Which Gym Chains Have Saunas?
The sauna situation varies dramatically by gym chain and even by individual location within a chain. Here's the honest breakdown based on what we've verified:
- LA Fitness: Most locations have a dry sauna and/or steam room. One of the most reliable sauna chains in the US. Included with standard membership.
- YMCA: Many YMCA locations have saunas, especially larger community centers. Varies significantly by branch — always call the specific location.
- 24 Hour Fitness: Super Sport and Sport-tier clubs typically have dry sauna and/or steam. Standard locations may not.
- Anytime Fitness: Some locations have saunas, but it's franchise-dependent. Less common than LA Fitness or 24 Hour.
- Planet Fitness: No sauna at most locations. Occasionally has red light therapy beds but no traditional or infrared sauna.
- Equinox / Life Time Fitness: Premium chains consistently have saunas, steam rooms, and sometimes cold plunge pools. Expect $100–250/month memberships.
How to Find a Gym with a Sauna Near You
The fastest approach: search "gym with sauna near me" in Google Maps, then filter for chains known to carry saunas (LA Fitness, YMCA, 24 Hour Fitness, Life Time). Before visiting, call the specific location to confirm the sauna is operational — equipment breaks down and may be out of service for weeks at a time.
You can also use our sauna finder tool or our dedicated gyms with saunas near me guide.
Gym Sauna Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
If you're new to gym saunas, understanding etiquette makes the experience better for everyone:
- Shower first. Always rinse off before entering. This is basic hygiene and expected at most facilities.
- Sit on a towel. Bring your own towel and sit on it — never directly on the wood bench. Many gyms provide paper towels if you forget.
- Keep it quiet. Gym saunas are a recovery space. Limit conversation, keep your voice low, and avoid phone calls.
- Respect session limits. Busy gyms often have 15–20 minute session limits during peak hours. Respect them.
- No water pouring without permission. In dry saunas, pouring water on the rocks raises humidity and temperature. Ask others before doing so.
- Wear appropriate attire. A bathing suit or gym shorts/sports bra. US gyms require clothing in shared saunas.
What to Bring to a Gym Sauna
A minimal kit makes your session more comfortable: a large towel (one to sit on, one to dry off), water bottle, flip flops for the locker room, and a second set of clothes. Avoid phones and electronics in high-heat saunas — screens don't like 180°F.
How to Get the Most from a Gym Sauna Session
Most gym sauna users sit for 10 minutes and leave — here's how to get significantly more out of the same time. Start with 2–3 rounds of 10–15 minutes, with a 5-minute cool-down (cold shower, or sitting in a cool room) between each round. The cool-down and re-heat cycle is where much of the cardiovascular benefit occurs. Finish with a cold shower if the gym has one, or head to the cold plunge if available.
Hydration matters: drink 16–24 oz of water or electrolyte drink before your session, and replace what you sweat out afterward. You can lose 0.5–1 liter of sweat in a single sauna session.
Gym Sauna vs Home Sauna
Gym saunas are convenient and cost-effective if you're already a member, but they come with real drawbacks: shared space, variable cleanliness, session time limits, and inconsistent temperatures. A home sauna eliminates all of those — but at upfront cost. If you're using a gym sauna 4+ times per week, a home sauna often pays for itself within a few years.