Yes — most LA Fitness locations have a dry sauna, and many also have a steam room and whirlpool. LA Fitness is widely considered one of the best mainstream gym chains for sauna access at an affordable price (~$30–$35/month).
If you're looking for a gym with reliable sauna access without paying Life Time or Equinox prices, LA Fitness is the most frequently recommended option. Unlike Planet Fitness (no sauna anywhere) or Anytime Fitness (franchise-dependent), LA Fitness has a consistent, corporate-managed standard that includes wet area amenities at the vast majority of its roughly 700 locations.
What Sauna Facilities Does LA Fitness Have?
Most LA Fitness locations offer the following in their locker rooms:
- Dry sauna — available in both men's and women's locker rooms at most locations. Typically a cedar-lined room with electric heater, running 160–185°F. No reservation needed — first-come, first-served.
- Steam room — also in the locker rooms at many locations. A wet steam environment, typically 110–120°F with high humidity. Easier for some people to tolerate than a dry sauna.
- Whirlpool / hot tub — many LA Fitness locations have a pool area that includes a whirlpool, separate from the locker room sauna.
These amenities are included in the standard LA Fitness membership — there's no upgrade required. They're part of what you get at the base price.
Why LA Fitness is the Sweet Spot for Budget Sauna Access
Here's a straightforward cost-benefit comparison for anyone prioritizing sauna access:
| Gym | Sauna? | Steam Room? | Monthly Cost | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Fitness | No | No | $10–$25 | Poor (for sauna seekers) |
| Anytime Fitness | Some | Rare | $30–$50 | Variable |
| YMCA | Many | Some | $40–$80 | Good (if your branch has it) |
| LA Fitness | Most | Most | $30–$35 | Excellent |
| 24 Hour Fitness | Many | Many | $35–$55 | Good |
| Life Time Fitness | All | All | $100–$200 | Premium |
At roughly $30–$35/month with predictable sauna access, LA Fitness consistently comes out ahead on the value calculus. They also offer pools, racquetball courts, and group classes (with a small add-on fee), making it one of the most complete mainstream gym options.
What to Expect at LA Fitness: Practical Tips
- Peak hours matter. Saunas are shared spaces. Evenings (5–8 PM) are the busiest. If you have flexibility, a mid-morning or early afternoon session will give you more breathing room.
- Bring a towel. Always sit on a towel in a gym sauna — both for hygiene and courtesy. Many gym-goers bring a second towel for wiping down.
- Hydrate beforehand. Drink 1–2 glasses of water before a sauna session. You'll sweat significantly in a dry sauna at 160–185°F.
- Don't use your phone in the sauna. High heat can permanently damage phone batteries and displays. Leave it in your locker.
- Sauna + cold contrast at home. LA Fitness doesn't have cold plunges, but you can recreate contrast therapy at home after your sauna by using a cold shower or a DIY cold plunge.
Does LA Fitness Have a Cold Plunge?
Currently, LA Fitness does not have cold plunges at standard locations. Cold plunges are an emerging amenity in the gym industry — Life Time Fitness and some high-end wellness clubs are beginning to add them, but mainstream chains like LA Fitness haven't widely adopted them yet.
If you want a sauna + cold plunge combination, your options are: a premium gym like Life Time (~$100–$200/month), a dedicated wellness spa, or setting up a cold plunge at home to complement your LA Fitness sauna sessions.