Does Planet Fitness Have a Sauna? What You Actually Get at Planet Fitness

Most people assume that a gym membership comes with the full “health club” package. They expect a sauna and steam room, hot tubs, maybe even a hydromassage. However, if you were wondering does Planet Fitness have a sauna, you might be surprised by the answer.

The fact is that most Planet Fitness locations do not have a sauna or steam room. You might find some that do, but they are a rare few, usually high-end locations.

Most Planet Fitness setups are focused on low-cost memberships and basic fitness amenities. Full-service wellness facilities are often not included.

With that said, you might find recovery-focused equipment like massage chairs or HydroMassage beds in some of them.

The reason is that Planet Fitness was built around affordability and accessibility first. As such, it does not aim to offer luxury amenities.

In this guide, we will talk about why Planet Fitness usually skips saunas. We will also cover what you can actually expect, and what alternatives you can explore to make up for the lack of it.

Does Planet Fitness Have a Sauna at Any Location?

The short answer is that, in most cases, no, Planet Fitness does not offer access to a sauna. It intentionally sticks to simple, basic amenities to maintain low membership prices. With low prices, it is available to more people, which means more customers.

Being affordable and accessible is a smart business model, as it gives the gym an edge in the market. After all, most people are unwilling or unable to pay for more luxury experiences of this type.

It is far more likely that people will join Planet Fitness’ gym if it doesn’t cost them too much.

With that said, a few independently operated or older locations may differ slightly. These are typically more exceptions to the rule than anything else.

But, their existence means that you should check the specific club and what it offers before signing up.

Why Planet Fitness Usually Doesn’t Offer Saunas?

As mentioned, Planet Fitness keeps things simple on purpose, for several reasons. The biggest one is probably the fact that it allows for a low-cost gym business model.

If you think about it, living alone is expensive these days. You have to pay for your bills, food, clothes, car, and more. That often leaves very little money for extra expenses. In order for people to be willing to consider a gym membership, it must be affordable.

Planet Fitness knows this, and so it keeps memberships intentionally cheap. However, it would not be able to do this if it were installed in a sauna or a spa. Saunas come with huge construction costs, typically thousands of dollars.

They require regular maintenance, cleaning, and, not to mention, utility bills. Plus, there are all the liability concerns that gyms don’t need more of.

After all, saunas can be dangerous for people with heart conditions and some other health issues.

Instead, Planet Fitness gyms focus on keeping things beginner-friendly. Ultimately, this is more convenient for everyone, including the gym itself. In other words, don’t expect to find muscle recovery tools like an infrared sauna or red light therapy. The same is true for athletic recovery centers or other spa features.

What Amenities Does Planet Fitness Actually Offer?

While fitness membership at Planet Fitness doesn’t offer a spa experience, there are other things to expect.

In exchange for a standard membership, you can expect to have access to typical gym equipment. Think cardio machines, strength equipment, and stretching areas.

Beyond that, most places also offer locker rooms for users to change and store their things. Also, while there is no sauna, all locations will offer showers.

This is all standard gym equipment and amenities that you can expect anywhere. On top of that, there are special additions that come with Black Card membership.

If you pay a little extra to become a premium member, you can get access to HydroMassage beds and massage chairs. Some locations also have tanning equipment and Total Body Enhancement booths. These and similar guest privileges serve as an alternative to traditional sauna facilities.

With that said, note that HydroMassage and red light booths are not a replacement for saunas. While they are enjoyable to use, heat therapy is different and more efficient.

Is Planet Fitness Worth It Without a Sauna?

Given that Planet Fitness doesn’t include saunas or steam rooms, you might wonder if it’s worth it. The answer is not as simple as yes or no, and it largely depends on you.

For example, it is still a good fit for beginners and casual gym-goers. It is also great for budget-conscious users, which is one of its main goals. Finally, if you wish to focus on cardio or general fitness, Planet Fitness will have what you need.

However, if you are a sauna user and you are looking for a new place to experience it, then no. Planet Fitness Black Card members get HydroMassage, but sauna access is not available. Unfortunately, the same is true for serious powerlifters.

Planet Fitness’ intention is to be universally available by having low prices. However, that means it doesn’t have specialized, expensive equipment. Most of what it can offer are basic lifting and cardio machines. This is why powerlifters and luxury gym seekers will find it under-equipped.

If you are looking for pools, a spa-like experience, and similar recovery facilities, it is not a good fit.

Ultimately, Planet Fitness caters to a specific audience. That includes beginners, casual gym users, and those on a budget. It knows this audience well, and it offers what they usually look for. As such, it is not trying to compete with high-end athletic clubs and gym chains.

What Are Your Best Alternatives?

With Planet Fitness not offering sauna access, you will have to consider alternatives. One of your options is to try out different gyms that typically have sauna.

Chains like LA Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, Equinox, and 24 Hour Fitness are known for offering sauna. However, note that even with them, sauna availability varies by location.

Plus, with sauna access and potentially other recovery amenities, it gets more expensive. Higher membership fees are to be expected, so confirm the details with the gym first.

Another alternative is to get a portable sauna for your home. Having a home sauna is practical, and you can get most of them for a few hundred dollars. The exact model and type are the main factors behind the price. However, their cost can also depend on material quality, size, and features.

For those looking for a traditional experience, a portable steam sauna is the best option. Their heat is more intense due to the vapor, but they require a bit more maintenance. A portable infrared sauna offers higher heat, but it is a slower and gentler experience.

No matter which of these you choose, note that the experience won’t be like a traditional sauna. Portable saunas are intentionally weaker, but that is what makes a portable sauna safe to use at home.

Here, you can also go with a strong brand like SereneLife portable sauna. Alternatively, if you are on a budget, you can still find the best portable sauna under $200.

FAQ

Conclusion

Planet Fitness is a big name in the gym world, for a very specific reason. That, of course, being the fact that it is affordable and user-friendly. However, in order to offer low membership fees, it had to give up on more expensive amenities. That includes saunas and steam rooms.

While many other gym chains offer them, you won’t find a regular sauna at PF. It still offers some recovery amenities, such as massage chairs and HydroMassage.

These are typically available to users who pay for the Black Card membership. If that is good enough for you, then Planet Fitness might be a great place for you to work out.

But, if you are a sauna enthusiast and you are looking for post-workout heat therapy, it is not a good fit. Your best bet would be to consider a different gym chain or get a portable sauna for your home.