Last Updated on by
I swear I have a story for everything. And this time, it’s about the Total Body Enhancement machine at Planet Fitness.
SO IT ALL BEGAN LAST WEEK. I was scrolling through Instagram stories, because that’s been my favorite distraction lately, despite the fact that I’m somewhat angry with Instagram for shortening users attention spans and therefore ruining the blogging industry.
LONG LIVE WRITTEN WORD!
As I scrolled through the daily IG “story” of an elite endurance athlete I admire, my (short) attention was grabbed by a boomerang video of her in a red light therapy bed. Immediately my mind thought of the “Total Body Enhancement” contraptions at my local Planet Fitness.
Let me back up again. Planet Fitness, as it turns out, is not as horrible of a place as I once imagined it to be. Deep down I still fully support locally owned, small gyms that do not have a “no judgement” double standard, first and foremost. If you have known me for a while, you’ve certainly seen one of my rants over their “lunk” marketing campaigns and the fact that they have a reputation for singling out and shunning fit people; kicking you out if they deem your outfit too “intimidating” and getting rid of squat racks and heavy free weights because only bone-head “lunks” use those. I’ve also snarkily commented over the fact that for years, their headquarters was located right next to a Chuck E. Cheese (we passed it on the way to Portland Maine multiple times per year).
But I’ll be the first to stand up and say, I’m sorry Planet Fitness. I was wrong.
About a year ago I joined the Myrtle Beach PF circuit as a black card member in order to be able to workout with some friends.. And guess what? It’s not bad. In fact, my local gym (Myrtle Beach) is always super clean, the staff is very friendly, and if we’re being honest, the “no judgment zone” extends to all walks of life at this location…including the super fit ladies rocking only tights and a sports bra. The equipment is always functional, and the first Monday of every month?
THEY GIVE YOU FREE PIZZA.
Talk all the smack you want about pizza in a gym, but THIS ultra runner thinks it’s freaking fantastic. There is ZERO shame in my pizza game. All of that, and I can bring my husband (or anyone else for that matter, but he is my favorite) as a “guest” as many times as I want, for $20 a month. I’ll take it.
But I digress. Back to the Total Body Enhancement machine. So this Instagram Elite athlete (it was Amelia Boone) reminded me that with my Planet Fitness black card membership, I get free hydro massages (yay), free tanning (say no to skin cancer) and free use of the Total Body Enhancement machine, which I’ve never bothered setting foot in. I knew it contained red light therapy bulbs, but that was the extent of my knowledge.
But now I was intrigued. If super endurance athlete Amelia uses red light therapy, maybe I should too (gah I’m such a sheep). So I did a little online research.
About the Total Body Enhancement:
The Total Body Enhancement machine is also known as the “Beauty Angel RVT 30“, and it is essentially a booth that uses red light therapy bulbs (non damaging, non UV rays) combined with a vibration plate, to magically enhance you, somehow. What is that supposed to do for you? Well, non scientific, non reputable sources (aka, I googled) came back with the following potential benefits of the Total Body Enhancement:
– Stimulates the release of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) thus giving you more energy before a workout
-Stimulates collagen and elastin production, therefore increasing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles and stretchmarks
-Reduces cellulite
– (brace yourself for this one) Burns tiny holes into your fat cells (?), releasing the fat into your body so you can now burn it off easier (??)
– Stimulates blood flow to the muscles, aiding as an effective warm up before a workout
– Helps reduce inflammation in muscles and joints
Sound too good to be true? Maybe. Probably. But…
I searched for some more reputable sources of the benefits of red light therapy, where I found some scientific and citable claims, such as:
One study aimed to determine the effectiveness of red light therapy for abdominal fat loss. Results found that the combination of 3 different wavelengths of red light therapy was effective for abdominal girth reduction in 100% of subjects. (Montazeri, et al., 2017)
In another study testing the efficacy and safety of red light treatment on wrinkle reduction, groups treated with red and white light-emitting diodes found the wrinkle measurement in skin improved significantly from baseline at Week 12. The red LED group showed slightly better improvement, but there were no statistical differences. (Nam, et al.., 2017)
AND, perhaps my FAVORITE little bit of information this runner stumbled upon:
“Photobiomodulation (the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate, heal, and regenerate damaged tissue) can increase muscle mass gained after training, and decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle biopsies” (Ferraresi, et al., 2016)
As you can see, there may potentially be actual benefits of the Total Body Enhancement machine as an athlete with often sore muscles, a little extra butt cellulite, and stretchmarks. The question, of course, is if the wavelengths used in the studies are the same emitted by the bulbs in the Total Body Enhancement machine. Your guess is as good as mine.
