Joovvin' with UFC Champion Chris Weidman

Joovv recently sat down with UFC fighter and former Middleweight Champion, Chris Weidman. Chris has made a successful career in the Octagon for over a decade, which takes nonstop hard work and drive in the gym, but also the ability to recover after grueling fights. Chris is no stranger to injuries and strain, and he’s tried lots of treatment modalities over the years.

What works for Chris? What does he think about red light therapy? Check out the interview below to get the full story on training and recovery from former UFC champ Chris Weidman. You can also check out UFC champ Anthony Pettis talking about why he uses Joovv red light therapy.

Joovv: How did you hear about red light therapy? What were your initial thoughts before trying it? What made you give it a try?

Chris Weidman: I first heard about red light therapy a few years ago. I had heard about some clinical trials taking place with light technology. I’ve always taken an interest in state of the art recovery, and new technology, but I didn’t give it much thought at the time. I gave it a try for myself after hearing about other UFC athletes using red and near infrared light.

Joovv: You’ve recently been recovering from surgery and have been using the Joovv Elite to help with your rehab and recovery. What kind of benefits have you noticed?

Chris: There are so many factors that are important to optimizing recovery. I can say that I definitely have noticed overall well-being after using the Joovv for some time. In addition, I like to think that it’s been beneficial in keeping muscle and joint inflammation down after my tough training sessions.

Joovv: As a pro athlete, you’ve been exposed to lots of different recovery modalities. How effective do you think Joovv is for recovery, and how does it compare to other techniques you’ve seen?

Chris: I don’t think there is any one-size-fits-all to recovery. Throughout my career, I’ve utilized all kinds of tools to recover from training sessions and to keep my body operating at peak performance. At the end of the day, light therapy is another tool in that toolbox. And if it helps me sleep, recover, and feel better overall, it’s a valuable resource to me.

One of the things I really like about Joovv is the simplicity of it. Some other recovery techniques like an ice bath, or a sauna, require a lot more prep. So it’s great to have another tool for my recovery, especially one that I can benefit from by just flipping a switch and relaxing.

Joovv: Have you seen a difference in your sleep?

Chris: When I am able to use the Joovv before bed, I notice I fall into a much deeper sleep. There have been times I actually woke up in the exact same position I fell asleep in. I think sleep is extremely important to recovery, and even using the Joovv for 10 minutes before bed, helps me feel like I’ve gotten a more restful, and deeper sleep.

Joovv: What has been your daily routine with light therapy treatments?

Chris: I have primarily used the Joovv first thing in the morning, and after my training sessions. I wake up very early each day and Joovvin’ in the morning gives me a feeling of well-being and gets my day started. I try to do at least 15 minutes, three times per week at the very minimum.

But one of the best parts of the Joovv system, like I mentioned before, is how simple it is to turn on and utilize. All you have to do is stand in front of the device. Because of this, I find it a lot easier to work into my busy schedule with my family, training, and other obligations.

Joovv: Now that you’re using light therapy, do you think about light any differently? Are you more aware of artificial blue light? (e.g cell phones, computers etc)

Chris: I’m very conscious of artificial blue light. I’ve seen multiple studies and sources explaining how detrimental blue light can be to a good night’s sleep. I personally try to stay away from any type of computer, TV, or phone screen at least an hour before I go to bed. I try to always sleep in a very dark room.

Joovv: Would you recommend light therapy to other UFC fighters or athletes in general?

Chris: Yes, definitely. Like I mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all to recovery. The more options you have available, the more likely it is you can find what works for you. I do think that red light therapy is an underutilized technology, and any athlete could benefit from it.

You can see more elite pro athletes who train with Joovv here, or learn more about the science behind light therapy as a natural performance-enhancing tool here.