Introduction

Planet Fitness is one of the most popular and fastest growing fitness center chains in the United States, with over 2,200 locations currently. Planet Fitness aims to provide a high-value, low-cost gym experience to its members. With its friendly, “judgment-free zone” environment and affordable monthly fees, Planet Fitness seeks to make fitness accessible to everyone.

Planet Fitness locations are equipped with extensive cardio and strength training equipment, areas for stretching, and other amenities like massage chairs and tanning beds. However, Planet Fitness gyms do not have saunas or steam rooms. This is a purposeful decision to reduce operating costs and keep membership fees low.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Saunas and steam rooms can provide certain health and relaxation benefits, but also have some potential drawbacks.

Some benefits of using saunas and steam rooms in moderation may include:

• • Improved circulation and cardiovascular health

• • Reduced stress levels and improved relaxation

• • Cleansing of skin and pores

• • Temporary relief of muscle aches and joint pain

Some potential drawbacks to consider,

• • Risks of dehydration, overheating, and blood pressure issues

• • Excessive sweating can lead to loss of electrolytes

• • Potential skin irritation or exacerbation of some medical conditions

• • Time commitment to gain benefits safely

So while saunas and steam rooms can provide targeted advantages, they require precautions and may not be suited for all members.

Sauna and Steam Room Availability at Planet Fitness

When assessing the amenities available at Planet Fitness gyms, there are several key offerings:

• • Extensive sections of cardiovascular machines like treadmills and ellipticals

• • Selection of resistance training equipment like weight machines and dumbbells

• • Open floor space for stretching, classes, and abdominal work

• • Other amenities like massage chairs, tanning beds, and more

However, Planet Fitness does not provide saunas or steam rooms at any of their locations. This is an intentional decision based on their goal of offering streamlined, affordable fitness centers.

By forgoing saunas and steam rooms, Planet Fitness is able to reduce costs associated with installation, maintenance, cleaning, liability insurance, and safety monitoring. Savings in these areas allow Planet Fitness to offer competitively low monthly rates compared to many full-service gyms.

Planet Fitness Amenities and Offerings

Planet Fitness aims to provide an optimal balance of value, quality, and variety in its amenities while maintaining affordable membership fees.

Some highlights of the amenities and offerings at Planet Fitness gyms include:

• • Cardio machines: Treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes with LCD displays. Enables cardio workouts.

• • Strength machines: Various weight machines, free weights, cable machines for resistance training. Allows strength building.

• • Fitness classes: Selection of group fitness classes included with membership. Provides guided workouts.

• • Personal training: Available at added cost for personalized guidance. Can aid in fitness goals.

• • Massage chairs: Provides relaxation between workouts for recovery.

• • Tanning beds: Allows members to maintain healthy-looking glow year-round.

While a sauna or steam room are not available, the focus is providing the essentials for a quality workout with helpful extras like massage chairs for an added perk.

Member Perspectives on Lack of Sauna and Steam Room

Member perspectives on the lack of a sauna and steam room at our fitness facility are varied. While some members express disappointment and frustration over the absence of these amenities, others remain indifferent, focusing solely on the gym equipment and classes offered. A subset of members sees the omission as a missed opportunity for relaxation and post-workout recovery. They highlight the potential benefits of saunas and steam rooms, such as muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and detoxification. For them, these spaces would enhance the overall fitness experience. On the contrary, some members argue that the absence of saunas and steam rooms doesn’t detract from the facility’s primary purpose – physical fitness – and that the space could be better utilized for additional workout areas or specialized training zones. As the fitness center continues to evolve, finding a balance between accommodating diverse member preferences and optimizing the available space remains a key consideration.

Comparing Planet Fitness to Other Gym Chains

When comparing Planet Fitness to other major gym chains, key differences emerge:

• • Chains like LA Fitness often include saunas and steam rooms along with pools, full-service locker rooms, studios, and more amenities. However, the monthly rates are often at least double the cost of Planet Fitness memberships.

• • Similarly, upscale chains like Equinox also offer saunas, steam rooms, and luxury features, but at premium pricing of $150+ per month on average.

• • Budget chains like Anytime Fitness do not usually have saunas or steam rooms, similar to Planet Fitness. However, Planet Fitness has more equipment and locations at lower average monthly rates.

• • Chains like Crunch Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness offer saunas and steam rooms at select locations or in higher tier memberships. Their monthly rates are often still $10 to $30 higher than comparable Planet Fitness rates.

So while pricier gym chains may provide amenities like saunas or steam rooms, Planet Fitness provides an affordable alternative for basic fitness needs.

Here are Some Tips to Make the Most of Your Planet Fitness Membership

• • Take advantage of included group fitness classes for variety like Zumba, yoga, or circuit training.

• • Use the massage chairs before or after workouts to aid muscle relaxation and recovery.

• • Try alternating between cardio machines like the treadmill and elliptical for different calorie burns.

• • Vary your strength training by using free weights, weight machines, and resistance bands on different days.

• • Consider supplementing your membership with services like private personal training, massage therapy, or cryotherapy nearby for recovery.

• • Stay hydrated and take breaks between intense exertion to avoid overheating without a steam room option.

• • Chat with staff for any guidance in maximizing your workout or reaching your fitness goals.

Conclusion

Planet Fitness provides an affordable, judgement-free gym experience with extensive equipment and amenities. However, saunas and steam rooms are not included due to the added costs of installation and maintenance. While some members view this as a disadvantage, the majority join Planet Fitness for the budget-friendly fees.

By forgoing certain amenities, Planet Fitness focuses on keeping membership prices low. Overall, members can still achieve their fitness goals through the strength training, cardio machines, and classes included in the Planet Fitness offerings. With planning and supplemental services, an effective workout routine is possible without a sauna or steam room option onsite.

FAQ’s

Does Planet Fitness offer any kind of sauna, even infrared?

No, none of the Planet Fitness locations offer any type of sauna, neither traditional nor infrared. Steam rooms are also not available.

Can I get a sauna experience at Planet Fitness in any way?

Unfortunately, there is no way to get a sauna session at Planet Fitness gyms currently. You would need to join a gym with sauna amenities or visit a dedicated sauna studio.

Are saunas that important for my workout routine and goals?

While beneficial, saunas are not essential. You can achieve great fitness results through strength training, cardio, and nutrition without a sauna for most goals. But they provide added benefits for some.

If I want sauna access, what gyms should I look into instead?

Full-service gym chains like LA Fitness and upscale brands like Equinox typically offer sauna and steam room access. But these come at a higher monthly membership cost than Planet Fitness.