Planet Fitness Total Body Enhancement – Full Guide
Planet Fitness Total Body Enhancement is one of the most talked-about perks included with a Black Card membership. It combines red light therapy and whole-body vibration in a single booth session.
If you’ve seen the tall, purple machine at your local Planet Fitness and wondered what it actually does, let me tell you everything you need to know before stepping inside.
Key Highlights
- Total Body Enhancement is free for Black Card members and uses red light therapy paired with a vibration platform.
- Sessions last 12 minutes and can be done before or after your workout for potential skin, recovery, and mood benefits.
- The machine is manufactured by Beauty Angel, and results vary from person to person based on consistency and expectations.
What Is Planet Fitness Total Body Enhancement?
Total Body Enhancement is a booth-style machine available at most Planet Fitness locations. It’s officially called the Beauty Angel RVT 30, made by a German company called Beauty Angel. The system pairs non-UV red light therapy with a vibrating platform you stand on during the session.
Process
The red light operates in the 600–700 nanometer wavelength range. This is sometimes referred to as photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. The vibration plate beneath your feet produces gentle oscillations meant to engage muscles passively. Together, these two technologies aim to support skin health, circulation, and post-workout recovery.
Planet Fitness markets the machine as part of its Black Card spa perks, alongside hydromassage beds and massage chairs. It is not a tanning booth and does not emit ultraviolet light.
How the Machine Works
Red Light Therapy Component
The booth surrounds your body with red and near-infrared light. This type of light penetrates the skin at a shallow depth and is believed to stimulate cellular energy production. Specifically, it may boost activity in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside your cells.
Research published in journals like Photomedicine and Laser Surgery has shown that red light therapy can support collagen production, reduce minor inflammation, and improve skin tone over time.
That said, most clinical studies use medical-grade devices with higher power output than what a commercial booth delivers.
Vibration Platform
The base of the booth vibrates at a controlled frequency while you stand on it. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been studied for its effects on muscle activation, bone density, and circulation. The vibrations cause your muscles to contract and relax rapidly, similar to a very mild workout stimulus.
You can adjust the vibration intensity using the control panel inside the booth. Some people keep it on a low setting for comfort, while others turn it up to feel more engagement in their legs and core.
Who Can Use It?
Total Body Enhancement is available exclusively to Planet Fitness Black Card members. The standard Classic membership does not include access. The Black Card membership typically costs around $24.99 per month, though pricing may vary slightly by location.
You don’t need to book an appointment at most locations. The booth works on a first-come, first-served basis. A few busier gyms may have sign-up sheets during peak hours.
Planet Fitness recommends that certain people avoid the booth. It includes:
✦ Pregnant women
✦ Individuals with photosensitivity disorders
✦ Those on medications that increase light sensitivity
✦ Anyone with a history of seizures should consult a doctor before using it.
➤ There’s a full list of precautions posted near the machine at most clubs.
How to Use the Total Body Enhancement Booth
Using the machine is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of a typical session:
Check in at the front desk or simply walk to the booth area if your gym allows direct access.
- Step inside the booth and close the door behind you. Most people wear minimal clothing to maximize skin exposure, though gym clothes are fine too.
- Use the touchscreen or button panel to select your vibration intensity level (usually a scale from 1 to 10).
- Press start. The session runs for 12 minutes automatically.
- Stand comfortably on the vibration plate. You can shift your stance, do light stretches, or simply stand still.
- When the session ends, the lights and vibration turn off. Exit the booth and wipe it down for the next person.
Wearing eye protection is not required by Planet Fitness, but some users prefer it since the red light can feel bright. The light is non-UV, so it won’t damage your skin the way a tanning bed could.
Planet Fitness Total Body Enhancement Benefits
The potential benefits come from the combination of red light exposure and whole-body vibration. Here’s what users and some research suggest:
Skin Health
Red light therapy has the most evidence behind its effects on skin.
Consistent exposure may help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and support a more even complexion.
A 2014 study in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that participants who used red light therapy showed measurable improvements in skin complexion and collagen density.
Muscle Recovery
Many gym-goers use the booth right after a workout. Red light may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and support faster recovery between training sessions.
The vibration component adds gentle passive muscle stimulation, which could help with blood flow to tired muscles.
Mood and Energy
Some users report feeling more energized or relaxed after a session. While this is largely anecdotal, there is some science behind light exposure influencing mood-regulating hormones.
