Does Planet Fitness Have a Sauna?
- Introduction
- Why Most Planet Fitness Clubs Do Not Have Saunas
- Rare Location-Based Exceptions
- Infrared Pods vs Traditional Sauna Rooms
- Recovery Amenities Planet Fitness *Does* Offer
- How to Check Your Local Club
- Pros & Cons of Joining PF When You Want a Sauna
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Stepping into a toasty, wood-lined room after an intense workout can feel like the ultimate reward. However, if you are eyeing a membership at Planet Fitness (PF) you may wonder whether your local purple-and-yellow gym includes this luxury. The short answer is usually no; traditional saunas and steam rooms are not part of the standard PF floor plan.
Why Most Planet Fitness Clubs Do Not Have Saunas
Planet Fitness built its brand around a low-cost, “Judgement Free Zone®.” Eliminating high-maintenance features—such as wet areas, pools, and saunas—helps keep construction costs, insurance premiums, and day-to-day utility bills down. Those savings are passed along to members in the form of $10 Classic and $24.99 Black Card monthly fees.
Beyond the dollars-and-cents argument, excluding saunas simplifies staffing. No lifeguards or specialized attendants are required, and the risk of heat-related incidents or mold growth is drastically reduced—important for a chain that now tops 2,700 locations worldwide.
Rare Location-Based Exceptions
Because every PF is a franchise, individual owners can opt to add amenities. A handful of clubs—typically in competitive metropolitan areas—have installed small traditional saunas or infrared cabins. These are the outliers, not the rule; estimates suggest well under 5 % of PF gyms include them, and availability can change when stores remodel.
Infrared Pods vs Traditional Sauna Rooms
Some PF marketing materials mention “Total Body Enhancement” or “infrared therapy.” These are full-body, stand-up red-light units that deliver mild heat and phototherapy. They are not saunas in the conventional sense: humidity is negligible, temperatures hover around 100–110 °F instead of 160–195 °F, and session times are shorter (about 12 minutes). If you have therapeutic goals tied specifically to high-heat exposure, these pods may fall short.
Recovery Amenities Planet Fitness Does Offer
- HydroMassage Beds & Loungers – Targeted water-jet pressure without getting wet.
- Massage Chairs – Full-back rolling and kneading for muscle relaxation.
- Total Body Enhancement / Red-Light Booths – Light vibration plate plus near-infrared exposure.
- Stretch Areas with PF 30-minute Circuit – Foam rollers and dynamic stations for cooldowns.
All of the above are included with the Black Card tier, which still costs substantially less than membership at many full-service health clubs that feature saunas and pools.
How to Check Your Local Club Before Signing Up
- Use the Club Finder to locate your branch.
- Call or email the front desk and explicitly ask: “Do you have a traditional or infrared sauna?”
- Request a free one-day pass to tour the spa area if you are still uncertain.
- Verify whether access is included in Classic, Black Card, or any regional pricing tiers.
Pros & Cons of Joining Planet Fitness When You Want a Sauna
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely affordable membership; thousands of locations; 24/7 access in many markets; basic spa-style amenities like HydroMassage. | No guaranteed sauna or steam room; red-light booths are not a true substitute; you may need a secondary gym or day-pass elsewhere for heat therapy. |
Conclusion
If a piping-hot sauna session is non-negotiable in your fitness routine, Planet Fitness will likely disappoint. Its business model focuses on low fees and essential equipment, and saunas do not align with that formula. Nevertheless, PF remains a solid option for budget-minded exercisers who value widespread locations, generous guest privileges, and a clean, beginner-friendly atmosphere. Always confirm amenities with your nearest club before committing, and consider a hybrid approach—pairing PF with a community center or boutique studio—if you crave both savings and steam.
FAQ
1. Does any Planet Fitness location have a sauna?
Yes, a very small number of franchisees have installed saunas or steam rooms, but they are rare. Call ahead to confirm.
2. Are the red-light “Total Body Enhancement” booths the same as a sauna?
No. They use near-infrared light and mild heat, not high-temperature convection or steam.
3. Will Planet Fitness add saunas chain-wide in the future?
There are no public plans. Adding wet-area infrastructure would raise costs and clash with the brand’s low-fee strategy.
4. Which gyms reliably offer saunas?
Alternatives include YMCA, 24 Hour Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and certain EōS or Lifetime Fitness clubs, though prices are higher.
5. Can I use a guest pass to try the spa amenities?
Black Card members may bring one guest per visit, but guests typically cannot use spa amenities such as massage chairs or infrared booths.