LA Fitness does not have tanning beds at any of its standard club locations as of 2026. If you’re deciding whether an LA Fitness membership fits your needs, the more useful question is what amenities you actually do get, because the answer depends heavily on which type of club is near you.
Steam rooms and saunas are available at select LA Fitness locations, mostly Signature and certain Sport clubs. The American Academy of Dermatology has classified indoor UV tanning devices as carcinogenic since 2009, and many major gym chains have moved away from offering them entirely. That shift matters when you’re choosing where to train.
This guide covers everything you need to know: tanning policy, steam room and sauna access by club type, the documented health effects of heat therapy, who should avoid these amenities, which competing gyms still offer tanning beds, and how to verify exactly what your nearest club includes before you commit.
Does LA Fitness Have Tanning Beds
LA Fitness does not offer tanning beds at any of its gym locations in 2026. This is a chain-wide policy, not a local decision.
Unlike some gym brands that include tanning booths as a paid add-on or membership perk, LA Fitness has never incorporated UV tanning services into its standard facility offering. You won’t find a tanning bed, sunbed, or UV booth in any standard, Sport, or Signature club.
The World Health Organization classified UV-emitting tanning devices as Group 1 carcinogens in 2009, placing them in the same risk category as tobacco and asbestos. That classification has prompted many fitness chains to distance themselves from offering the service. LA Fitness appears to be one of them by design.
What this means practically: if UV tanning was a feature you expected to use regularly, LA Fitness is not the right gym for that specific service. However, if you’re open to spray tan alternatives or were mainly asking about tanning beds as part of a broader amenities search, the rest of this guide has what you need.
Key facts about LA Fitness and tanning:
- No tanning beds at any standard, Sport, or Signature location
- No paid tanning add-on option
- No UV tanning booth or sunbed anywhere in the chain
- Spray tan services not offered on-site either
- Heat-based recovery amenities (steam room, sauna) available at some clubs
LA Fitness Amenities Overview
LA Fitness offers a wide range of fitness amenities, but the specific features at any given club depend on the location type and the membership tier you select.
At the baseline level, most LA Fitness clubs include a full weight room, cardio equipment floor, resistance machines, free weights, and group fitness classes. Many locations add a swimming pool, basketball court, racquetball court, and a Kids Club childcare area. Higher-tier clubs add whirlpool spas, steam rooms, saunas, and expanded locker room facilities.
This variation is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the brand. Because LA Fitness operates hundreds of clubs nationally, members sometimes assume every location shares an identical setup. That is not the case.
| Amenity | Standard Club | Sport Club | Signature Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight room and cardio floor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group fitness classes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swimming pool | Some | Most | Yes |
| Basketball court | Some | Most | Yes |
| Racquetball court | Some | Some | Yes |
| Steam room | Rare | Some | Most |
| Sauna | Rare | Some | Most |
| Whirlpool spa | No | Some | Yes |
| Kids Club | Some | Some | Yes |
| Tanning beds | No | No | No |
Policies and included amenities are subject to change. Always verify directly with your specific club location before signing up or traveling.
LA Fitness Membership Tiers Explained
LA Fitness offers multiple membership tiers, and the tier you choose determines which clubs you can access and what amenities are available to you.
As of 2026, the primary tiers are a single-club membership and a multi-club membership that includes access to all standard and Sport locations. Signature club access typically requires an upgraded membership or a separate Signature club enrollment, depending on your market.
Pricing varies by location and by any active promotions. The initiation fee structure and monthly rate differ between tier levels. Contacting your local club or checking the LA Fitness website for your zip code will give you the most accurate current pricing.
| Membership Type | Club Access | Estimated Monthly Cost (Varies) | Steam Room/Sauna Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Club | One location only | Lower tier | Depends on that club |
| Multi-Club | All standard and Sport clubs | Mid-range | Varies by club |
| Signature Club | All clubs including Signature | Higher tier | Yes, at Signature locations |
Quick Tip:
- Ask specifically which amenities your target location includes before paying the initiation fee.
- Membership pricing and tier structures change regularly. Confirm current rates directly with the club.
- If steam room or sauna access matters to you, ask to see the locker room during a tour.
Key Takeaway: LA Fitness does not offer tanning beds at any location. Steam rooms and saunas exist at select clubs, and the tier you choose determines your access, so always verify amenities at your specific club before committing.
