Red light therapy is making waves in the fitness world, gaining attention for its impressive ability to enhance performance, accelerate recovery, and support weight loss. As research continues to pile up, the benefits of red light therapy are becoming harder to ignore. What was once a luxury treatment reserved for spas and clinics is now finding its place in gyms across the country.
Major fitness chains like Planet Fitness, Crunch, and Club Fitness have recognized the power of red light therapy, offering it as part of their membership packages. These gyms are integrating red light therapy machines to help members optimize their workouts, recover faster, and achieve better results. As gyms continue to embrace this technology, it’s becoming a key player in enhancing the overall fitness experience.
However, the rise of at-home red light therapy devices brings up an important question: do you need a gym membership to reap the benefits? With personal devices now offering a more convenient and affordable option, many are choosing to skip the gym. Let’s dive into how gym-based and at-home devices compare, and which one is truly worth the investment for your fitness journey.
Should You Choose a Gym With a Red Light Therapy Machine?
Choosing the right gym can feel like an overwhelming task, especially if you’re just starting your fitness journey. With endless classes, programs, and perks to consider, picking the perfect membership can leave you feeling more exhausted than your workout. Saunas may help relax your muscles, and tanning beds might give you that defined look—but do they really justify the extra cost?
Red light therapy, however, is an absolute game-changer. It delivers an impressive array of benefits—from boosting performance and endurance to speeding up recovery and even increasing muscle mass with fitness. Plus, it’s a proven aid for weight loss, body contouring, and reducing cellulite. For a deeper dive into its fitness benefits, check out our articles on red light therapy for fitness and weight loss.
But that’s not all—red light therapy goes beyond fitness. It’s also highly effective for skin rejuvenation, reducing wrinkles, alleviating pain and inflammation, promoting hair growth, and supporting cognitive health. In just a few minutes, it offers a full-body tune-up that tackles multiple issues at once.
Now that you know why red light therapy is a must-have for any gym, let’s explore how three popular fitness chains are incorporating this revolutionary treatment.
Red Light Therapy at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the largest fitness club franchises on the planet, with over 2,000 locations across the U.S. and international branches in Canada, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Australia.
A perfect choice for beginners, Planet Fitness prides itself on being a “judgment-free zone,” welcoming all fitness levels. With memberships starting as low as $10 per month, you gain access to a wide range of equipment at your home club, while the $22.99/month Black Card membership unlocks perks like unlimited access to all locations, guest privileges, discounts on drinks and apparel, travel deals, and exclusive access to massage chairs, tanning beds, and—of course—red light therapy.
Planet Fitness’ red light therapy machine, known as Total Body Enhancement, offers a soothing, non-UV light experience that mimics the benefits of a tanning bed, minus the harmful rays. The machine also includes a vibrating footplate designed to stimulate muscles and enhance circulation.
Planet Fitness recommends 12-minute sessions post-workout, with as many as you want (as long as you allow 24 hours between sessions). While it’s fantastic for muscle recovery and inflammation reduction after exercise, using it before your workout can also boost muscle growth, improve athletic performance, and increase endurance.
Red Light Therapy at Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness began as a small basement gym in New York City, where a diverse group of individuals could work out without fear of judgment or discrimination. Today, it has evolved into a thriving chain with over 300 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Despite its growth, Crunch Fitness remains committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and fun environment for everyone. As their motto goes, "Differences are encouraged. Quirks are welcomed." For busy parents, they even offer convenient babysitting services as an add-on to memberships.
Crunch Fitness offers more than just traditional cardio and weight equipment—they feature creative group classes, personal training, and nutrition coaching. Membership plans range from $9.95/month for the basic plan to $29.95/month for the Peak Results plan, which includes perks like guest privileges, group classes, live online workouts, and access to hydromassage, tanning, and Infrared saunas.
The infrared sauna combines the calming effects of a traditional dry sauna with the healing power of red light therapy. Instead of using heated rocks, it generates heat through specific wavelengths of red light, which penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular energy production—resulting in a variety of health benefits.
Red Light Therapy at Club Fitness
Club Fitness started as a local gym in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1983, and has since expanded to over 20 locations across Missouri and Illinois. With a focus on #liftinglocal, it champions inclusivity and accessibility for all members.
Their base membership is priced at $22.99/month, offering access to all locations, group classes, and tanning. For $49.99/month, the platinum membership includes additional perks like discounts on retail items, access to women’s training studios, guest passes, hydromassage, and red light therapy.
For a more balanced option, the premium plan at $29.99/month provides many platinum perks, including red light therapy. Club Fitness’ red light therapy machine is a walk-in capsule with 360-degree red light exposure, delivering benefits in just 10-minute sessions—no vibrating plate required.
But what if your gym doesn’t offer red light therapy, or you prefer working out at home? Is it still possible to enjoy the benefits of red light therapy without access to a fitness center?
The good news is that red light therapy is more accessible than ever, with a wide range of personal devices now available on the market. But the real question is: how worthwhile is it to invest in an at-home device for your health and fitness goals?
What about Personal Red Light Therapy devices?
While red light therapy machines are a fantastic addition to any fitness center, they come with a few inconveniences.
Firstly, access to these machines typically requires purchasing a premium membership, which can quickly add up, especially if you don't use the other perks. Some gyms offer on-demand sessions, but given that red light therapy is most effective when used regularly, the costs can become prohibitively expensive over time.
Secondly, many gyms only have one machine, which means you may face long wait times after your workout. With busy schedules, most people don’t have the luxury to wait an extra 20 minutes for a turn in the infrared sauna.
Third, the rise of at-home workouts has made fitness more accessible than ever, and many fitness enthusiasts may not have the time or desire to visit a gym for red light therapy. Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 has made gyms a less attractive option for some, as concerns about cleanliness and exposure to others can lead to longer wait times for equipment and added risks.
Want Red Light Therapy at Home?
We offer a simple and accessible solution to the challenges of accessing red light therapy. Our devices come in various sizes and price points, making it easy to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a powerful device to cover your entire body in one session, our largest panel offers full-body coverage with impressive strength. For those who need something more compact but equally effective, our half-body option provides portability without compromising on performance.
For localized pain relief or to address skin concerns, our tabletop device is perfect. It’s easy to use while working, reading, or even eating. And for people on the go, our compact, wireless Nano device allows you to take your therapy with you, no matter where life takes you.
The best part about having an at-home device is that your whole family can benefit from it. Plus, with a 3-year warranty, you can enjoy consistent results for years to come.
With our device, you have the flexibility to tailor your fitness routine, whether you prefer a minimalist gym membership or a home-based workout. You get to decide the path that works best for you.
Disclaimer: The information published by Rouge Red Light Therapy is intended to be educational, and is not to be taken as medical advice. We take great care in ensuring the information provided is accurate and sourced from trusted scientific journals and peer-reviewed clinical studies.
Our red light therapy devices are registered with the FDA as class-II medical devices indicated for the relief of muscle spasms, minor muscle and joint aches, as well as pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. However, the use of our devices or the application of any information obtained on this site is at your own risk, and we encourage you to consult your physician or medical professional before beginning red light therapy treatment.