If you’re a Planet Fitness member or have walked past one of their gyms, you may have noticed a curious feature listed among their amenities: Total Body Enhancement. It sounds vague on purpose, almost like a mystery box of fitness perks. So what is Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness, exactly, and is it worth using?
The Basic Explanation
Total Body Enhancement, often abbreviated as TBE, is essentially a standalone booth that combines red light therapy with a form of spray tanning-like technology. Unlike traditional UV tanning beds, which use ultraviolet light to darken the skin, the TBE booth at Planet Fitness uses red light technology along with a specialized lotion to create a temporary bronzing effect on the skin, without the use of harmful UV rays.
This amenity is exclusive to Planet Fitness’s Black Card membership tier, which offers a range of extra perks beyond the basic gym membership, including access to massage chairs, HydroMassage beds, and unlimited guest privileges.
How the TBE Booth Works
When you step into the Total Body Enhancement booth, the process generally works like this:
- You apply (or the booth applies) a specialized bronzing solution to your skin.
- The booth uses red and infrared light therapy, which is marketed as helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite, improve skin tone, and promote a temporary glow.
- The session typically lasts a few minutes, after which the bronzing effect develops over the following hours, similar to how a spray tan develops.
The red light therapy aspect is based on a broader wellness trend, as red light therapy has been studied for potential benefits like supporting skin health, reducing inflammation, and aiding in muscle recovery, though the specific claims made by individual TBE booths should be taken with some skepticism, as marketing claims often outpace the depth of scientific evidence for at-home or gym-based devices.
Is It the Same as Tanning?
This is one of the more common points of confusion. Total Body Enhancement is not the same as traditional tanning, which uses UV exposure to stimulate melanin production in the skin (this is why traditional tanning carries skin cancer risks with overuse). TBE instead relies on a bronzing solution combined with red light exposure, meaning it doesn’t carry the same UV-related risks as traditional tanning beds.
That said, TBE is generally meant to provide a temporary cosmetic glow rather than a long-lasting tan, and results can vary significantly from person to person depending on skin type and how the solution is applied.
Who Might Want to Use It?
Total Body Enhancement might appeal to people who:
- Want a temporary bronzed look without UV exposure
- Are curious about red light therapy as part of their overall wellness routine
- Already have a Black Card membership and want to make use of included perks
- Prefer a quick, low-effort option compared to traditional spray tanning services
Who Might Want to Skip It
On the other hand, TBE may not be ideal for everyone. People with sensitive skin, certain skin conditions, or known allergies to bronzing solutions should be cautious and consider patch-testing or consulting a dermatologist first. Additionally, anyone looking specifically for proven, clinically backed red light therapy for things like pain management or skin conditions might want to research dedicated red light therapy devices, since gym-based amenities are generally designed as a casual perk rather than a medical-grade treatment.
Cost and Accessibility
Total Body Enhancement is included with the Planet Fitness Black Card membership at no additional charge, making it a relatively low-cost way to try the experience compared to standalone spray tanning or red light therapy services, which can often cost $20 to $50 or more per session elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness is essentially a combination of a UV-free bronzing treatment and red light therapy, available as a perk for Black Card members. While it offers a fun, accessible way to experiment with a temporary glow, it’s best approached as a casual wellness amenity rather than a clinically proven treatment, and individual results will vary.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or skincare advice. Always check with a dermatologist if you have skin sensitivities or concerns before trying new skincare or wellness treatments.