Does LA Fitness Have a Steam Room
Some LA Fitness locations have steam rooms, but this is not a universal amenity across all clubs. Availability depends on the specific location and club type.
Steam rooms at LA Fitness are typically found in Signature clubs and a portion of Sport clubs. Standard clubs rarely include them. The steam room, when present, is generally located in the locker room area and is gender-separated.
A steam room functions by using a steam generator to fill an enclosed space with heated, humidity-saturated air. Temperatures inside typically range from 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity at or near 100 percent. This is distinct from a dry sauna, which operates at higher temperatures with much lower humidity.
Research published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise indicates that post-exercise exposure to heat environments can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and support parasympathetic nervous system recovery. Steam rooms provide this kind of passive heat stimulus in a gym-accessible format.
For members who use the steam room for post-workout recovery, it is worth confirming with the club that the steam room is currently operational. Steam generators require maintenance, and some locations have experienced extended periods of downtime.
Does LA Fitness Have a Sauna or Steam Room
LA Fitness has both saunas and steam rooms at certain locations, primarily Signature and some Sport clubs. The two are not the same facility, and not every club that has one has the other.
A dry sauna operates at higher temperatures, typically 160 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, with very low humidity, usually below 20 percent. A steam room operates at lower temperatures with near-100 percent humidity. Both produce heat-based physiological responses, but the experience and mechanisms differ noticeably.
Many members use these terms interchangeably, which leads to confusion when searching for a gym. If your preference is specifically a dry sauna or specifically a steam room, that distinction matters when you’re evaluating locations.
| Feature | Steam Room | Dry Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | 110-120°F | 160-195°F |
| Humidity | Near 100% | Below 20% |
| Heat source | Steam generator | Sauna heater (electric or wood) |
| Breathing sensation | Moist, heavy air | Dry, hot air |
| Post-workout use | Muscle tension relief | Deep heat, sweat-intensive |
| Availability at LA Fitness | Select Signature/Sport clubs | Select Signature/Sport clubs |
The American College of Sports Medicine notes that heat therapy after exercise may support recovery by increasing blood flow to working muscles and accelerating the removal of metabolic waste products. Whether you prefer steam or dry heat, both options serve a similar post-workout function.
Is the Steam Room Available at All LA Fitness Locations
Steam rooms are not available at all LA Fitness locations. Availability is uneven across the chain and varies by club type, age of the facility, and regional market.
Standard LA Fitness clubs, which make up a large portion of their total location count, frequently lack steam rooms and saunas entirely. These facilities are more capital-intensive to install and maintain than standard gym equipment, which is why they tend to appear in higher-tier or newer club builds.
Key Takeaway: The steam room and sauna experience at LA Fitness is tier-dependent and location-specific. A Signature club in your city may have both, while a standard club across the street has neither. Calling ahead is not optional if this amenity matters to your decision.
If you specifically want a gym with a steam room or sauna, the most reliable approach is to:
- Search for your nearest LA Fitness location using the club finder on their website.
- Check the listed amenities for that specific club address.
- Call the club directly to confirm the steam room is currently operational.
- Ask whether it is included in all membership tiers or only in an upgraded plan.
- Request a tour of the locker room so you can see the facility before committing.
Steam room availability can also change if a facility undergoes renovation or if equipment fails. What was accurate six months ago may not reflect current conditions.
Does LA Fitness Signature Include Steam Room Access
LA Fitness Signature clubs generally include steam rooms as part of their elevated facility profile, but this should still be confirmed for your specific Signature location.
LA Fitness Signature represents the premium tier within the chain. These clubs are typically larger, newer builds or extensively renovated facilities. They consistently feature whirlpool spas, expanded locker rooms, and heat amenities including steam rooms and saunas in most cases.
The Signature club experience is designed to compete with mid-to-premium gym brands like Equinox at a lower price point. Part of that positioning involves the kind of recovery amenities, including steam and sauna access, that standard gyms do not offer.
Quick Tip:
- Not every market has a Signature location. Use the LA Fitness website to check if one exists near you.
- Signature club membership typically costs more than standard multi-club access. Ask for a current rate before assuming it fits your budget.
- Even at Signature clubs, steam room hours may differ from general club hours. Confirm operating hours during your inquiry.
The distinction between a Signature and a standard club is genuinely worth understanding before you commit. Members who join expecting premium amenities at a standard club location often end up frustrated when the locker room doesn’t match their expectations.
