Best Health Clubs and Gyms with Saunas and Steam Rooms

Looking for the ultimate gym experience? Imagine a place where you can work out, unwind in a sauna, and relax in a steam room, all under one roof.

Saunas are known to ease pain, reduce stress, and improve heart health. But finding a gym with top-notch amenities can be frustrating.

Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best health clubs with saunas, steam rooms, and pools—plus tips on how to choose the right one for you.

Key Takeaways

Saunas Are a Must-Have in Gyms – More gyms now offer saunas as demand for relaxation and recovery grows.
Health Benefits Go Beyond Relaxation – Saunas support muscle recovery, detoxification, weight loss, and heart health.
Luxury vs. Budget Gyms Differ – High-end gyms provide premium sauna experiences, while budget gyms may have limited options.
Hydrotherapy & Aromatherapy Enhance Recovery – Steam rooms, salt therapy, and contrast pools add wellness benefits.
Future Gym Trends Focus on Tech – AI, smart saunas, and biohacking are shaping the next wave of fitness recovery.

The Rising Demand for Saunas in Fitness Centers

"Sauna use is a habit that can transform not only how you feel today but how you live for decades to come," says Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a scientist, health educator, and longevity expert.

Saunas are becoming a must-have in fitness centers because gym-goers want more than just a workout. They want recovery and relaxation.

Over the past decade, demand for saunas has surged as people recognize their benefits for muscle recovery, stress relief, and overall well-being.

Younger members, especially, are drawn to saunas for their post-exercise recovery benefits.

High-end gyms now offer specialized sauna experiences, such as infrared or Himalayan salt saunas, to attract premium clients.

“I've been using saunas for years and recently bought one for my home,” says Ben Alldis, an instructor at Peloton.

“I opted for infrared because it was super easy to install, and I like that it doesn't get so hot, so I can spend a longer period of time in there.”

Many people even choose a gym based on sauna access, making it a key selling point for fitness centers looking to boost memberships and stand out from competitors.

Benefits of Saunas in Gyms

Faster Muscle Recovery: Saunas help relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and speed up recovery after workouts. "To amplify metabolic gains, alternate sauna sessions with deliberate cold exposure during the rest periods," says Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist, professor, and author. According to a study, an infrared sauna session after exercise reduced muscle soreness and helped athletes maintain explosive performance, making them feel more recovered and ready for their next workout

Detox Through Sweating: Sweating in a sauna helps remove toxins from the body by opening up pores and promoting deep cleansing. "I really love an infrared sauna; it just allows for such beautiful, glowing skin and cell rejuvenation and detoxification," says Jennifer Aniston. "Yes, saunas can help clear the skin by promoting sweating, which can flush out toxins and impurities. This process may help reduce blackheads and acne in some people. However, for those with very oily or acne-prone skin, sweat can mix with sebum and potentially clog pores if not properly cleansed post-sauna," says Dr. Ashley Magovern, a dermatologist, entrepreneur, medical director, and author. Research shows that while sweating in any form aids detoxification, dynamic exercise releases significantly more heavy metals like lead and arsenic compared to passive sweating in a sauna. This suggests that combining workouts with sauna sessions could maximize detox benefits and enhance overall recovery.
Support for Weight Loss: Saunas can increase calorie burn and boost metabolism, supporting weight loss when combined with exercise. According to a study, sauna sessions also lead to significant body mass loss through sweating, with overweight individuals losing more fluid than those with lower BMI. This means gym-goers using saunas should pay close attention to hydration, ensuring they replenish fluids properly to avoid dehydration and maximize recovery.
Less Joint & Muscle Pain: The heat from saunas helps relieve joint and muscle pain by improving circulation and relaxing stiff muscles.
Stronger Immune System: Regular sauna use stimulates white blood cell production, helping the body fight infections. According to a study, repeated sauna sessions improve immune responses by increasing white blood cell activity and heat shock proteins. The study found that trained and untrained individuals respond differently, but both groups experienced positive immune benefits, making sauna use a valuable addition to a fitness routine.
Better Breathing & Lungs: Steam rooms and salt therapy rooms improve lung function and clear airways.
Heart Health Benefits: Saunas improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and enhance cardiovascular health. "Regular sauna bathing has been linked to improved heart function and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases," says Dr. Jari A. Laukkanen.
Boosts Mental Well-Being: Saunas promote relaxation by triggering the release of endorphins, reducing stress, and improving sleep. According to a study, alternating between a hot sauna, cold water, and rest can put the brain in a more efficient state, improving relaxation and cognitive function. The study also found that participants experienced faster reaction times and a greater sense of well-being after their sauna sessions.