So let’s get to the REVIEW of the Total Body Enhancement:
After doing what every social media savvy athlete does in 2018 (I asked strangers in a Facebook group if they’ve ever used the machine) I decided to give the Total Body Enhancement machine a try myself. After checking in at my local Planet Fitness, the front desk girl assigned me a room for my Total Body Enhancement experience. She gave me zero instruction other than “room 13” and walked away.
I enter room 13 and shut the door behind me. The booth looks similar to the stand up tanning beds I used to use when I was 19 years old, living in cold Vermont, and dreaming of the summer sun. I have NO IDEA how this machine works, and there are NO instructions.
The room was small enough that I couldn’t get a good picture of this contraption, so here’s one I pulled off Yelp:
I read on one review that another user was told by a staff member to get completely naked inside of the machine, but it’s 30 degrees outside and this is Planet Fitness. There’s a lock on the door but…ehh no thanks (says the girl who runs naked 5K’s for fun). I decide taking of my shoes, socks, and tank top will be enough. I’m not given any goggles, nor asked if I had any. I scour the room for warning signs about eye protection and see nothing but a few disclaimers saying that the Total Body Enhancement machine uses NON UV emitting, safe lights. So I step into the chamber, shut the door, and hit what I assume is the start button.
The chamber roars to life and immediately blinds me. But after a few seconds my eyes adjust, and I can see just fine. I’m still not sure if this is safe, but we are all a science (or Darwinian) experiment of one, right? I’ll let you know tomorrow if I wake up blind. The fans overhead are quickly blowing air down on me, some New-Age music that makes me think I should be in a posh wine bar that I cannot afford to be in starts playing from above, and I hear a muffled woman’s voice telling me do to something, but I’m not sure what.
So naturally, I just start pushing buttons.
Again, I have no idea what’s going on or what she’s saying. I hit what I think is a volume button, and nothing changes. The control panel doesn’t give a level reading or anything, but I’m under the impression that there are, indeed, varying levels of…exercise? I’m not even sure what to call it. The vibrating plate under my feet starts off at a light, yet tolerable level.
At some point, maybe three or four minutes in, the muffled ladies voice tells me (I think) that the warm-up portion of my adventure is over, and the vibration plate suddenly goes into overdrive. It’s equal parts hilarious and terrifying, and as such, I go through phases of laughing hysterically and closing my eyes, willing myself to not potentially throw up because I’m being shaken vigorously like a clogged salt shaker. The “mom” in me wonders if all of this jiggling that does indeed come all the way up to my head is good for my brain, the logical “adult” in me remembers that I’m not a newborn infant, and cannot succumb to shaken baby syndrome. So instead my attention is drawn to how much my ass is jiggling (hint: it’s shaking a lot).
Again, hilarious and terrifying.
WILL IT GET RID OF MY CROWS FEET?
Once I get used to the vibrating plate, which, for the record, shifts and changes as it goes to target (and when I say target, I mean jiggle) other parts of your body, I actually quite enjoyed it. When I was able to relax, I could feel how the vibration plate can increase blood flow to your muscles, therefore loosening them up and acting as an effective warm-up. It almost felt like a massage. The red lights were not hot, but they were certainly warm, which was again welcome pre-workout.
Now, Planet Fitness claims the vibrating plate helps work your muscles. While the plate certainly moves A LOT, it doesn’t move in a manner that would throw me off balance, therefore working my glutes, hips, core, etc. So unless you can effectively shake your muscles into shape, you are better off sticking to the weight room.
After twelve minutes, the lady I could barely hear tells me my session was done (I think), the lights turn off, and I step out of the chamber and back into the room, somewhat disheveled and unsure of what the hell just happened.
