8 Popular Gyms with Tanning Beds You Should Know

Looking for a gym that not only helps you stay fit but also gives you a golden glow? Many popular gyms now offer tanning beds so you can work out and tan in one stop. 

From big chains to local favorites, these gyms make it easy to stay healthy, look great, and enjoy your fitness journey.

A tanning bed is a device that uses special bulbs to emit ultraviolet (UV) light, helping the skin produce melanin, the pigment responsible for a tanned appearance. 

Unlike regular light bulbs, tanning bulbs release UV rays that accelerate melanin production much faster than natural sunlight. 

These rays can also help the body generate vitamin D, which supports skin and bone health. 

There are two main types of bulbs: regular tanning bulbs that emit about 95% UVA and 5% UVB for beginners, and bronzing bulbs that emit 98% UVA and 2% UVB for deeper tans. 

According to Cancer Management and Research, tanning beds primarily emit UVA (around 95–99%) and a small amount of UVB (1–5%) light, both of which can pose health risks such as skin damage and an increased risk of melanoma. 

Introduced in the 1970s by Friedrich Wolff, tanning beds have evolved from simple UV lamps to high-tech systems offering personalized wellness experiences. 

However, despite their modern features, experts continue to emphasize caution due to their potential carcinogenic effects.

Planet Fitness is one of the most popular gym franchises in the United States, known for its affordable prices and welcoming “Judgment Free Zone” environment. It’s designed for people of all fitness levels, offering a wide range of cardio and strength machines, free small-group fitness training, and access to workout routines through its app.

To verify how they work, we watched several social media influencers using the tanning beds and also checked the official Planet Fitness information. We found that you can choose between two types of tanning equipment: a lay-down tanning bed and a standing tanning booth. The standing booth also includes built-in fans to help keep you cool during your session.

Before using the tanning bed, here are a few important things you should know:

• You will get a private tanning room for complete privacy. Most rooms have a "Tanning Room" sign on the door, making them easy to identify.
• Check which tanning room is available, enter it, and lock the door before starting your session.
• Tanning sessions usually have a maximum time limit of around 12 minutes, but you can finish earlier if you want.
• If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with only 5 minutes.
• After you lock the room, the tanning bed will usually start automatically after a short delay, although you can often start it manually before the timer begins.
• Wear protective tanning goggles during your session. If you do not have them, keep your eyes closed throughout the session.
• Wearing less clothing helps you achieve a more even tan.
• Remove your shoes before getting into the tanning bed, as shoes are not allowed on the machine.
• When you finish, clean and disinfect any surfaces you touched so the tanning bed is ready for the next member.

In addition to tanning, members can enjoy other amenities such as massage chairs, red light therapy, locker rooms, showers, and 24-hour gym access in many locations.

For more details, you can visit your nearest Planet Fitness location or check their official website for updated information.

Anytime Fitness is a global 24/7 gym franchise known for its convenience, community, and personalized coaching.

You can use the tanning beds available at many Anytime Fitness locations, based on our review of official gym social media pages. 

Most clubs offer lay-down tanning beds rather than standing tanning booths. Before using the tanning bed, make sure you understand the gym's instructions and follow all hygiene rules. 

In most locations, you are also expected to remove your shoes before entering the tanning bed.

Typical steps to use an Anytime Fitness tanning bed:

• Close and lock the tanning room door.
• Scan your key fob to access the tanning bed.
• Sanitize the tanning bed using the provided cleaning spray before use.
• Set your preferred tanning time by pressing the "+" button.
• If needed, wait for the 3-minute grace period or press Start once, depending on the tanning bed model.
• Press Start again to begin your tanning session.
• Clean and sanitize the tanning bed after you finish so it is ready for the next member.

Crunch Fitness is an international gym franchise famous for its “No Judgments” philosophy, where fitness is all about fun, positivity, and inclusivity.

To understand how tanning beds work at Crunch Fitness, we reviewed information shared on official social media pages from different locations.

For example, the official Crunch Fitness Chimney Hill location gave a tour of its Relax and Recover Hall, which provides a good idea of what you can expect when using tanning beds at many Crunch Fitness locations.

However, keep in mind that amenities may vary by location.

• You may find both stand-up tanning booths and lay-down tanning beds, depending on the location.
• You should bring protective tanning eyewear before using the tanning beds.
• You can also purchase Devoted Creations tanning lotions or try sample packets available at the gym.
• Access is typically provided by scanning your membership card, and the front desk staff can help you get started.

