Best Gym Chains With Saunas (Ranked)

Not all gym chains are created equal when it comes to sauna access. Here's an honest ranking based on availability and quality:

  • Life Time Fitness / Equinox (Tier 1): The gold standard. Almost every location has an excellent dry sauna, steam room, and sometimes a cold plunge pool. Expect to pay $100–200+/month for the privilege.
  • LA Fitness (Tier 2): The best value for sauna access. Most locations have a dry sauna and steam room included in a $25–35/month membership. Highly consistent across locations.
  • YMCA (Tier 2): Many Y locations have saunas, and the community-focused environment is welcoming. Prices are often income-adjusted. Varies significantly by branch — always call ahead.
  • 24 Hour Fitness Sport/Super Sport (Tier 2): Reliable sauna access at Sport+ tier locations. Verify your local club's tier before signing up.
  • Gold's Gym (Tier 3): Some locations have saunas, but it's not consistent. Franchise model makes this variable.
  • Anytime Fitness (Tier 3): Some franchise locations have invested in sauna facilities. Check your specific location.
  • Planet Fitness (Not Recommended for Sauna): Does not have saunas. Full stop.

How to Find a Gym With a Sauna Near You

The most reliable method is multi-step: search Google Maps for "gym with sauna near me" → visit the website of each chain that appears → look up your specific location's amenity list → call to confirm the sauna is currently operational (not under repair). This extra step saves significant frustration.

For non-gym sauna options in your area, search "Korean spa near me," "banya near me," or "day spa with sauna near me." These often provide a better sauna experience than gym facilities and cost $20–50 for a day pass without a membership commitment.

What to Look for in a Gym Sauna

Once you've identified candidates, assess the sauna quality on a trial visit. Key indicators of a good gym sauna: temperature consistently hitting 170–185°F (ask staff or bring a thermometer), wood-lined interior (cedar is ideal, not plastic), good ventilation without a stale smell, clean benches, and a functioning rocks/heater. A sauna that tops out at 150°F or smells like mildew isn't worth a membership upgrade for.

Day Passes vs. Memberships

If you want occasional sauna access without committing to a monthly fee, many gyms offer day passes ($10–25) and most Korean spas and day spas offer single-session pricing. This is ideal for travelers or people who want to try a facility before committing.

For regular use (3+ times per week), a gym membership almost always beats per-session pricing. LA Fitness at ~$30/month works out to under $3 per sauna session if you go 10+ times monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which gym has the best sauna?
Life Time Fitness and Equinox consistently have the highest-quality sauna facilities — but at premium membership costs. For the best value, LA Fitness offers reliably good saunas at a mid-range price point. Korean spas often beat gym saunas on ambiance and temperature for a day pass fee.
Do gyms let you use the sauna without a workout?
Yes — most gyms allow members to use the sauna without using the gym floor. Some facilities have access hours for the sauna separate from peak gym times. Check your gym's policies.
What's the average temperature of a gym sauna?
Most US gym saunas run between 160–185°F (71–85°C). The best ones hit 175–185°F consistently. If your gym's sauna doesn't reach at least 160°F, the therapeutic benefit is limited.