So I get dressed, emerge from room #13, and go on to complete a killer 90 minute workout.
CONCLUSION:
One session in the Total Body Enhancement isn’t enough to tell you if I’ve had any positive results (for the record, the results I’m hoping for are increased recovery from workouts…but a touch of stretch mark diminishing wouldn’t hurt). But I will tell you that, if nothing else, my Total Body Enhancement experience was wildly entertaining…and warm. I really loved the warm. And therefore, I’m going to use it again.
I’m bringing sunglasses next time.
*Disclaimer: Planet Fitness is in no way affiliated with this review. I am a paying customer who decided she felt like writing about her experience in this machine. All thoughts and experiences are my own. Use the Total Body Enhancement machine at your own risk.
2 month update follow up post: CLICK HERE
Wendy says
I’m thinking I need to join PF just to use the TBE machine! Seriously, your review gave me a much needed chuckle! Let me know how things progress.
Sharon Corona says
Me too! I loved the review :))
John Flynn says
That sounds fantastic. And exactly what I’d expect from a PF experience
Joyce Doherty says
Thanks so much for your written word. I just joined PF and the 12 year old working the front desk seemed scared that I asked her about it and suddenly needed to stock the locker room( excuse me ma’am). So I had to Google to stay informed. Any possible shortcut works in my book. I, too, was willing to admit that I was wrong about PF until she called me ma’am. You are a great writer. Keep up the good work.
Heather says
Thank you, Joyce!
Kelly McDonald says
I’m looking forward to a review in a few weeks after you’ve used it for a while!
Sarah says
So- this just happened to me- lol. I did see the sign when I was leaving to “always use protective eye wear.” But now I’m trying to figure out if it works fully dressed? Any luck finding out what you should wear? Shock-absorbing foot wear? I did see there were straps that I can use that hang from the ceiling- for balance. Once you hit level 4- there’s no going back!
kimwein says
Too funny! I had almost the very same experience today. Joined PF last week and ventured in to check it out. Instructions at the front desk were no better, but when I got out another desk girl said not to lock my knees. Good to know I should use before my workout. I did it at the end not knowing what the hell I was doing. LOL
Norela D Flucard says
My experience was different the worker helped show me how to use the machine I have always had help immediately when needed for all machines I love this place, since I have always been a gym failure a lot do to lack of help when needed at other gyms. I don’t k ow if the total body enhancer works but I use it anyhow only time will tell.
Torie Jones says
any new progress on this machine?
Heather says
Hi Torie! Just published an update: https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/2018/02/totalbodyenhancementreview/
Amy says
It’s been a little while from your review. Have you had any updates about the machine?
Heather says
Hi Amy! Published fresh today: https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/2018/02/totalbodyenhancementreview/
Ruby says
Awesome review!! I’m glad I’m not the only one that struggled. I watched some videos on YouTube before I tried the machine….none of them actually showed the programming start to finish. I’ve had different things happen every time I’ve used the machine. I did find out that that the gold stickers are Wink-Ease, which are folded into a cone and placed over your eyes (you can see through them); then you throw them away when you’re done. Planet Fitness definitely needs to put a cheat sheet in the TBE room!
Edith Dalton says
I do agree with you there were no instructions also the staff didn’t offer any one did tell me I didn’t need any clothes on. I went into the room there was no instructions on the wall in the machine was the remote control attach to the wall. I went back outside ask for an attendant to help me to understand how to use it, he is playing the remote control on the wall at my age 59 I didn’t quite get it. I went back outside got him again he came in explained it again, so I said okay I’ve got it. He left I got undressed I did have my glasses from the tanning bed that I used to use I put them on then I couldn’t see the remote control on the wall the lights we’re already on I started mashing buttons nothing never started vibrating all I felt where the Hot Lights. But two days later I was sore all over will I try it again I don’t know. If I could feel the vibration and my feet move and enjoy it I might understand it better. Someone needs to go in there and show me exactly how to do it.
Heather says
Yes, I agree…more instructions would be helpful!
Thomas V. Sawyer says
You’re supposed to use goggles. they sell them in the vending machine for five bucks. It can do permanent eye damage. Yea, staff are very nice, but they don’t really tell you anything.
