Best Health Clubs and Gyms with Saunas and Steam Rooms

Health Clubs and Gyms with Saunas and Steam Rooms 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.


Health Clubs and Gyms with Saunas and Steam Rooms

The Rising Demand for Saunas in Fitness Centers

  • People now expect saunas as part of their gym experience: More and more fitness centers are adding saunas because gym-goers want more than just exercise, they want a full recovery and relaxation experience.

  • Saunas help your muscles feel better after a workout: One big reason people love saunas is that they reduce soreness and relax tight muscles, making it easier to recover after intense training sessions.

  • More people are using saunas than ever before: Over the past ten years, the number of people using saunas has grown fast, thanks to the clear benefits for both body and mind.

  • Young gym members are leading the sauna trend: Many younger people are especially interested in using saunas after their workouts because they see faster recovery and better results.

  • Luxury gyms are using special saunas to attract more members: To stand out, high-end gyms are offering unique sauna options like infrared or Himalayan salt saunas that offer more than just heat, they offer a full wellness experience.

  • Himalayan salt saunas make people feel calmer and healthier: These saunas help people breathe better, detox through sweat, relieve stress, and even improve skin, all of which add to their rising demand.

  • Many people choose their gym based on sauna access: For some, having a sauna is the deciding factor when picking a gym, making it a strong reason for fitness centers to include one if they want to grow.
Health Clubs and Gyms with Saunas and Steam Rooms

Benefits of Saunas in Gyms

  • Saunas in gyms help muscles recover faster after workouts: The heat from the sauna relaxes your muscles and improves blood flow, helping you bounce back quicker after exercising. Dr. Andrew Huberman even suggests pairing it with cold exposure to boost recovery and metabolism.

  • Sweating in a sauna helps clean the body from the inside: Using the sauna makes you sweat, which helps remove toxins and clear out your pores. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston love it for glowing skin . Doctors say it also helps with acne, but you should always wash off sweat afterward to avoid clogged pores.

  • Sauna sessions after workouts help the body detox better: While any sweating helps detox, research shows exercise plus sauna can remove more harmful metals like lead and arsenic, making your recovery cleaner and more effective.

  • Sitting in a sauna can help you lose more calories: The heat raises your heart rate and metabolism, so you burn more calories. Studies show people, especially those who are overweight, lose more fluid, so drinking water afterward is a must to avoid dehydration.

  • Using a sauna eases body aches and joint pain: The heat helps improve blood flow to your joints and muscles, relaxing stiff areas and reducing pain after a workout.

  • Regular sauna use makes your immune system stronger: Saunas help your body produce more white blood cells, which fight off sickness. Whether you're a beginner or a regular gym-goer, it helps build up your resistance to infections over time.

  • Steam and salt rooms in gyms help you breathe better: Steam and salt rooms, often found near saunas, clear your lungs and open up your airways, helping you breathe easier after a workout.

  • Saunas support a healthier heart when used regularly: They help lower blood pressure , improve circulation , and keep your heart in better shape. Experts say this can even reduce your risk of heart disease over time.

  • Sitting in a sauna calms your mind and helps you sleep better: The heat triggers feel-good chemicals in your brain, helping you feel relaxed, reduce stress, and sleep more deeply. Switching between hot, cold, and rest can even sharpen your thinking.

Health Clubs and Gyms with Saunas and Steam Rooms

Popular Gym Chains with Saunas and Steam Rooms


LA Fitness

  • Most LA Fitness gyms give you sauna and steam room access without extra cost: LA Fitness offers saunas and steam rooms in many of its locations, and in most cases, they’re already included in your regular gym membership, so you don’t have to pay more to use them.

  • Using the sauna after your workout at LA Fitness helps your body feel better: Regular sauna use at LA Fitness can speed up muscle recovery, improve blood flow, and help your body relax after tough training sessions.

  • LA Fitness sets a time limit so everyone gets a fair chance to use the sauna: To make sure all members can enjoy the sauna, there’s usually a 15–20 minute time limit per session.

  • Avoid the sauna if you’re feeling sick, it’s shared by everyone: Since the sauna is a common area, LA Fitness recommends that you skip it if you’re feeling unwell, out of respect for others.

Equinox

  • Most Equinox gyms come with saunas and steam rooms: Equinox is known for its high-end facilities, and most locations include both saunas and steam rooms to give members a luxury wellness experience.

  • You need the right membership to enjoy the sauna: Access depends on your membership tier, with premium plans including full spa privileges like sauna and steam room use.

  • Equinox keeps its sauna areas super clean: Equinox offers a luxurious sauna experience, with top-tier maintenance and cleanliness that makes each visit feel like a spa.

  • Using the sauna at Equinox helps you recover faster: Regular use helps relieve stress, supports detoxification , and enhances post-workout recovery, making it part of your fitness routine, not just a bonus.

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 (which uses sub-zero temperatures to treat pain and inflammation) , 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 feature higher-end equipment, along with additional amenities like spin and dedicated yoga classes.



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 BudgetLuxury 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

  • You don’t need to be rich to enjoy gym luxuries: Whether you're on a tight budget or have room to splurge, there are gyms that offer access to pools, steam rooms, and saunas without breaking the bank.

  • High-tech recovery is becoming the new normal: Gyms today go beyond basic workouts, features like AI-powered saunas and cryotherapy rooms are changing how people recover and feel better after exercise.

  • Trying before joining can save you time and money: Many gyms offer free trials, so you can test their facilities and find the one that fits your goals and comfort before committing.

FAQs

What safety precautions should be taken when using saunas or steam rooms in gyms, especially for first-time users?

When using a sauna or steam room for the first time, stay hydrated beforehand to avoid dehydration. Limit your time to 15-20 minutes to prevent overheating. If you feel dizzy, leave immediately and cool down. Ensure proper ventilation and a comfortable temperature for safety.

How often do gyms clean and maintain their sauna and steam room facilities, and what should members look for to ensure cleanliness?

Gym saunas and steam rooms are cleaned regularly, usually once a day, with deeper cleans weekly. Cleaning includes wiping down surfaces and using disinfectants to kill germs and bacteria. Members should look for clean surfaces, fresh air, and no unpleasant odors. If something seems dirty, notify gym staff. Proper sanitation is maintained through regular cleaning, good ventilation, and humidity control.

Are there etiquette rules or unspoken norms when using saunas and steam rooms in shared gym settings?

Keep conversations minimal to maintain a relaxing atmosphere. Respect personal space, especially when crowded. If someone is noisy, politely ask them to quiet down. Don’t linger after your session to make room for others.

Do sauna and steam room benefits vary between traditional, infrared, and steam technologies, and how should gym-goers choose which to use?

Traditional saunas use dry heat, infrared saunas use light for deeper heat penetration, and steam rooms use moist heat. Infrared saunas may offer deeper detox benefits, while steam rooms are better for respiratory health and skin hydration. For muscle recovery, stress relief, or detox, the choice depends on your goals: steam rooms help with joint pain, and infrared saunas provide pain relief and boost metabolism.

A man outside sauna

Ryan "The Sauna Guy"

Ryan has been using and writing about saunas extensively since 2019.