Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy or infrared training, has gained attention in the fitness community for its potential benefits in improving workouts and aiding in recovery. Here's a breakdown of the benefits at different stages of a workout.

Red Light Therapy Pre-Workout:

  • Improved Performance: Red light therapy, just five minutes before a workout, can enhance performance.

  • Decreased Oxidative Stress: Red light stimulates mitochondria, reducing oxidative stress and promoting a more efficient workout.

  • Reduced Fatigue: By optimizing mitochondrial function, red light therapy may help reduce fatigue during exercise.

  • Shortened Recovery Time: Athletes using pre-workout red light therapy have reported shorter post-exercise recovery times.

  • Less Muscle Damage: Red light therapy contributes to less muscle damage during intense workouts.

  • Weight Loss: Some studies suggest that red light therapy may contribute to weight loss.

Red Light Therapy During Workout:

  • Increased Performance: Limited research suggests that exposing oneself to red light during a workout may enhance performance and reduce fatigue.

Red Light Therapy Post-Workout:

  • Reduced Inflammation: Applying red light therapy post-workout helps reduce inflammation and muscle damage.

  • Faster Muscle Recovery: Red light therapy supports cellular respiration, speeding up muscle recovery.

  • Collagen Production: Stimulates collagen production, aiding in the healing of injuries and promoting quicker recovery.

  • Improved Endurance: Athletes using red light therapy post-workout report increased endurance and better results.

Other Positive Effects of Red Light Therapy:

  • Improved Circulation: Red light therapy enhances blood flow, contributing to better circulation.

  • Increased Energy: Stimulates mitochondria to produce more ATP, boosting cellular energy.

  • Collagen Production: Affects collagen production, not only aiding recovery but also benefiting the skin.

  • Reduced Cortisol Production: Red light therapy reduces the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Using Red Light Therapy in Workouts:

  • Equipment: Red light therapy can be applied through various sources, including full-body red-light therapy in fitness centers, red light masks, lamps, lightboxes, or panels.

  • Exposure Time: Exposure for 5-20 minutes before, during, and after a workout is recommended.

  • Frequency: Some athletes report immediate results, but long-term gains are typically realized over weeks.

  • Professional Guidance: It is advisable to seek guidance from healthcare professionals, such as doctors, before incorporating red light therapy into your routine.

Red Light Therapy Workout FAQ:

  • Definition: Red light therapy involves the use of red-light wavelength lights or bulbs, known for its positive effects on workout performance and recovery.

  • Near Infrared vs. Red Light: Near infrared light penetrates below the top layers of the skin (810-850 nm), while red light tends to penetrate the top layers (620-750 nm).

  • Improvement in Workouts: Red light therapy has been proven in studies to increase performance, reduce recovery time, and provide various other benefits.

  • Effects on the Body: Red light therapy reduces injury, oxidative stress, and recovery times, while boosting performance, circulation, collagen production, and cellular energy.