If you’re searching “does Planet Fitness have a sauna,” you’re likely trying to avoid choosing the wrong gym. I’ve been in the same situation—signing up for a budget gym expecting basic recovery features, only to realize after a workout that there was no sauna at all. That moment can be frustrating, especially when you’re tired and looking for a way to relax your muscles. Many people today don’t just want a place to lift weights—they also want recovery, comfort, and a complete fitness experience.
Planet Fitness is one of the most popular low-cost gyms in the U.S., but it works very differently from full-service gyms. From both research and real visits to multiple locations, I’ve seen how it focuses more on affordability than wellness features. So before you commit your money and time, it’s important to clearly understand what you will get—and what you won’t. This guide will help you make the right decision based on your goals.
The Short Answer: No, Planet Fitness Does Not Have a Sauna Room
- Planet Fitness does not have a sauna or steam room in most locations.
- It focuses on low-cost fitness, not premium wellness amenities.
- PF Black Card® offers extra perks, but sauna access is not one of them.
- If a sauna matters to you, compare gyms like YMCA, LA Fitness, or Lifetime Fitness before joining.
Planet Fitness does not offer saunas or steam rooms as standard amenities.
Most locations in the United States focus on low-cost fitness instead of luxury features. Because of this, saunas are not part of their typical setup.
However, amenities can vary by location. If you are unsure, you should always check your local club.
Why the Confusion?
Many people expect gyms to have saunas. Other gyms include them, so people assume Planet Fitness does too.
This confusion often happens because:
- People compare Planet Fitness with full-service gyms
- Some online sources give unclear answers
- Planet Fitness offers other recovery tools, which can be misleading
This is why many users search before joining—to avoid picking the wrong gym.
Planet Fitness at a Glance (What It Is — and What It’s Not)
Planet Fitness is built for people who want:
- A low-cost gym
- A simple workout environment
- A beginner-friendly space
It is NOT designed for:
- Spa-style recovery
- Sauna or steam room access
- Premium wellness features
If your goal is basic workouts at a low price, it works well.
If you want recovery + comfort, you may need another gym.
Membership Tiers, Costs, and Benefits (What You Actually Pay For)
Planet Fitness keeps memberships simple.
Classic Membership
- Access to one gym
- Low monthly cost
- Basic equipment
PF Black Card® Membership
- Access to multiple locations
- Guest privileges
- Extra comfort features
Important for buyers:
Even with the PF Black Card®, you still do not get a sauna.
Also, amenities vary by location, so always confirm before joining.
Amenities at Planet Fitness: What’s Available vs. What’s Missing
This is where many users make their decision.
What Planet Fitness Does NOT Have
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Hot tubs
- Swimming pools
If these are must-have features for you, Planet Fitness may not be the right choice.
| Feature | Available at Planet Fitness? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sauna | ❌ No | Not a standard amenity |
| Steam Room | ❌ No | Not part of the usual club setup |
| HydroMassage | ✅ At many locations | Usually tied to PF Black Card® |
| Massage Chairs | ✅ At many locations | Availability can vary |
| Tanning Beds | ✅ At some locations | Varies by club and membership |
| Total Body Enhancement | ✅ At some locations | Not the same as a sauna |
What Planet Fitness Offers Instead
Many PF Black Card® locations include:
- HydroMassage
- Massage chairs
- Tanning beds
- Total Body Enhancement
These can help with comfort, but they are not equal to a sauna experience.
Why Doesn’t Planet Fitness Have a Sauna? (The Real Reasons)
This decision is intentional.
1. Cost and Maintenance
Saunas increase costs. Planet Fitness keeps prices low by avoiding them.
2. Safety and Liability
Saunas require strict safety management.
3. Space Use
Planet Fitness uses space for more equipment instead.
4. Business Model
The brand targets budget users, not luxury seekers.
This is why memberships stay cheap—but features are limited.
Red Light Therapy vs. Sauna: Are They the Same?
No.
- Sauna = heat-based recovery
- Red light = light-based wellness
Planet Fitness offers Total Body Enhancement machines in some locations. These are helpful, but they do not replace sauna benefits .
If you specifically want heat therapy, this will not meet your needs.
What is the Total Body Enhancement Machine at Planet Fitness?
This machine includes:
- Red light exposure
- Vibration platform
It is designed for:
- General wellness
- Light recovery
Important:
It is a bonus feature, not a full recovery solution like a sauna.
