When people look for a new gym, one of the first questions they often ask is whether it has extra amenities like a pool, steam room, or sauna. Saunas are particularly popular because of their health Planet Fitness Have a Sauna benefits—relaxation, improved blood circulation, muscle recovery, and even stress reduction. If you are considering joining Planet Fitness, one of the most budget-friendly and widely available gym chains in the United States, you might be wondering: Does Planet Fitness have a sauna?
The answer is both straightforward and a little surprising. Let’s break it down.
The Short Answer: No, Planet Fitness Does Not Have a Sauna
Planet Fitness has built its brand around affordability, simplicity, and a non-intimidating environment they call the “Judgement Free Zone.” To keep membership prices low—some as low as $10 per month—the chain doesn’t include luxury amenities like saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, or pools.
So, if a sauna is a must-have on your gym wish list, you won’t find one at Planet Fitness.
But that doesn’t mean Planet Fitness doesn’t offer anything for cardio equipment for fat loss recovery or relaxation. In fact, their Black Card membership includes access to alternatives such as HydroMassage beds, tanning booths, and Total Body Enhancement machines. These perks can provide some relaxation and recovery benefits similar to, though not identical to, what a sauna offers.
Why Doesn’t Planet Fitness Have a Sauna?
There are a few main reasons why Planet Fitness gyms don’t include saunas:
1. Affordability
Planet Fitness’s biggest selling point is its low membership cost. Adding and maintaining saunas would raise overhead expenses significantly. Installing a sauna requires special equipment, ventilation, extra cleaning, and ongoing maintenance. Those costs would eventually be passed on to members, undermining Planet Fitness’s reputation as a budget-friendly gym.
2. Simplicity
The brand markets itself as a beginner-friendly gym. Unlike higher-end gyms that attract serious bodybuilders or fitness enthusiasts with spa-like amenities, Planet Fitness focuses on keeping things simple: cardio machines, free weights (to a limited extent), and basic strength training equipment. By removing frills, they maintain an uncomplicated environment that appeals to their core audience.
3. Space Limitations
Many Planet Fitness locations are relatively compact compared to luxury gyms. Dedicating floor space to a sauna would mean fewer machines or workout areas. Since the chain prioritizes exercise equipment, they opt not to use valuable square footage for saunas or pools.
4. Maintenance and Hygiene
Saunas require strict cleaning and monitoring to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. Planet Fitness has thousands of locations across the country, and standardizing sauna care across all of them would be both costly and complex. By eliminating them, the company reduces potential risks and liabilities.
What Does Planet Fitness Offer Instead of a Sauna?
While you won’t find a traditional sauna at Planet Fitness, Black Card members do gain access to unique recovery and relaxation options:
1. HydroMassage Chairs and Beds
These use water pressure jets to massage muscles and relieve tension. While it doesn’t mimic the heat therapy of a sauna, it helps members relax, recover after workouts, and even improve circulation.
2. Total Body Enhancement (Red Light Therapy)
Some Planet Fitness locations include a machine called the “Beauty Angel” or Total Body Enhancement unit. It uses red light therapy combined with vibration to promote circulation, reduce soreness, and improve skin tone. It’s marketed as a recovery tool rather than a sauna replacement, but many members find it beneficial.
3. Tanning Booths
Though unrelated to recovery, tanning services are included with the Black Card membership. For people looking for an all-in-one fitness and appearance package, this perk can be appealing.
4. Relaxation Lounges
Some Planet Fitness gyms have designated relaxation zones equipped with massage chairs. These offer a calming space post-workout, though again, they don’t replicate the heat benefits of a sauna.
Are There Health Benefits You’re Missing Without a Sauna?
Saunas provide unique health advantages that alternatives like HydroMassage or red light therapy can’t fully replace. Here are some benefits you might miss by choosing a gym without a sauna:
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Detoxification: Sweating in a sauna helps flush toxins from the body.
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Improved Circulation: The heat dilates blood vessels and promotes better circulation.
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Muscle Recovery: Heat helps relax muscles and reduce soreness after intense workouts.
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Stress Relief: The warm environment lowers stress hormones and promotes relaxation.
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Skin Health: Sweating can help cleanse pores, leading to healthier-looking skin.
If these are important to your fitness routine, you may want to consider a gym that offers sauna facilities.
Gyms That Do Have Saunas
If you decide that a sauna is a must-have, you might want to look at other gym chains. Here are some options that typically include saunas or steam rooms:
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LA Fitness
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24 Hour Fitness
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Equinox (luxury option)
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Lifetime Fitness
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YMCA (varies by location)
Of course, these gyms often come with higher membership fees compared to Planet Fitness, but the additional amenities can be worth it depending on your priorities.
Should You Still Join Planet Fitness Without a Sauna?
Whether Planet Fitness is right for you depends on your personal fitness goals and preferences. Here’s how to decide:
Choose Planet Fitness If:
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You want an affordable membership (as low as $10/month).
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You value a no-frills gym with plenty of cardio and strength machines.
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You don’t mind skipping traditional spa-like amenities.
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You’re new to fitness and want a non-intimidating environment.
Look Elsewhere If:
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You consider a sauna or steam room an essential part of your recovery routine.
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You want access to pools, basketball courts, or extensive free weight areas.
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You’re willing to pay more for luxury features and amenities.
Alternatives to a Sauna at Home
If you like Planet Fitness for its affordability but still want sauna benefits, you might consider at-home alternatives. Portable infrared saunas, steam tents, or even hot baths can mimic some of the benefits of a traditional sauna without requiring a high-end gym membership.
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Infrared sauna blankets: Compact and convenient.
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Steam sauna tents: Affordable and effective for sweating it out.
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Hot baths or showers: Not the same as a sauna but still beneficial for relaxation and muscle recovery.
This way, you can enjoy the low-cost gym membership while still reaping sauna-like benefits at home.
Final Thoughts
So, does Planet Fitness have a sauna?
No, Planet Fitness does not offer saunas, steam rooms, or pools. The company’s mission is to keep fitness affordable and accessible, which means cutting out luxury amenities. However, with the Black Card membership, you do gain access to alternatives like HydroMassage, red light therapy, and relaxation areas that provide some recovery benefits.
If a sauna is a deal-breaker, you’ll want to look at other gym chains that prioritize spa-style perks. But if affordability, accessibility, and a judgment-free environment matter more to you, Planet Fitness remains a solid choice—even without a sauna.
