.
Whole-body vibration has a similar story — there’s solid evidence for its benefits in specific contexts (recovery, flexibility, circulation), though it’s less well-understood as a general wellness tool.
Where things get murky is in translating lab findings to a consumer booth at a gym. The intensity and consistency of the light, the duration of sessions, and individual variation in response all affect outcomes. Results are real but modest for most people, and they accumulate gradually rather than appearing overnight.
What users typically report after consistent use (4–8 weeks):
- Skin feels smoother and looks more even
- Reduced post-workout soreness
- General sense of improved energy and mood
- Some users report improved sleep quality
Why results vary: Skin type, age, health status, how recently you worked out before a session, and how consistently you use the booth all influence what you experience. Someone who goes three times a week for two months will see different results than someone who drops in occasionally.
Timeline for visible effects: Most users who use Total Body Enhancement regularly notice changes in skin appearance within 3–6 weeks. Recovery benefits can show up sooner — sometimes after just a few sessions. Mental well-being effects are often felt immediately, session by session.
How Often Should You Use Total Body Enhancement?
Beginner Schedule
If you’re new to red light therapy or whole-body vibration, start with 2–3 sessions per week. Begin on a lower vibration intensity and work your way up as your body adjusts. There’s no need to do daily sessions early on — your body needs time to respond and adapt.
Maintenance Usage
Once you’ve built a routine, 3–5 sessions per week is a reasonable maintenance schedule for ongoing skin and recovery benefits. More than once per day is unnecessary and potentially counterproductive — red light therapy works by triggering a cellular response that needs time to play out.
Before vs. After Workouts
For recovery and soreness reduction, use the booth immediately after your workout while your muscles are still warm. The combination of improved circulation from exercise and additional blood flow from the vibration platform creates a favorable environment for recovery.
For a warm-up or general wellness use, before a workout works fine too. The vibration plate can help activate muscles and improve range of motion before you hit the weights.
When Not to Use It
Avoid a session if you’re feeling dizzy or unwell. If you’ve had an unusually intense workout and your legs feel genuinely fatigued, reduce the vibration intensity rather than pushing through on a high setting. More is not always better.
Side Effects, Risks, and Precautions
Total Body Enhancement is very well-tolerated by most people — it’s one of the safer wellness tools available. That said, a few considerations are worth knowing before you step in.
Common Side Effects
Skin sensitivity is rare but possible with red light exposure, particularly in people with photosensitive conditions. If your skin feels unusually warm or appears flushed after a session, reduce intensity or limit exposure time.
Dizziness or light-headedness can occur, especially at higher vibration intensities. This is most common in people who are new to whole-body vibration or who stand with locked knees during the session. Keep your knees slightly bent and start at a low setting.
Overuse won’t cause dramatic harm, but daily multiple sessions may lead to diminishing returns and muscle fatigue in your legs if you’re training hard. A rest day from the booth is always fine.
Who Should Avoid Total Body Enhancement
The following groups should consult a doctor before using the booth — or avoid it entirely:
- Pregnant women: Vibration plates are generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to uncertain effects on fetal development.
- People with pacemakers or implanted electronic devices: Red light therapy and vibration can potentially interfere with electronic medical devices.
- People with active cancers: Red light therapy may theoretically stimulate cell growth; those with active cancer diagnoses should get medical clearance first.
- People with epilepsy: Flickering light sources can trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.
- Light-sensitive conditions: Those with lupus, porphyria, or who take photosensitizing medications (such as certain antibiotics or antidepressants) should consult their doctor.
- Severe joint or balance disorders: The vibrating platform may worsen balance issues or put undue stress on unstable joints.
- Retinal conditions: Extended red light exposure may be uncomfortable for those with certain eye conditions, though the booth light is non-UV and non-laser.
When in doubt, a quick conversation with your doctor before starting is always worth the five minutes.
Total Body Enhancement vs. Infrared Sauna
Both are popular passive wellness tools, and they’re often compared. Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Total Body Enhancement | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | No | Yes |
| Red Light Therapy | Yes | Sometimes (combo units) |
| Whole-Body Vibration | Yes | No |
| Session Length | ~12 minutes | 20–45 minutes |
| Sweat | No | Yes |
| Weight Loss | Indirect | Indirect |
| Detoxification | Minimal | Moderate (via sweat) |
| Skin Benefits | Yes (collagen, tone) | Yes (circulation, pores) |
| Best For | Recovery, skin appearance | Relaxation, detox, cardiovascular support |
| Availability at Planet Fitness | Yes (Black Card) | No |
The key distinction: Infrared saunas use heat as the primary mechanism, which promotes sweating, cardiovascular response, and detoxification. Total Body Enhancement uses light and vibration, which means no sweating, no elevated heart rate, and a much shorter session.
If you’re looking for deep relaxation and a detox-focused experience, an infrared sauna has the edge. If recovery, convenience, and skin health are priorities — and you want something you can do in 12 minutes between the locker room and the treadmill — Total Body Enhancement wins on practicality.
Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness vs. Home Red Light Therapy Devices
At-home red light therapy has exploded in popularity, with devices ranging from small panels to full-body systems. How does the Planet Fitness booth compare?
Cost: The booth is included with a Planet Fitness Black Card membership (~$25/month), which also covers other perks like tanning and guest privileges. Dedicated home red light therapy panels range from around $100 for small devices to $1,500+ for high-quality full-body panels. For someone already paying for a gym membership, the booth is effectively free.
Convenience: Home devices win here — you can use them any time, in private, without waiting. The Planet Fitness booth requires a trip to the gym and availability of the machine.
Effectiveness: High-end home panels (particularly those from established brands with clinical-grade irradiance) can offer more consistent, targeted dosing than a gym booth. However, the Planet Fitness booth covers your whole body simultaneously in a way that most home panels do not without repositioning.
Vibration Platform: This is a feature the booth has that no home red light device provides. If whole-body vibration is part of your recovery strategy, the booth offers that integration at no extra cost.
Who should choose which:
- If you’re already a Planet Fitness Black Card member and use the gym consistently, the booth is a no-brainer addition to your routine.
- If you’re serious about clinical red light therapy results (for skin conditions, chronic pain, or specific therapeutic goals), investing in a quality home device with documented irradiance specs may be more effective.
- If you’re on a budget and just want to explore the benefits, the Planet Fitness booth is one of the most accessible entry points available.
Is Total Body Enhancement Worth It at Planet Fitness?
From a Black Card value perspective: Yes, almost unequivocally. If you’re already paying for a Black Card membership, the booth costs you nothing extra. Even occasional use for post-workout recovery or skin health is pure upside.
Who benefits most:
- Gym-goers who train hard and want faster recovery between sessions
- Anyone in their 30s or beyond who is interested in maintaining or improving skin appearance
- People who struggle with post-workout soreness that derails their consistency
- Members who want a brief mindfulness moment built into their gym routine
Who may not benefit as much:
- Members who use Planet Fitness only for casual, infrequent exercise and won’t build a consistent booth habit
- People expecting dramatic body composition changes from the booth alone
- Those who have contraindicated health conditions listed above
The bottom line on value: for a $25/month membership that includes gym access, tanning, guest passes, and the Total Body Enhancement booth, you’re getting a lot. Even if the booth is just one piece of your wellness puzzle, it earns its place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Total Body Enhancement safe? For most healthy adults, yes — Total Body Enhancement is very safe. The red light used is non-UV and non-ionizing, meaning it won’t damage skin or increase cancer risk. The vibration intensity is low. As with any wellness tool, people with specific medical conditions (see the precautions section above) should check with a doctor first.
Can Total Body Enhancement replace a workout? No. Total Body Enhancement does not provide a cardiovascular challenge, build muscle, or burn meaningful calories. It’s a recovery and wellness tool that works best as a complement to regular exercise — not a substitute for it.
How long does it take to see results from Total Body Enhancement? Most users notice skin improvements within 3–6 weeks of regular use (3+ sessions per week). Recovery benefits can show up after just a few sessions. Patience and consistency are the two most important factors.
Do you need eye protection in the Total Body Enhancement booth? The red light used is not UV and not a laser source, so standard goggles aren’t required the way they are with tanning beds. However, if you’re light-sensitive or simply uncomfortable with the brightness, closing your eyes during the session is completely fine.
Can beginners use Total Body Enhancement? Absolutely. The booth is actually an excellent starting point for people who are new to fitness. It’s low-impact, passive, and requires no prior experience. Start at a low vibration level and build from there. It can be particularly motivating for beginners because it creates a positive association with going to the gym.
Is Total Body Enhancement free with a Planet Fitness membership? It’s included with the Black Card membership tier, which costs around $25/month. Standard Classic memberships (around $10/month) do not include access to the booth. If you’re unsure which membership you have, check with the front desk staff or your membership confirmation.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness?
If you’re a Planet Fitness Black Card member, the answer is yes — there’s very little reason not to.
Total Body Enhancement isn’t a miracle machine and it won’t reshape your body on its own. But for what it actually does, supporting skin health, reducing muscle soreness, promoting circulation, and providing a short mental reset, it delivers genuine value when used consistently.
The ideal user is someone who already exercises regularly and wants to recover smarter, look after their skin, and build a fuller wellness routine without spending extra money. It’s also a surprisingly good motivator for beginners, giving them a low-pressure way to engage with the gym environment and feel like they’re investing in their health from day one.
Keep expectations realistic, use it as a complement rather than a centerpiece, and give it at least four to six weeks of consistent sessions before judging it. For most people who do that, it becomes one of those underrated gym habits they quietly keep doing because it simply feels like a good idea.
That glowing red booth? Now you know exactly what it does and why it might be worth 12 minutes of your time.