Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a wellness seeker, or just curious about this ancient practice and thinking how can I find a gym sauna near me or other ways to sauna, this guide is the perfect place to start. The sauna renaissance is in full swing, driven by growing awareness of their health benefits, from stress relief and muscle recovery to detoxification. Many people thing they need to spend thousands of dollars to build a sauna studio at home. We break down a bunch of options that wont break the bank so you can start saunaing today!
Gyms with Saunas: Sweat and Unwind Post-Workout
Gyms have long been a go-to for sauna enthusiasts. They can offer convenient way to relax after a workout without leaving the facility. Many major chains now include saunas as a premium perk, making them an excellent starting point for to start saunaing.
LA Fitness: A Popular Choice
When thinking where to find a sauna gym near me LA Fitness stands out. They have locations across 22 U.S. states, primarily in California, Texas, and Florida. LA Fitness offers both traditional steam and dry saunas in many clubs, alongside pools and hot tubs for a full post-workout recovery experience (visit lafitness.com to find a location near you). After an intense cardio or weightlifting session, you can unwind in their saunas, which are typically located in the locker rooms and designed for quick, refreshing sessions. Memberships start as low as $29.95 monthly, depending on location, making it an affordable option for accessing saunas. However, peak hours can get crowded, and some locations may not have saunas, so check the gym locator on their website to confirm amenities at your nearest branch. The saunas are functional but not luxurious—perfect for a practical, post-sweat cool-down but not a spa-like escape.
Other Gym Chains
Beyond LA Fitness, there are some other options for finding a sauna gym near me. Chains like Equinox, Crunch Fitness, and 24 Hour Fitness also offer saunas, though availability varies by location. Equinox, known for its upscale facilities, provides high-end saunas and steam rooms, often paired with pools and spa treatments, but memberships can cost upwards of $210 monthly. Ideal for those seeking luxury (check equinox.com for details). Crunch Fitness promotes a “No Judgments” culture, with saunas in select locations. 24 Hour Fitness offers both traditional and infrared options, catering to a wide range of fitness levels (explore 24hourfitness.com for locations). These gyms often foster a social vibe, where you might chat with fellow members, but be prepared for potential crowds during busy times.
Downsides and Tips
Gyms are convenient, but they’re not without challenges. Peak hours can mean long waits, and basic saunas may lack the privacy or customization of dedicated studios. To optimize your experience, visit during off-peak times (early mornings or weekdays), bring a towel, and stay hydrated—saunas can dehydrate you, especially after a workout. Curious about which chains offer the best sauna experiences or how to navigate gym etiquette? Stay tuned for our upcoming deep dive into gym saunas for more tips!
Sauna Studios: Boutique Bliss for Wellness Seekers
If you aren’t successful at finding a sauna gym near me, there are other options, for a more tailored, luxurious sauna experience. Boutique sauna studios are gaining traction, offering private sessions, advanced technology, and holistic wellness perks. These studios cater to those seeking a deeper detox, relaxation, or recovery, often using infrared saunas for their targeted heat benefits.
The Sweat Houz: A Standout Studio
The Sweat Houz has multiple locations across Atlanta and Dallas and is continuing to expand. They specialize in infrared sauna therapy and provide private, 45-minute sauna sessions followed by a 15-minute vitamin-C shower for skin rejuvenation (learn more at sweathouz.com). Their infrared technology heats your body directly, promoting detoxification, muscle recovery, and calorie burn without the high humidity of traditional saunas. If you want more details on the health befits of saunaing, check our our deep dive. The serene, private suites enhance relaxation, and additional perks like cold plunges and contrast therapy elevate the experience to a full wellness reset. Pricing typically ranges from $30–$50 per session or through memberships. While this is pricier than most gym saunas the premium ambiance and health-focused approach maybe worth it. Their app makes booking easy, and locations are sanitized after each use, ensuring a safe, hygienic environment.