How to Find Out What Amenities Your LA Fitness Has
The most reliable way to verify amenities at a specific LA Fitness location is to call the club directly and ask for a written or verbal confirmation of current facilities.
The LA Fitness website includes a club finder that lists amenities by location. However, online listings can lag behind real-world changes. If a steam room went offline for repairs three months ago and the website hasn’t been updated, the listing may still show it as available.
To verify amenities accurately:
- Go to the LA Fitness website and use the club search tool.
- Enter your zip code or city to find the nearest locations.
- Click on a specific club to view its listed amenity set.
- Note which amenities are listed versus which are not mentioned.
- Call the club directly at the listed phone number.
- Ask: “Does your location currently have a steam room and sauna? Are they operational right now?”
- Ask: “Are those amenities included in all membership tiers, or do I need a specific plan?”
- Request a free tour if you are not yet a member.
Key Takeaway: Online amenity listings are a starting point, not a guarantee. A direct phone call to your specific LA Fitness location is the only way to confirm current availability and operational status before making a financial commitment.
This matters especially if you’re traveling and planning to use a different LA Fitness than your home club. Reciprocal access rights and amenity availability can differ at visited locations.
Steam Room Health Benefits at the Gym
Regular steam room use after exercise is associated with measurable cardiovascular, muscular, and psychological recovery benefits, according to peer-reviewed research.
A landmark study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2018, led by Dr. Jari Laukkanen, found that frequent sauna and steam heat exposure was associated with a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular events over a 20-year follow-up period in Finnish adults. While this research focused primarily on sauna use, the cardiovascular mechanisms apply broadly to passive heat therapy environments.
At the muscular level, heat exposure promotes vasodilation. Blood vessels widen, circulation increases, and oxygen-rich blood moves more efficiently to fatigued muscle tissue. This process helps clear lactate and other metabolic byproducts from the muscles faster than passive rest alone.
The Mayo Clinic notes that steam room use can lower cortisol levels and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes the rest-and-digest state your body needs after intense training. Think of it like pressing a biological reset button after a hard workout.
Documented benefits of steam room use for gym members:
- Reduced muscle tension and post-exercise soreness
- Lowered resting heart rate after prolonged regular use
- Improved circulation through vasodilation
- Reduced cortisol and psychological stress markers
- Potential improvements in respiratory function for people with mild congestion
- Skin pore opening and mild cleansing effect from sweat
These benefits are cumulative and most pronounced with consistent use over weeks, not a single session.
Sauna vs Steam Room: Which Is Better for Recovery
Neither a sauna nor a steam room is categorically better for post-workout recovery. The best choice depends on your tolerance for heat, your breathing preferences, and the specific recovery goal you’re targeting.
A dry sauna operates at higher temperatures, which means your body works harder to regulate core temperature. This produces a more intense sweat response and a stronger cardiovascular stimulus. Research from the Journal of Human Hypertension suggests that repeated dry sauna exposure can produce modest reductions in resting blood pressure over time.
A steam room produces a gentler heat environment but the high humidity can feel more intense to breathe. The moist air is often more comfortable for people with respiratory sensitivities or mild joint stiffness, since the warmth penetrates through humid air differently than dry heat.
| Recovery Goal | Better Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Reducing DOMS | Either, preference-based | Both increase circulation |
| Cardiovascular conditioning benefit | Dry sauna | Higher temperature stimulus |
| Respiratory comfort | Steam room | Moist air easier on airways |
| Joint stiffness relief | Steam room | Penetrating moist heat |
| Intense sweat and detox sensation | Dry sauna | Higher heat drives more sweat |
| Anxiety and cortisol reduction | Either | Both activate parasympathetic state |
If your gym has both, rotating between them based on how your body feels that day is a practical approach many experienced gym-goers use.
Key Takeaway: Steam rooms and saunas both deliver real, research-backed recovery benefits. The best one is the one you’ll use consistently, because the physiological gains come from regular exposure over time, not a single session.
How Long Should You Stay in a Steam Room or Sauna
Exercise physiologists generally recommend staying in a steam room or dry sauna for no more than 15 to 20 minutes per session, particularly for people who are newer to heat therapy.
The American College of Sports Medicine advises that heat therapy sessions should be followed by an adequate cooldown period, usually at least 10 minutes, before re-entering or resuming physical activity. Staying beyond 20 minutes in a high-heat environment increases the risk of dehydration, dizziness, and in extreme cases, heat exhaustion.