Popular Gym Chains with Saunas and Steam Rooms

LA Fitness

LA Fitness offers saunas and steam rooms in many locations, but not all. These amenities are included in most memberships, making them accessible without extra fees.

Regular sauna use at LA Fitness helps with muscle recovery, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation after a tough workout.

Equinox

Equinox is known for its high-end facilities, and most locations include saunas and steam rooms.

Access depends on your membership tier, with premium plans including full spa privileges.

Equinox offers a luxurious sauna experience, with top-tier maintenance and cleanliness.

Regular use helps relieve stress, supports detoxification, and enhances post-workout recovery.

Life Time Fitness

Life Time Fitness features saunas in most locations, with a mix of traditional and infrared options.

Steam rooms are also widely available, adding to the spa-like experience. Pools at Life Time Fitness are heated year-round, making them ideal for swimming in any season.

24 Hour Fitness

Not all 24 Hour Fitness locations have saunas and steam rooms, but many do. Access is typically included with standard membership plans.

While 24 Hour Fitness operates around the clock, saunas may have limited hours for cleaning and maintenance.

Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym offers saunas in select locations, with some featuring infrared saunas and dedicated recovery rooms equipped with hydro massage chairs, cryotherapy, and percussion therapy guns.

Their dietitian services, powered by Dietitian Live, provide personalized nutrition plans for members.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness includes saunas in certain locations, primarily in Crunch Signature clubs.

These upgraded locations also offer steam rooms, towel service, and Rituals Products.

Crunch is known for its #NoJudgments philosophy, making it a welcoming space for all fitness levels.

Additional Amenities: Hot Tubs, Cold Plunge Pools, and More

Hydrotherapy Showers: High-pressure water jets boost circulation and recovery.
Salt Therapy Rooms: Clean air for better breathing and respiratory health.
Aromatherapy Steam Rooms: Infused steam to ease stress and improve relaxation.
Contrast Therapy Pools: Alternating hot and cold water for enhanced recovery.
Recovery Rooms: Equipped with hydro massage chairs, cryotherapy, and compression therapy boots.

Luxury vs. Budget-Friendly Gyms with Saunas

Luxury Gyms: Equinox and Life Time Fitness offer premium sauna experiences, AI health tracking, and virtual reality relaxation.
Budget Gyms: Crunch Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness provide basic sauna and steam room access, with fewer frills but affordable membership options.

Future Trends in Gym Sauna Experiences

AI-Personalized Sauna Sessions: Smart tech customizes your sauna experience based on biometric data.
Smart Saunas with Custom Heat Levels: Adjust heat settings to your preference with user profiles.
Cold & Heat Contrast Therapy: Boost recovery with hot and cold treatments.
Aromatherapy-Enhanced Saunas: Essential oils for relaxation and wellness.
Virtual Reality Sauna Relaxation: VR experiences for deep relaxation.
Biohacking & Sauna Wellness: Optimizing health with sauna science and wearable tech.

How to Choose the Right Gym for You

Consider Your Budget: Luxury gyms like Equinox offer premium amenities but come with a higher price tag. Budget-friendly options like Crunch Fitness provide essential amenities at a lower cost.
Check Amenities: Look for gyms with saunas, steam rooms, and pools if relaxation and recovery are important to you.
Take Advantage of Free Trials: Many gyms, including Gold’s Gym and 24 Hour Fitness, offer free trials or day passes so you can test their facilities before committing.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly gym or a luxury fitness experience, there’s a gym with saunas, steam rooms, and pools to meet your needs.

From AI-powered saunas to recovery rooms with cryotherapy, these amenities are transforming the way we work out and recover.

Take advantage of free trials and explore the gyms near you to find the perfect fit for your fitness goals.