Heather says
If you read the fine print ON the machine (not from Planet Fitness, but the actual warnings on the machine) it reiterates that the machine does not use UV rays, and therefore is NOT detrimental to vision. However, it is suggested if you are sensitive to light, then you can use them. Side note: our Planet Fitness doesn’t have a vending machine.
Baylie Draper says
I recently joined about a week ago with my best friend. She works night shift and I work swing so we go together on her days off (mon tues), I relax on my days off (wed thurs) and the other days I go and work out by myself after work. I started using the TBE after reading a few reviews on it. The first time I used it was several hours after her and I worked out together, my fiance and I returned because i was unable to sleep and wanted to check it out, I wore a bathing suit and got in there wearing only that. The first time I went, the staff working asked me if I have ever used it before and told me I had to have the special eye wear. So I bought a purple set of Peepers for $5.50. I then went in and messed around with the settings so I became familiar with them, I could hear the voice of the prompter very well thankfully as I read in your review you couldn’t understand her. After messing with the settings for a bit it started. I had it on vibrashake one which is for relaxation, and to relax your joints and muscles after a work out, it definitely helped me relax and I was able to get to sleep right when I got home. The next day that I used it I got it to vibrashake setting 2, which is meant for pre work out and helps as it states in your review about the pros of the TBE. This time I only took off my shoes, still wearing my socks, yoga pants, and a tshirt. Every time i have gone to my PF location the staff had asked me to show them my eye ware as they are expected to upon asking for a tbe. Anyway, that is just my personal review of the TBE. I love it.
Heather says
Thanks for sharing your review, Baylie! I’m glad your PF staff seems to be on top of safety. Ours never says anything! I’m still not sure if eyewear is 100% necessary in these machines. Going to dig a little deeper…
liz kerr says
But from what i got from reading about this machine… it says its not going to do much in results if youre already “fit” -that it would keep the tone and then benefits of lights
christine hill says
I’ve been reading all the positive things about the therapy light at Planet Fitness, but i’ll let you know what happened to me last week. I had checked with my pharmacy to make sure that I wasn’t on any thing that could make me to be sensitive to the light and I wasn’t. When my sister and I was shown how to use it they had a guy that was training and he had no clue. He told us we could look at the light but it might make us see green spots when we got out but then he wasn’t sure how to turn it on so someone else had to show us. We were told no way this could ever burn you so on and so forth. Well I had my third session with no problems with my first two and when I came home I had burning skin on every part of me that hadn’t been covered. I was only in there 12 minutes which is the max you can be in there. I didn’t look red but I was really hurting. I went on line and started making some phone calls. That’s when I found out there was to kinds of led light therapy. There is infrared light and LED light. Unfortunately PF bulbs are Infrared bulbs and they can cause thermal burns. I ended up calling the distributor of equipment and after getting the run around I finally got him to admit that that was what the bulbs were that is why they get warm LED bulbs do not get warm. I also have had very dry and irritated eyes since then and the website I found on line that was very informative said do not get in without eye protection with infrared lights’ This Is now a week later and I sill have a lot of pain and I don’t know if I will use it again or not because not knowing why I burnt I don’t know how to prevent it. I also know that this kind of burn will not cause cancer like sunburn but the article said will reduce the skin cells’ ability to repair DNA efficiently. If anyone is interested the website I was on was http://www.oglf.org/red-light-therapy-side-effects/
Heather says
OUCH. Christine I’m sorry that happened, that sounds painful! I hope you are feeling better. Thank you for sharing your story and this information!
Miranda says
Loved this review. Thanks so much for posting. My PF had me get the goggles they use in tanning beds, but otherwise very little instruction. Finally had one of the staff go in with me yesterday to show me how to get the shaker plate turned on. After watching her, I think I’m about to get that contraption figured out. I haven’t been able to find, definitively, if I need clothes on or off. Always use it after the workout as my happy place, but may try using it before now.