For beginners:
- Start with 5 to 10 minutes on your first few sessions.
- Exit if you feel lightheaded, nauseated, or short of breath at any point.
- Drink 16 to 24 ounces of water before entering the steam room or sauna.
- Bring water in with you if the facility allows it.
- Sit or lie in a relaxed position. Do not perform exercises inside.
- Cool down for at least 10 minutes after exiting before showering.
- Gradually extend to 15 minutes over several weeks as your body adapts.
Experienced users who have acclimated to heat may extend sessions to 20 minutes with proper hydration. Going beyond 20 minutes provides diminishing additional benefit and meaningfully increases dehydration risk.
The goal is thermal stress followed by recovery, not endurance. A 15-minute session done consistently three to four times per week will produce far more adaptation than occasional 30-minute overstays.
Steam Room Safety Tips and Who Should Avoid It
Steam rooms and saunas are safe for most healthy adults when used correctly, but several health conditions require caution or complete avoidance of high-heat environments.
The Mayo Clinic identifies the following groups as people who should consult with their treating physician before using a steam room or sauna, explaining the specific reason: people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, because heat-induced vasodilation can cause rapid blood pressure fluctuations; people with a recent history of heart attack or cardiac event, because heat places an added load on the cardiovascular system; and pregnant individuals, because elevated core body temperature in the first trimester carries documented developmental risk.
People who should avoid steam rooms and saunas entirely or discuss use with their doctor first:
- Pregnant individuals, particularly in the first trimester
- People with uncontrolled hypertension or recent cardiac events
- People with multiple sclerosis, as heat can temporarily worsen symptoms
- Anyone who has consumed alcohol before or after exercise
- Individuals taking diuretics, blood pressure medications, or medications that impair sweating
- Anyone who is acutely ill with fever, infection, or dehydration
General safety rules for all users:
- Never enter a steam room or sauna alone if you have any known cardiovascular condition.
- Remove metal jewelry, which can heat up and cause burns.
- Wear a towel or appropriate gym attire per facility rules.
- Do not pour additional water over a steam room’s heating element unless specifically instructed by staff.
- Exit immediately at any sign of dizziness, chest pressure, or extreme discomfort.
Which Gyms Have Tanning Beds in 2026
Several national gym chains still offer UV tanning beds as part of their membership or as a paid add-on, though this has become less common as UV risk awareness has grown.
Planet Fitness is the most prominent national chain offering tanning beds. Tanning access is typically included in the Black Card membership tier at Planet Fitness, which also includes guest privileges and access to massage chairs. Standard memberships at Planet Fitness do not include tanning.
Other gyms that may offer tanning services in 2026 include certain independent gyms, some 24 Hour Fitness locations, and regional chains. Availability varies by location and is subject to change.
| Gym Chain | Tanning Beds Available | Tier/Cost to Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Fitness | No | N/A | Chain-wide policy |
| Planet Fitness | Yes | Black Card membership | UV beds and spray tan booths |
| 24 Hour Fitness | Some locations | Varies | Confirm with local club |
| Anytime Fitness | Some locations | Varies | Franchise-dependent |
| Equinox | No | N/A | Not part of brand model |
| Gold’s Gym | Some locations | Varies | Location-dependent |
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding indoor UV tanning entirely, noting that using tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75 percent. This is cited here as a factual health context, not as a judgment on personal choice. If UV tanning is a priority for you, confirm current availability with any gym directly before assuming their listed services are operational.
Key Takeaway: Planet Fitness remains the most accessible national chain for gym-based UV tanning in 2026, but LA Fitness does not offer it. If tanning is a deciding factor in your gym choice, call ahead to confirm availability and whether it’s covered by your specific membership tier.
Best Tanning Alternatives for Gym-Goers
The safest and most widely recommended tanning alternatives for gym-goers are self-tanning products and spray tan services, both of which produce cosmetic color without UV radiation exposure.
The American Academy of Dermatology supports the use of dihydroxyacetone (DHA)-based self-tanners as a safe alternative to UV tanning. DHA is a colorless sugar that reacts with dead skin cells in the outermost layer of skin to produce a temporary brown color. It does not penetrate the deeper layers of skin and does not involve radiation of any kind.