Crunch Fitness also offers tanning beds:

•  Base - $9.99/mo to $29.99/mo 

  • Single-club access

  • Not Includes tanning beds

• Peak Membership – $22.99/mo to $34.99/mo

  • Multi-club access

  • Not Includes tanning beds

• Peak Results Membership – $29.99/mo to $39.99/mo

  • Multi-club access

  • Includes tanning beds

Crunch features a full range of amenities, including battle ropes, kettlebells, Olympic racks, and recovery tools like foam rollers and saunas.

Whether you’re new to fitness or an experienced lifter, Crunch provides a motivating, community-driven space to crush your goals.

Yes, Snap Fitness also offers tanning beds along with other premium amenities like hydro massage, nutrition consulting, Myzone heart rate monitoring, private showers, vending machines, and on-site parking.

Based on our research of Snap Fitness's official website and several official location social media pages, you will usually find standing tanning booths instead of traditional lay-down tanning beds at many participating locations. 

Unlike some gyms that have large private tanning rooms, Snap Fitness commonly places the tanning booth inside a compact tanning chamber that gives you enough space to prepare before your session.

Before entering the booth, you will typically:

• Set your desired tanning session time on the timer.
• Use your membership card to scan and activate the tanning session.
• Enter a small private changing area where you can remove your clothing, hang your clothes and shoes, and lock the door for privacy.
• Open the second door inside the chamber to access the standing tanning booth.
• Start the tanning booth using the green button and stop it with the red button if needed.

Keep in mind that tanning equipment and access procedures can vary by location, so it is always a good idea to check with your local Snap Fitness club before your visit.

Some popular Snap Fitness locations featuring tanning beds include Snap Fitness Minneapolis–Northeast, MN, and Snap Fitness Robbinsdale, MN.

Yes, Club Fitness also has tanning beds, along with other impressive amenities such as a cycle studio, red light therapy, women’s training studio, and smoothie bar.

Some of the locations where tanning beds are available include Club Fitness Maplewood, Club Fitness Arnold, and Club Fitness Fenton, among others.

At participating Club Fitness locations, you can use tanning beds through the Recovery Studio. Depending on the club, you may have access to either a lay-down tanning bed or a standing tanning booth. However, tanning is only available during the gym's designated tanning hours, so you should check the schedule before your visit.

Edge Fitness is a well-known chain of fitness clubs offering a complete and supportive approach to health and wellness.

At Edge Fitness, you can access tanning beds, but you must reserve your session at the gym before using one. 

The reservation process is simple, and a staff member will activate the tanning bed for you at your scheduled time. 

Here's how you can book and use a tanning bed:

• Reserve your tanning session at the tanning kiosk inside the club.
• Select an available time slot that works for you.
• Scan your membership key tag, mobile barcode, or enter your phone number.
• Collect the printed reservation ticket.
• Bring your ticket to the front desk at your scheduled time.
• A staff member will activate the tanning bed for you.
• You will have 3 minutes to get ready before the tanning session begins.

You can use the tanning beds at Retro Fitness by upgrading to the Ultimate Membership, which includes tanning as one of its perks. 

If you have a lower-tier membership, you can usually add tanning by paying an additional fee, although this depends on your location. 

Some Retro Fitness clubs, also let you schedule a tanning session online by filling out a booking form.

Here are a few things you should know before using the tanning beds:

• Tanning is included with the Ultimate Membership at participating locations.
• If you have a lower-tier membership, you may be able to add tanning for an extra fee, depending on your location.
• A standard tanning session is 10 minutes long.
• If you want more time, ask the front desk, and they may extend your session if available.
• If you do not have tanning goggles, some locations provide them at the front desk. Availability of tanning lotion may also vary by club.
• Some locations allow you to book a tanning session online by entering your:
  • First and last name
  • Email address
  • Mobile number
  • Preferred date
  • Preferred time slot

Because tanning services, membership benefits, and booking options can vary from one Retro Fitness club to another, it is always best to check with your local location before your visit.

So, if you’re planning to join Retro Fitness specifically for tanning, choosing the Ultimate plan and confirming your location’s amenities will ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for.

Chuze Fitness is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable gym that also offers tanning beds, but it’s important to know that tanning isn’t available at every location.

Chuze offers four membership plans:

• Basic ($9.99 to 20.99/mo(

• Premium ($29.99 to 34.99/mo)

• More ($34.99 to 40.99/mo)

• Chuze Max ($49.99 to $59.99/mo)

Out of these, the Basic plan does not include tanning, while the other three plans do. So, if tanning beds are something you want to enjoy, choose one of the upgraded memberships that specifically includes this perk.

This way, you’ll get the most out of your Chuze Fitness experience without any surprises.