Rochelle Duplessis says
I am 56 years old; therefore, embarrassingly live with a “touchy” bladder. I laughed so hard I nearly, thankfully, wet my pants from laughing so hard. I stumbled upon your follow-up first, then stumbling again low and behold found this initial review. I wish I could claim I lmao but sadly, it’s still there. I joined pf last June and failthfully have gone at least 5 days a week. Honestly, the Hhydromassage was the selling force for me! I’m getting old and have become skeptical over just about anything that isn’t in natural form. I finally braved enough to ask for more information. We have a great pf in Southern MD and I got lucky to be assisted by an informative young girl. I still didn’t know what to do as I was encouragingly sent on my way. After the first time I just stood afterwards thinking “well that was interesting”. Since I’ve joined the 21st century and my first thought is always “Google it” or go to YouTube, I found visual directions, yeah! Thank you everyone one who uploads “how to” do this, that and that other thing! Now, that I use it 2x a week, I find myself refreshed. I’m sure our brain waves are being messed with but I figure I’m nearly 60, I’ll be gone by the time they realize it was unhealthy..I was actually thinking that tonight inside The Tube. I will do anything reasonable to help lose abdominal fat! I have noticed, in combination with drinking infused water, I have scars that are decreasing and a deep bruise of 3 years is actually healing. I suffer with insomnia and am relaxed for bed, too. The only downfall is if a fit of internal compustion hits, aka…menopause, the warmth can stretch 12 minutes into 12 days. I’ve not noticed significant abdominal loss but it’s only been a couple of weeks. It is a good feeling machine for many reasons, I’ll take it!
Kim says
This was a great read! I experienced the same hilarious therapy as well, only mine was in room #11 and I used it after I worked out which I will not do again after reading this amazing review!
AnGS says
But does it help with muscle soreness?
Donna Biggs says
Ha! I just used it this morning. I also received zero instruction on how to use it. I didn’t know you’re supposed to get naked!!! I even kept my shoes on! I was thinking, as I could literally see my cheeks bouncing in front of my eyes, that maybe I should have taken my shoes off, but wouldn’t even consider taking my bra off as I could get hurt! I also noticed that my legs looked blotchy afterwards…. Would I try this again? Heck, YES! I think I might take off my shoes and top, but NOT my bra! lol
Sandy says
I used it several times, no red light at all just a bright white light. So is it truly red light treatment? I asked they’re very vague about it and Absolutely know nothing about the machine.
Justine VB says
I tried it for the first time yesterday and I went through exactly the same thing you did I love the part where you said how it started to vibrate that’s exactly how I felt man you made me laugh so hard
Brilliant Brittany says
Omg! This is the same reaction I had. I just stepped out of it and now I’m in the massage chair. I didn’t receive any thorough instructions and was completely lost. And since I’m black and never been in a tanning bed, I was scared shitless! This Post was so funny because I was thinking the same as you. Thanks again for this entertaining review. I will be trying it again though. It wasn’t that bad. And if it claims I can lose more fat cells, I’m going to continue. Lol thanks again!
Daniela Buri says
Hilarious, I just signed up and wanting to try it, thanks for the heads up and the giggles, I will see if I notice progress, was told to use it ideally 3 times a week
Sumiya 8888 says
I have been using the Total Body Enhancer for a year now, I use it in increments of 90 day/ 3 x per week. I did my research before trying it out, the ling list of health benefits caught my eye, at 55 I needed all I could get. I have been athletic from childhood to present …with 4 brothers, 4 sons, and 4 grandsons…I have to keep up. I have also suffered a total body injury including a closed head injury that healed rapidly with the infrared therapy, having a total spinal injury, both rotator cuffs, right hip, and knee (work injury) …I took a chance out of desperation after resting my back for one year before using the vibraplate. I go in, do squats so the light gets into hip flexors, knees, lumbar area, the heat feels absolutely magical and the results of one session is long lasting. My neurosurgeon and orthopedist are impressed with how quickly I have healed without a cane or walker, I was told to pick out a hover chair and prepare for 25,000.00 worth of rods and screws in my spine. I’m back, 90% without restrictions. I no longer play rugby, keep it simple with Tai chi , cycling, and fencing (for now). PF now offers a small line of facial and body lotions to help with scars, wrinkles ( I had a few), and over all toning, the first week I noticed a difference in the firmness of my upper body and face….50% improvement in 3 weeks. Also helps with mood. I use it before workouts in the winter and after during warmer months as I tend to push harder then, I can say that my recovery is instant. I use the Total Body in combination with total body cryotherapy, including facial. A considerable amount of unwanted abdominal fat is pulverized, frozen, and flushed out in 4 days, it doesn’t happen overnight…you will see results in a couple of weeks. I hope that I have inspired a few more ladies to try out Total Body and not opt for medication and surgery unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Not advertising…just my experience.
