No, most Planet Fitness does not offer saunas for standard Classic members, and even Black Card members, focusing on low costs by avoiding high-maintenance equipment.
Planet Fitness offer alternative spa amenities like HydroMassage beds, tanning beds, and Total Body Enhancement (light therapy) with their Black Card members.
What doesn’t Planet Fitness have?
Planet Fitness generally lacks heavy free weights (barbells, squat racks), saunas, swimming pools, and dedicated personal trainers, focusing instead on strength and cardio machines.
Why Saunas Are Rare at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness’s business model centers on affordability and accessibility for the “general public” rather than offering luxury or full-service wellness facilities.
Here are the main reasons saunas are not standard
Cost Control: Saunas require significant upfront installation costs and ongoing expenses for heating, ventilation, and maintenance. By omitting saunas, Planet Fitness can keep membership fees low (e.g., mouth fees as low as $15 for Classic memberships).
Target Audience Focus: The gym caters to casual exercisers who prioritize basic cardio and light strength training over premium relaxation services. Its marketing even positions itself as “not a typical gym” but a stress-free space for beginners, making saunas a non-essential feature for its core customer base.
Facility Size & Layout: Most Planet Fitness locations are around 2,000 square feet, with space optimized for fitness equipment rather than additional wellness areas like saunas.
Key Details About Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness, founded in 1992, is a globally expanding chain with over 1,800 locations. It primarily targets “casual gym-goers” by offering an affordable, non-intimidating environment, and its amenities are tailored to this positioning:
1. Classic Membership
This entry-level membership focuses on core fitness equipment, such as treadmills, ellipticals, and light-weight strength training machines. Saunas, along with other premium relaxation amenities, are not included in this tier.
2. Black Card Membership
Black Card members get access to additional perks compared to Classic members, but saunas are still not a universal benefit. The typical premium amenities for Black Card holders include free massage chairs, unlimited tanning beds, and HydroMassage machines. These amenities are designed for post-workout recovery.
Planet Fitness Memberships Compare
What’s Inside a Planet Fitness?
Alternative Relaxation Options at Planet Fitness
For members seeking post-workout recovery, Planet Fitness offers Black Card-exclusive amenities as alternatives to saunas:
- HydroMassage machines: Water-based massage beds for muscle relaxation.
- Massage chairs: Complimentary for Black Card members.
- Tanning beds: Unlimited access for Black Card holders.
- Total Body Enhancement (light therapy).
Red Light Therapy vs. Sauna
| Comparison | Red Light Therapy | Sauna |
| Core Mechanism | Low-level red/near-infrared light (620-850 nm) penetrates skin, boosts cellular energy (ATP) without high heat. | Dry/wet heat (40-100°C) raises body temp, induces sweating and increases blood flow. |
| Key Benefits | – Faster muscle recovery & tissue repair – Reduces inflammation & joint pain – Improves skin health (anti-aging, collagen) |
– Detox via sweating – Muscle relaxation & stress relief – Boosts cardiovascular health |
| Temperature | Mild warmth or no heat; comfortable, non-sweaty. | Intense heat; profuse sweating (dry/wet options). |
| Session Info | 10-20 mins/session, 3-5x/week; daily for targeted use. | 15-30 mins/session, 2-3x/week; avoid overexposure. |
| Usage Scenarios | At-home devices (panels, masks) & clinics; targeted recovery/skincare. | Gyms, spas, home; full-body relaxation & detox. |
| Fitness Chain Access (e.g., Planet Fitness) | Rare; only high-end boutique gyms/wellness centers. | Not universal; excluded to keep membership costs low. |