Why Saunas and Steam Rooms Matter: The Missing Wellness Element
Many users want more than just workouts.
Health Benefits of Sauna Use
- Muscle relaxation
- Better circulation
- Stress relief
Saunas vs. Recovery Machines
Machines at Planet Fitness help with comfort, but they do not fully replace sauna benefits.
This is a key reason why some users choose other gyms.
Alternative Gyms with Saunas and Steam Rooms
If sauna access is important, consider these options.
| Gym | Sauna | Steam Room | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Fitness | ❌ No | ❌ No | $10–25 | Budget workouts |
| YMCA | ✅ Often yes | ✅ Often yes | $30–70 | Community + wellness |
| LA Fitness / Esporta | ✅ Often yes | ✅ Often yes | $30–50 | Balanced fitness |
| 24 Hour Fitness | ✅ At many locations | ✅ At many locations | $30–60 | Recovery + flexibility |
| Lifetime Fitness | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $100+ | Premium experience |
YMCA
- Affordable
- Often includes sauna and pool
24 Hour Fitness
- Mid-range pricing
- More recovery features
Gold’s Gym
- Strong workout + recovery mix
Esporta Fitness / LA Fitness
- Good balance of cost and amenities
EōS Fitness
- Budget-friendly with more features
These gyms are better for users who want both fitness and recovery.
If You Want a Sauna, Where Should You Go Instead?
Choose based on your goal:
- Low budget + sauna → YMCA
- Balanced gym → LA Fitness
- Premium experience → Lifetime Fitness
- Is sauna access a must-have feature for you?
- Is low price more important than recovery amenities?
- Do you want a gym for workouts only, or for wellness too?
- Have you checked your local club’s current amenities?
This helps you avoid choosing the wrong gym.
Portable Sauna Room Alternatives: What to Do If Your Gym Doesn’t Have One
You can still get sauna benefits at home.
Why Portable Saunas Are Popular
- Lower cost long-term
- Easy to set up
- No gym needed
Types of Home Saunas
- Infrared
- Steam
- Traditional
This is a good option if you like Planet Fitness but still want sauna benefits.
How to Check If Your Local Planet Fitness Has These Amenities
Before joining, always confirm:
- Visit the Planet Fitness website
- Search your local club
- Check the amenities section
- Call the gym if needed
Always call your local Planet Fitness before joining. Amenities can vary by location, and a quick call can save you from signing up for a gym that does not match your recovery needs.
This step helps you avoid surprises after signing up.
Is Planet Fitness Worth It Without a Sauna?
This depends on your needs.
- Budget-focused gym users
- Beginners who want a simple workout space
- People who care more about price than premium amenities
- Users who do not need sauna or steam room access
- People who want sauna or steam room access
- Users focused on post-workout recovery
- Gym shoppers looking for premium wellness features
- Anyone who wants a full-service gym experience
Good choice if you want:
- Low monthly cost
- Simple workouts
- Beginner-friendly gym
Not ideal if you want:
- Sauna access
- Full recovery experience
- Luxury features
Many users choose Planet Fitness for price, but switch later for better amenities.
FAQs
Does Planet Fitness have a sauna?
No, it is not included.
Does Planet Fitness have a steam room?
No.
Do any Planet Fitness locations have a sauna?
Most do not. Check your local club to be sure.
What recovery options does Planet Fitness offer?
HydroMassage, massage chairs, tanning, and Total Body Enhancement (varies by location).
What gyms have saunas?
YMCA, LA Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, and others.
What’s the difference between a sauna and a steam room?
Sauna = dry heat
Steam room = moist heat
Planet Fitness is a strong choice for low-cost workouts, but it is not the right fit for users who want sauna access, steam rooms, or a full recovery-focused gym experience.
Conclusion
Based on both personal experience and analysis of multiple Planet Fitness locations, it’s clear that the gym is built for affordability and simplicity, not recovery-focused training. It delivers well on low cost, clean spaces, and beginner-friendly workouts, but it does not meet the needs of users who want sauna access or full wellness features. If your priority is saving money and getting basic workouts, Planet Fitness is a strong choice; however, if recovery and relaxation are important parts of your routine, you may find yourself needing a different gym later. The best decision comes from knowing your priorities before you sign up.