Lori says
You won’t get the results unless you do it asked. The light actually needs to hit your skin. After a time or two the controls are easy. I recommend reading the how to posted on the wall first.
Tara says
This made me laugh out loud- I had almost exactly the same experience my first time!! They really should teach us how to use the machines, and the posters with directions on the wall were not helpful at all. Thanks for the information!!
Pam says
Thanks for the entertaining review of this mystery machine I’ve been wondering about! I literally LOLd at the shaken baby syndrome bit. I think I’ll just stick with the lovely hydro massage for now unless i find myself with a lot of extra time on my hands someday!
Tracy Kerckaert Ortman says
I just tried this last night. Nothing! As you referenced – no instruction at all by the staff. In fact, my lights were all white – not red. No movement at all except for me dancing to my own music. Clearly I need to get instructions and staff help. Thanks for your input.
Diane Yvon Zarlingo says
This was a hiliarous and honest review because I felt the exact same way! I have used it 3 times now hoping my eyeballs aren’t being burned out . I did see in small print on the door to wear protective eye wear but wasn’t offered any and it said 2-3 times a week but I went 3 days in a two. I’m going to use goggle or glasses next time. I have no idea if it’s actually doing anything but at 49 if just standing in some vibrating light machine for 12 mins could help with cell hotline, skin and collagen boost then I’ll keep trying it! Also about PF super love the hydro massage and super hate no toilet seat covers in the restrooms. Overall very much worth the price.
Sarah says
Very entertaining review!! 🙂
Theresa Pelzer says
I have used the TBE machine for a couple weeks twice a week and I’m not sure it is doing anything for me but I feel amazing after. Best settings are the highest 9 for fan and 4 for vibration.
lulamaeprincess says
I’m a Planet Fitness member, and I read your review. So, I just had to try out this new machine!
I’m a Lyft driver, and a Planet Fitness black card member, so I can go to any Planet Fitness and do, sometimes to work out, sometimes just for a potty stop. When I do go to PF, the HydroMassage beds or my go to!
Will the other day I tried out the TBE and it was amazing! Afterwards I felt invigorated, energized and I had an over good feeling!
I got something else that I did even expect – a coregasm!
You’ve heard of those. You’re doing abdominal work at all the sudden you start to feel this feeling it starts to grow and tingle, and next thing you know bam!
Well, I didn’t get all the way to “bam” but I was on that coregasm plateau and feeling really good!
Now, my go to @ PF after driving Lyft for a while is the TBE! I better make sure I have some extra panties…:)
Tash says
I had the same exact experience. WTH?!
Jody Mitchell says
I LOVED this article so very much! This was me in a nutshell!!!! I love PF but a tutorial on the machine would be awesome. I experienced the same thing you did. NO INSTRUCTIONS so I jumped in and had no idea what just happened . I thought I may be on a prank show or something. I’m going to ask for play by play instructions next week and see what happens. Thanks for sharing your experience. You aren’t alone!
sue says
I am 66 tears old and have been using TBE 4 times a week since January. I was a secretary in a large corporation for 40 years, and retired last year . Every time I run into someone from work, they all say the same thing. Wow, what are you doing to look so young? I finally realized that it was the TBE . My skin is firmer and some of the blemished have vanished. I don’t have the soreness after workouts and I have more energy after using the TBE machine. You may laugh at the machine, but it works and I love it. You can’t expect to see results after only a few tries. My results were noticed by others without me even being aware of what was happening.
Justin Pearman says
Whole body vibration shakes up microbiome, reduces inflammation in diabetes – Aug 5, 2019
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-08/mcog-wbv080219.php