Other Notable Studios
Other studios, like Sweatheory and HOTWORX, offer similar infrared sauna experiences, often paired with yoga, meditation, or fitness classes. Sweatheory combines infrared saunas with vitamin injections and body sculpting (visit sweatheory.com for details). HOTWORX provides 24/7 access to virtual workouts in infrared saunas, appealing to fitness enthusiasts (explore hotworx.net for studio locations). These studios prioritize privacy, customization, and cutting-edge wellness, but they can be expensive, with sessions costing $20–$50 or more. Booking in advance is often required. They’re perfect for those who value a spa-like atmosphere over the social buzz of gyms.
Downsides and Tips
While studios offer luxury, they’re less budget-friendly and may require travel to specific locations. To maximize your visit, hydrate thoroughly, wear lightweight attire (or go towel-only if offered), and arrive early to settle in. Intrigued by the rise of sauna studios?
Public Baths and Community Saunas: Cultural and Social Hubs
For a more traditional or social sauna experience, public baths and community saunas evoke the Scandinavian and Finnish roots of sauna culture. These spots are affordable, often wood-fired, and foster a sense of community, but they require some research to find.
What to Expect
Public bathhouses, like those in New York City’s Russian or Turkish traditions, or community saunas in cities like Minneapolis, offer a cultural immersion. In Minneapolis, the 612 Sauna Society operates a portable wood-fired sauna near ski trails in winter or beaches in summer, accommodating up to 10 people for a cozy, social experience (visit 612saunasociety.org for schedules and locations). These saunas are typically hotter (180–200°F) and less commercialized, emphasizing relaxation and camaraderie. Pricing is often low—$10–$20 per session—or free for community events, but availability depends on location and season.
Downsides and Tips
Public saunas may lack privacy, and etiquette varies (e.g., silence is golden, and minimal clothing is standard). Check local listings or online forums like Reddit’s r/Sauna for recommendations, and bring a towel, water, and respect for shared space. Want to explore the best public and community options near you? Stay tuned for our deep dive into where to sauna today for more details!
At-Home Saunas: Bring the Heat to Your Space
For ultimate convenience and personalization, at-home saunas are more accessible than ever, ranging from DIY builds to ready-made solutions. This option suits those committed to regular sauna use and with space and budget to spare.
Options and Costs
- Traditional or Infrared Saunas: Pre-built wooden steam or infrared saunas can cost $2,000–$10,000+, sometimes requiring installation by professionals. They offer durability and a classic experience but need dedicated space, ventilation and sometimes dedicated 220v power supply.
- Tent Saunas: Portable, lightweight tent saunas are the most affordable ($200–$2,500) and easy to set up, ideal for small spaces or outdoor use. They use electric or wood-burning heaters and can be assembled in under an hour, perfect for camping or backyards.
- DIY Builds: For the hands-on, wood-burning saunas can be custom-built for $1,500–$5,000, depending on materials and size, but they require carpentry skills, potentially permits, and time.
Downsides and Tips
At-home saunas are a long-term investment, with higher upfront costs and maintenance (e.g., cleaning, humidity control). Ensure proper ventilation, stay hydrated, and limit sessions to 15–20 minutes to avoid overheating. Curious about building or buying your own sauna?
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Sauna Haven
Saunas are no longer niche—they’re a mainstream wellness trend, offering relaxation, health benefits, and community wherever you are. Whether you prefer the convenience of LA Fitness, the luxury of The Sweat Houz, the tradition of public baths, or the personalization of an at-home setup, there’s a sauna spot for every lifestyle. New locations are opening daily, from gym expansions to boutique studios, so explore local options and get out and Sauna!
At The Sauna Space, we’re passionate about helping you discover the sauna life that suits you best. Grab a towel, hydrate, and step into the heat—your sauna journey starts today. If you are looking to learn more check out our Ultimate Sauna Guide for more details on everything Sauna!