The availability of a sauna has become a significant factor for many people selecting a fitness center. A gym sauna provides a dedicated space for post-workout recovery, using heat exposure to promote muscle relaxation and potentially improve cardiovascular function. However, the presence of a sauna is not standard across all national gym franchises. Its inclusion often depends heavily on the specific facility’s location, size, and the member’s chosen access level. Understanding which major chains are most likely to offer this feature helps narrow the search.
National Gym Chains Known to Offer Saunas
Sauna availability generally aligns with a gym chain’s target market. High-end athletic clubs feature saunas as a standard inclusion, while mid-tier and budget chains offer them more selectively. Luxury chains like Life Time and Equinox are known for including saunas and steam rooms as part of their standard amenities. Life Time, which operates on an athletic country club model, typically integrates saunas into its recovery suites, offering both traditional dry saunas and sometimes infrared options. Equinox also maintains a reputation for high-quality amenities, with saunas and steam rooms being a staple in most of its locations.
Mid-tier chains represent a more variable landscape regarding sauna access, though several are strong contenders. LA Fitness includes saunas in many of its clubs, often integrating them into the locker room facilities. The presence of a sauna at an LA Fitness location is generally a reflection of the club’s size and whether it is an older or newer build. Similarly, 24 Hour Fitness locations frequently feature saunas and steam rooms, though this amenity is often tied to higher-tier membership packages.
Budget-friendly gyms, such as Planet Fitness, do not typically offer traditional saunas. Instead, their premium membership, the PF Black Card, provides access to a “Black Card Spa” which includes amenities like HydroMassage beds and red light therapy booths. Gold’s Gym and certain regional chains also offer saunas at select locations, making the specific branch amenities the determining factor for these mid-range options.
How to Verify Local Amenities and Sauna Type
Because national chains operate with franchised or non-standardized locations, it is always necessary to confirm the exact amenities offered at a specific branch. The most efficient initial step is to check the corporate website’s location finder, which often features an amenities filter allowing users to search specifically for a “sauna” or “steam room” at a nearby club. This digital filter provides a quick assessment of potential options before visiting.
Once a specific location is identified, the next step should be to visit that club’s dedicated local webpage, which typically lists its unique features and recovery options. Calling the local branch directly is a reliable way to confirm availability and inquire about the condition of the facilities. Scheduling a physical tour of the facility offers the best verification, allowing the prospective member to inspect the sauna firsthand.
It is helpful to distinguish between a dry sauna and a steam room, as both fall under the general category of heat-based recovery but function differently. A dry sauna uses heated rocks or an infrared light source to create low-humidity heat, typically ranging from 160°F to 200°F. A steam room operates at a lower temperature, generally around 110°F to 120°F, but with nearly 100% humidity, creating a dense, moist heat. While many high-end gyms may offer both, mid-tier clubs often feature one or the other, and confirming the specific type ensures the amenity matches personal preference.
Membership Levels and Cost Implications
Saunas are frequently classified as a premium amenity, meaning access is often restricted to members holding a higher-tier membership. Most chains employ a tiered system where the basic, lowest-cost membership grants access only to the workout floor and standard equipment. Access to heat therapy, such as saunas, steam rooms, or pools, is usually bundled into an upgraded plan, which may be labeled as “Platinum,” “Black Card,” or “All-Access”.
The decision to upgrade membership should involve a comparison of the price difference between the basic tier and the sauna-inclusive tier. For example, a mid-tier gym might charge $25 per month for a basic plan and $40 per month for the premium plan that includes the sauna and other recovery options. This difference is the true cost of the amenity. Weighing this added monthly expense against the frequency of intended sauna use helps determine if the financial commitment is worthwhile for the individual’s routine and budget.