“Viewing red lights at a distance of about 18 inches or so in the morning for people who are over 40…that can offset some of the age-related reductions in mitochondrial function and vision loss,” says Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman.

According to him, just 5–10 minutes of red-light exposure each morning can elevate energy levels and sharpen focus, a routine that bodybuilding icon Chris Bumstead seems to embrace more than most.

Recently, the six-time Mr. Olympia dropped a video on his YouTube handle where he answered why he uses red light to wake his body in the morning, “Red light is supposed to be like simulating like a sunrise. When there's no sun inside, or you're up before the sun, getting hit with red light is supposed to naturally wake your body up a lot more efficiently”

Chris explains that since blue light is not very effective at waking the body, he tries to stay away from his phone in the mornings and go straight to red light therapy. “It's supposed to help reset your circadian rhythm, take you in your body used to see the sunrise in the morning and it has been, oh, it's morning.”

Bumstead has been following this routine for a long time. A year ago, while explaining his back and biceps routine, he revealed that he uses red light to wake his body before doing anything else.

Before his retirement, waking up early meant he went straight to the gym, but now, after having babies, Bumstead understands why fathers like to wake up early.

“Life right now has just been different,” says Chris Bumstead

Just a few days ago, Chris Bumstead uploaded a video titled ‘Life Update,’ where he explained how life has changed for him after retirement and why waking up early has now become one of the best things for him. ”It is currently 5:36 in the morning. So, I'm not going to get too deep into anything right now. But life right now has just been different,” said Bumstead.

“Waking up at 5:00 a.m., I understand why they call these dad hours, and I understand why my dad used to wake up at 5:00 a.m. as well, cuz it's just peaceful in the morning. There's no chaos or sleep. You can just do something that you want to do for yourself,” he added.

Since retirement, Bumstead’s lifestyle has taken a sharp turn. Previously, he did it for competitions, but now it’s more about enjoying his time for himself.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Joyita Das