Are you wondering if you can relax in a sauna or steam room at Planet Fitness? The quick answer is no. This gym chain keeps costs low by not including these amenities, focusing instead on affordability and basic fitness needs.
However, Black Card members do get access to recovery features like HydroMassage. Keep reading to see how this shapes your gym experience.
Does Planet Fitness Have Saunas or Steam Rooms?
Planet Fitness does not have saunas or steam rooms in any of its locations. This includes traditional steam rooms and infrared saunas, which are not part of their facility features. The absence of these amenities is consistent across their more than 2,400 gyms nationwide. The company’s focus is on providing affordable memberships, which means avoiding high-maintenance elements like saunas to keep operational costs—and your monthly fee—low. Similar to how a green pool after shocking requires troubleshooting specific water chemistry issues, the lack of these amenities at Planet Fitness is a deliberate operational choice. For example, maintaining perfect pool clarity requires selecting the right top liquid shock to address specific contaminants, just as Planet Fitness selects its amenities based on cost and member priorities. This is similar to tackling a home project, like following a guide for replacing a pool liner, which requires planning and the right tools to avoid future problems. If relaxing in a steam room or sauna is a priority for you, you’ll need to look elsewhere, as this gym chain does not offer these options.
Why You Won’t Find a Sauna at Planet Fitness
Saunas and steam rooms are not available at Planet Fitness because their business model prioritizes affordability and simplicity. The company keeps membership fees low—around $15 per month—by avoiding additional amenities that require high maintenance and extra costs. Saunas and steam rooms are energy-intensive, with heating and water use that would significantly increase operational expenses, much like how solar pool covers are chosen for their operational efficiency. Focusing on essential equipment like cardio machines and free weights helps keep costs down for members, similar to how a DIY propane fire pit can be built economically by sourcing materials directly. The funds saved from not investing in luxury features are redirected to core services, ensuring affordable access for everyone, much like choosing a low-maintenance outdoor mat avoids the higher upkeep of elaborate options. If you want additional amenities, like Hydromassage beds, those are available through the upgraded Black Card membership tier.
Inside a Planet Fitness Locker Room: What’s Really There
Planet Fitness locker rooms are gender-separated spaces designed primarily for practicality. They include lockers, benches, and mirrors, providing a basic area to change and store your belongings. You won’t find showers, steam rooms, or saunas, as these amenities are left out to keep costs low. This means members miss out on potential infrared sauna benefits like relaxation and muscle recovery, which operate on the principle of infrared light penetration to warm the body directly. For those looking to maximize warmth and recovery after a workout at home, exploring the best options for a solar pool cover can be an efficient alternative. Accessibility is straightforward, with clearly marked entrances for male and female sections to ensure privacy. You are expected to bring your own lock to secure your locker. The layout emphasizes quick, functional use before and after workouts, focusing on simplicity to maintain affordable membership fees. Overall, these locker rooms serve as efficient, no-frills changing stations.
Planet Fitness’s Black Card Spa: HydroMassage & Recovery Options
Planet Fitness Black Card members can relax and recover using several amenities at no extra cost, but you need to make a reservation for the HydroMassage™. This feature offers a 10-minute massage session designed to unwind muscles and promote relaxation, and it requires booking at the front desk. Recovery options also include massage chairs and the Total Body Enhancement™ machines, which can improve circulation and energy levels. You may find access to Red Light Therapy or tanning booths at select locations, but these amenities are limited and not available everywhere. Saunas are rare, so check with your specific club if you’re interested, remembering that infrared sauna temperatures are significantly lower than traditional saunas. When selecting a club, be sure to compare the top options to find the right fit for your wellness goals. Maintaining clean amenities is crucial, just as a clean pool cartridge filter is essential for clear water.
To use any spa equipment, you must verify your Black Card membership at the front desk. While you’re expected to clean the equipment after use, the level of adherence varies by location. All these amenities are included with your membership, but you must be at least 18 years old to participate. You also have the option to bring one guest; however, spa access for your guest is limited to chairs only when they are accompanied by you.
Planet Fitness vs. Gyms With Saunas: How They Compare
Planet Fitness does not offer saunas or steam rooms, prioritizing affordability and accessibility over luxury wellness amenities. You’ll typically find gyms with saunas charging between $50 and $100 per month, which includes access to these high-end features. In contrast, Planet Fitness starts at a lower monthly fee, often around $10 to $25, focusing on essential cardio and strength equipment rather than premium recovery options. This approach keeps membership costs low while providing straightforward access to basic fitness routines. The trade-off is that you miss out on amenities like hot and cold therapy, but you gain flexibility with no long-term contracts at many locations and minimal maintenance costs for the gym. If you do use a sauna elsewhere, choosing the right attire, like breathable natural fabrics, is key for comfort and safety. Understanding the trade-offs of a clean green pool is similar to evaluating a gym membership, where cost is directly tied to the desired results and required maintenance. It’s much like achieving a smooth surface with proper pool liner care to ensure the best experience.
Finding a Gym With a Sauna: Your Best Alternatives
Premium gym chains are your best bet for finding a gym with a sauna. Life Time and Equinox are known for consistently offering saunas and steam rooms at all their luxury locations. LA Fitness makes saunas standard in over 500 of their clubs, ensuring easy access. Mid-range options like 24 Hour Fitness and Gold’s Gym often include saunas, but it’s important to check on a specific location first. Regional chains such as Chuze Fitness also provide these amenities at more affordable prices. It’s wise to also maintain your gym’s other systems, like using the proper winter pool chemicals for seasonal upkeep. For similar clarity, it’s useful to understand that cloudy pool water can often be caused by filtration issues or environmental factors, even when chemicals are balanced. Correcting cloudy water is not unlike installing a pool liner where meticulous preparation ensures a smooth finish. Always use online club finders to confirm whether a location has a sauna before signing up, especially for franchise-based gyms like Crunch Fitness.
Membership perks can go beyond the weight room and recovery facilities. Many gyms include extras like free yoga classes or access to protein bars at the cafe, adding extra value to your membership. Prioritize visiting a gym in person to verify that the sauna and steam room are available at the location you plan to join.
