A well-rounded fitness journey embraces more than the sweat and burn of a good workout. It involves understanding and practicing the art of recovery.
A growing number of people are adding the potential healing powers of light therapy — specifically red light therapy (RLT) — to their workout and wellness routine. Light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, is making waves for its ability to help reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness, and speed up recovery time. By exposing the body to lightwaves, red light dives deep beneath the skin to help kickstart the recovery process.
Keep reading to discover how red light therapy may be an effective tool for better fitness outcomes.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is an LED treatment that helps boost the body’s healing process. According to Cleveland Clinic, you may see red light therapy referred to by several different names:
- Low-level laser light therapy
- Low-power laser therapy
- Non-thermal LED light
- Soft laser therapy
- Cold laser therapy
- Biostimulation
- Photonic stimulation
- Photobiomodulation
- Phototherapy
The benefits of red light therapy
Recovery is a truly vital part of the fitness journey. It allows your mind and body to refresh and rejuvenate — important for taking on more challenges in and out of the gym. Red light therapy as a recovery tool has several benefits.
Muscle recovery
After a workout, your muscles start restoring themselves, which leads to inflammation and post-exercise muscle soreness. Red light therapy supports muscle recovery, reduced soreness, and less inflammation through increased blood flow and supplying muscles with fresh blood and oxygen. This can mean faster recovery times with less soreness after a workout.
Improved joint movement
Because red light therapy can work wonders in easing inflammation and discomfort, it can help make it easier to move joints.
Skin rejuvenation
Similar to muscle recovery, red light therapy can also promote healthier skin, improved complexion, and increased production of collagen — the protein that keeps our skin looking youthful.
Enhanced mental well-being
Taking time to relax and rejuvenate after a workout — for example, under the gentle glow of red light — can help strengthen the mind-body connection, fostering mental and physical recovery. Setting aside time for rest and recovery through regular sessions of red light therapy can give your mind and nervous system a much-needed break.
Is red light therapy safe?
Red light therapy has shown to be gentle and non-invasive. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which can lead to cancer from excessive sun exposure or tanning beds, red light therapy steers clear of those harmful rays.
The power of red light therapy lies in its ability to reach deep into muscle tissues and skin layers. The light waves stimulate mitochondria — often referred to as the powerhouse of our cells — enhancing their ability to produce energy. This energy boost can promote tissue restoration and regeneration, making it an effective tool for fitness recovery.
What happens during a red light therapy session at Anytime Fitness?
Red light therapy sessions take place in a private room, where you’ll either lie in a bed or stand in front of panels for 15 to 20 minutes. You can undress or not — entirely up to you. It’s important that your skin be dry, clean, and clear of skincare products. And because the lights are so bright, we recommend goggles or eye coverings.
How often should I do red light therapy?
Consistency is key to seeing good results. We suggest starting with 3 times per week for the first month and then 2 to 3 times a week following the first month. Although we have heard of positive changes occurring in the first month, expect positive changes in 10 to 12 weeks. Make red light therapy a part of your fitness routine for feeling your best.
Ready to glow?
Our commitment at Anytime Fitness goes beyond just offering you a place to work out. We strive to be your partner in health and wellness, supporting not only your physical achievements but also your holistic well-being. Through services like red light therapy, we help equip you with all the tools necessary to live a healthier, happier life.
Talk to the staff at your local Anytime Fitness to learn more about red light therapy options.
