No, Planet Fitness does not have a sauna or steam room in its gyms. Unlike premium gym chains, Planet Fitness focuses on affordability and simplicity, which means they do not provide high-cost amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, or pools.
This is an important factor to know before joining, especially if recovery and relaxation are priorities for you. Instead of saunas, Planet Fitness offers cost-friendly alternatives like HydroMassage chairs, massage chairs, tanning beds, and Total Body Enhancement machines—particularly for Black Card members.
In this article, you’ll learn why Planet Fitness doesn’t provide saunas, what amenities they do include, which gyms do offer sauna access, and how to decide whether Planet Fitness is right for your fitness and recovery needs.
Why Doesn’t Planet Fitness Have Saunas?
Planet Fitness is famous for its “Judgement Free Zone” and low membership fees, often starting at $10/month. To maintain this affordability, the chain keeps its amenities simple.
Here’s why saunas aren’t part of the Planet Fitness business model:
- High Installation Costs – Building and maintaining saunas require expensive equipment, energy, and staff oversight.
- Ongoing Maintenance – Saunas need daily cleaning, monitoring, and repairs, which add to operating expenses.
- Liability Concerns – Heat-related risks and safety issues make saunas more complex to manage.
- Focus on Budget-Friendly Fitness – By avoiding luxury amenities, Planet Fitness keeps prices low and consistent nationwide.
According to Secret Saunas (2025), avoiding saunas and steam rooms is a strategic choice that allows Planet Fitness to maintain its $10–$24.99 membership tiers without cutting into profits.
Do Any Planet Fitness Locations Have Saunas?
Generally, Planet Fitness gyms do not offer saunas at all. Since the brand operates as a franchise, some locations may occasionally feature unique amenities, but saunas remain extremely rare.
👉 If having a sauna is a dealbreaker, the safest option is to call your local club or check their amenities page online.
What Amenities Does Planet Fitness Offer Instead?
Although you won’t find saunas, Planet Fitness provides a surprising number of perks—especially for PF Black Card members.
Standard Membership ($10/month)
- Full access to cardio and strength equipment
- Free fitness training through the PE@PF program
- Locker rooms and showers
- 24/7 access at most locations
Black Card Membership (~$24.99/month, 2025 rates)
- HydroMassage chairs – Uses water pressure for deep muscle relaxation.
- Massage chairs – Helps ease tension after workouts.
- Tanning beds – UV tanning available in many states (local laws apply).
- Total Body Enhancement machines – Infrared red-light therapy combined with whole-body vibration.
- Access to all PF locations worldwide – Over 2,400 clubs.
- Bring a guest anytime – Free guest privileges included.
👉 See details here: Planet Fitness Membership Options.
Benefits of Saunas vs. Planet Fitness Alternatives
Even though Planet Fitness doesn’t have saunas, it’s worth comparing what saunas typically provide against the recovery options available at PF.
| Wellness Benefit | Sauna Provides | Planet Fitness Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Recovery | Heat relaxes sore muscles & improves mobility | HydroMassage, massage chairs |
| Stress Relief | Calming effect, lowers cortisol | Red light therapy (Total Body Enhancement) |
| Circulation Boost | Heat improves blood flow & heart rate | Cardio workouts, massage chairs |
| Detox Effect | Heavy sweating aids toxin removal | Intense workouts + proper hydration |
| Relaxation | Quiet, heated environment | HydroMassage rooms, comfortable lounges (varies) |
Alternatives: Gyms That Do Offer Saunas
If saunas are a must-have, consider one of these gym chains:
- LA Fitness – Most locations include sauna and steam rooms.
- 24 Hour Fitness – Many branches have saunas, whirlpools, and pools.
- Equinox – Luxury chain offering saunas, steam rooms, spas, and wellness services.
- YMCA – Select branches provide saunas, pools, and family-friendly recovery spaces.
👉 For members who want the sauna experience at home, portable infrared saunas are also available on Amazon, starting around $150–$400 (2025 prices, Amazon.com).
Cost Comparison: Planet Fitness vs. Sauna-Equipped Gyms
Here’s a quick comparison of gym memberships with and without saunas:
| Gym Chain | Monthly Cost (Avg.) | Sauna/Steam Room | Extra Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Fitness | $10–$24.99 | ❌ No | HydroMassage, massage chairs, red-light therapy |
| LA Fitness | $30–$50 | ✅ Yes | Pools, group classes, basketball courts |
| 24 Hour Fitness | $40–$65 | ✅ Yes | Whirlpool, sauna, group training |
| Equinox | $150–$250+ | ✅ Yes (luxury) | Spa services, yoga, premium amenities |
| YMCA | $40–$70 | ✅ Some branches | Family-friendly programs, pools |
FAQs About Planet Fitness & Saunas
1. Does Planet Fitness have saunas or steam rooms?
No. They are not part of the Planet Fitness model.
2. Why doesn’t Planet Fitness include saunas?
To keep membership affordable and avoid high installation/maintenance costs.
3. Does the Black Card membership include a sauna?
No, but it offers HydroMassage, massage chairs, tanning, and Total Body Enhancement.
4. Do any Planet Fitness gyms have saunas?
Extremely rare exceptions may exist, but most do not. Always call your club.
5. Which gyms have saunas?
LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Equinox, and select YMCA locations.
6. How much is Planet Fitness compared to sauna-equipped gyms?
PF costs $10–$24.99, while sauna gyms range from $40 up to $250/month.
7. Can I replicate sauna benefits at Planet Fitness?
Partially—HydroMassage and red-light therapy can aid recovery and relaxation, but they don’t mimic sauna heat therapy.
Conclusion
Planet Fitness does not have saunas or steam rooms—and that’s by design. By skipping luxury amenities, the chain keeps costs low, offering memberships as cheap as $10/month. Instead, PF provides recovery-focused alternatives like HydroMassage, massage chairs, tanning, and Total Body Enhancement for its Black Card members.
If a sauna is essential for your workout recovery, you may want to explore gyms like LA Fitness, Equinox, or 24 Hour Fitness. However, if affordability and fitness accessibility matter more, Planet Fitness remains one of the best-value gyms in the U.S.
👉 Explore membership details here: Planet Fitness Official Website.