The warmth and quiet environment of the booth also provide a brief mental break from a loud gym floor.
Circulation
Both red light and vibration therapy have been individually studied for their effects on blood circulation.
Improved circulation can support nutrient delivery to muscles and skin, which ties back into the recovery and skin benefits mentioned above.
Limitations and Realistic Expectations
It’s important to be honest about what this machine can and cannot do.
✦ Total Body Enhancement is not a weight loss tool. It will not burn significant calories, melt fat, or replace actual exercise.
✦ The red-light therapy in the Beauty Angel booth operates at a lower intensity than clinical-grade devices used in dermatology offices or research settings. This means results, especially for skin improvement, may take longer to notice and may be more subtle.
✦ Vibration platforms have real science behind them, but the effects from a 12-minute standing session are modest. They should not be considered a substitute for strength training or cardio.
✦ Consistency matters. Using the booth once or twice will not produce noticeable changes. Most people who report benefits say they used it regularly, at least 3 to 4 times per week, over several weeks.
Best Time to Use Total Body Enhancement
There’s no single correct time. It depends on your goals and schedule.
- Some people use it as a warm-up, before the workout. The vibration plate activates muscles gently, and the light may help increase blood flow before lifting or cardio.
- After a workout is the most popular choice. The red light and vibration may aid in recovery and help you wind down after intense training.
- Using the booth on non-training days is perfectly fine and may support recovery without adding physical stress.
Read more at: Planet Fitness Hours. What Time Does Planet Fitness Open and Close?
How Often Should You Use It?
Planet Fitness allows one session per gym visit.
Most users who report noticeable results aim for 3 to 5 sessions per week. Since each session is only 12 minutes, it’s easy to fit into a regular gym routine.
There are no known risks from daily use at this intensity level. However, if you experience any skin irritation, headaches, or discomfort, reduce your frequency and consult a healthcare provider.
Total Body Enhancement vs. Tanning Beds
This is a common point of confusion. The Total Body Enhancement booth looks similar to a stand-up tanning bed, but the technology is completely different.
Tanning Beds
- Tanning beds use ultraviolet (UV) light, which darkens the skin and carries known risks including premature aging and skin cancer.
Total Body Enhancement
- The Beauty Angel booth uses red and near-infrared light, which does not tan the skin and is considered safe for regular use at the intensities provided.
If you’re looking for a tan, this booth won’t deliver one. If you want potential recovery and skin health benefits without UV exposure, the Total Body Enhancement machine is the better option.
Cost Breakdown
There is no additional fee to use Total Body Enhancement beyond the Black Card membership. Here’s a quick look at the cost structure:
- Classic Membership: Around $15/month. Does not include booth access.
- Black Card Membership: Around $24.99/month. Includes booth access, hydromassage, guest privileges, and other perks.
The price difference between the two Planet Fitness memberships is roughly $15/month. If you plan to use the booth, hydromassage, and other Black Card benefits regularly, the upgrade often makes financial sense. You can check current pricing at your nearest location on the website.
Common Questions
Do You Wear Clothes in the Booth?
You can wear whatever you’re comfortable in. Less clothing means more skin exposure to the red light, which could maximize its effects. Many people wear just shorts or a sports bra. Others stay in full gym clothes. There’s no requirement either way.
Is It Safe for All Skin Types?
Red light therapy is generally considered safe across all skin types and tones because it does not use UV radiation. People with extremely sensitive skin or active skin conditions should check with a dermatologist first.
Can You Use It if You Have Tattoos?
Yes. Red light does not damage or fade tattoos. The wavelength used in the booth is different from the UV light that can cause tattoo fading over time.
Will It Help With Weight Loss?
Not directly. There is no strong evidence that red light therapy or whole-body vibration at this intensity leads to meaningful fat loss. It may support your overall wellness routine, but it should never be treated as a shortcut.
My Suggestions
If you already have a Black Card membership, there’s almost no reason not to try it. The booth is included in your membership at no extra cost, sessions are quick, and the risk of negative side effects is extremely low.
For people specifically considering upgrading from a Classic membership just for booth access, the answer depends on how much you value the combined Black Card perks. The Total Body Enhancement booth alone may not justify the upgrade for everyone. But when you add in hydromassage, guest access, and use of any Planet Fitness location, the value adds up.
The most satisfied users tend to be those with realistic expectations. They see it as a supplement to a consistent workout routine, not a miracle machine.