Practical tanning alternatives for active gym members:
- Self-tanning lotions and mousses: Applied at home, typically last three to seven days. Best applied the evening before workout days to allow the product to develop fully.
- Spray tan services: Available at dedicated spray tan studios. One session typically lasts five to ten days. Avoid sweating heavily for at least four hours post-application.
- Gradual tanning moisturizers: Lower DHA concentration for a subtle build over several applications. Compatible with daily skincare routines.
- Tanning drops: Added to your existing moisturizer. Allows you to control depth of color by adjusting how many drops you use.
- Bronzing powder (cosmetic): Immediate effect, washes off. Best for event use rather than lasting color.
One practical note: heavy sweating from intense gym sessions can accelerate the fading of self-tan products. Applying a light moisturizer after showering post-workout can extend the life of a self-tan by maintaining skin hydration.
LA Fitness vs Other Gym Chains for Amenities
LA Fitness offers a broader base amenity set than budget chains like Planet Fitness, but falls short of premium brands like Equinox for recovery-focused facilities at most of its standard locations.
Understanding where LA Fitness sits in the gym market helps you decide if it’s the right fit. It occupies a mid-market position: more amenities than pure budget gyms, but without the luxury-tier facilities of high-end brands. The Signature club tier pushes closer to the premium space.
| Amenity | LA Fitness (Standard) | LA Fitness (Signature) | Planet Fitness | Equinox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming pool | Some | Yes | No | Yes (most) |
| Steam room | Rare | Most | No | Yes |
| Sauna | Rare | Most | No | Yes |
| Group fitness | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (premium) |
| Tanning beds | No | No | Yes (Black Card) | No |
| Basketball court | Some | Yes | No | Some |
| Racquetball | Some | Yes | No | No |
| Whirlpool/spa | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Kids Club | Some | Yes | No | No |
| Monthly cost range | Mid | Mid-High | Low | High |
For members who prioritize recovery amenities like steam rooms and saunas alongside a full fitness floor, LA Fitness Signature represents reasonable value in the mid-market tier. For members who only care about tanning, Planet Fitness with a Black Card membership is the most accessible low-cost option among national chains.
All pricing and amenity information is subject to change. Verify directly with each gym before making a decision based on this comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About LA Fitness Steam Rooms and Tanning
Does LA Fitness have tanning beds at any of its locations?
No, LA Fitness does not have tanning beds at any of its locations as of 2026.
This is a chain-wide policy that applies to all standard, Sport, and Signature clubs.
No UV tanning beds, sunbeds, or spray tan booths are offered at any LA Fitness facility.
Do you have to pay extra to use the steam room at LA Fitness?
Steam room access at LA Fitness is generally included with membership at locations that have one.
There is typically no separate day-use or per-session fee on top of your membership.
However, steam room availability depends on your club’s specific tier, and Signature-level access may require a higher-cost membership plan.
What is the difference between a sauna and a steam room at the gym?
A dry sauna operates at 160 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit with very low humidity, while a steam room runs at 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit with near-100 percent humidity.
Both produce heat-based physiological responses including increased circulation and cortisol reduction.
The experience differs: saunas feel intensely dry and hot, while steam rooms feel moist and heavy with warm air.
Which LA Fitness membership tier includes steam room access?
Steam room access is most consistently available at LA Fitness Signature club locations.
Some Sport clubs also have steam rooms, but standard clubs rarely include them.
Always confirm steam room availability and operational status at your specific location before selecting a membership tier based on this feature.
What gyms near me offer tanning beds as part of membership?
Planet Fitness is the most widely available national gym chain offering UV tanning beds.
Tanning is included in the Black Card membership tier at Planet Fitness locations.
Some regional and independent gyms also offer tanning beds, but availability varies by location, so call ahead to confirm.
Making the Right Choice for Your Gym Membership
LA Fitness is a solid mid-market gym with a genuinely wide amenity range at its Signature locations. It does not offer tanning beds anywhere in the chain, and steam room or sauna access depends entirely on which type of club is nearest to you.
Before you sign up or add a service you expect to use regularly, call the specific club. Ask about steam room status, sauna availability, and which amenities come with your tier. Gym amenities change over time, and no online listing replaces a direct conversation with the front desk.
If UV tanning is important to you, Planet Fitness with a Black Card membership is the most accessible national option. If post-workout heat recovery matters more than tanning, verify that your nearest LA Fitness Signature or Sport club has a working steam room before committing to a membership.