You've decided it's time to join a gym. Maybe you're coming off a period of inactivity, or you're looking to take your well-being to a new level. But as you scroll through memberships and class schedules, it becomes clear: you don't just want a place with treadmills and dumbbells. You want something more complete—somewhere that supports the full spectrum of your health.
Today, many gyms are embracing a holistic approach to fitness, wrapping in services and amenities focused on stress reduction, mental balance, muscle recovery, and even skin health. If you're going to invest in a monthly membership, why not join a place that helps you become the healthiest version of yourself, inside and out?
Planet Fitness: Accessible Wellness with a Twist
If you're on a budget and looking for a beginner-friendly environment, Planet Fitness stands out. Beyond their no-judgment vibe and extensive cardio and strength equipment, their Black Card membership unlocks perks like red light therapy. This treatment involves standing in a booth bathed in low-level, soothing red light to help your muscles relax, promote circulation, and support your post-workout recovery. It's a nice bonus if you're the type who battles tension or soreness after an intense workout. While Planet Fitness doesn't offer a laundry list of spa-level services, it's a solid starting point for holistic amenities at an affordable price.
Crunch Fitness: Fun Meets Flexibility
Crunch is known for its upbeat classes—think dance cardio, boxing-inspired sessions, and functional training—but they also understand the importance of balance. Certain locations feature hydro-massage beds and relaxation lounges where you can de-stress after a sweat session. These amenities aren't as specialized as red light therapy, but they still support a more holistic routine by helping you unwind. If you're seeking a friendly environment and playful approach to fitness, Crunch may be the sweet spot, especially if you prefer a group-class atmosphere paired with simple recovery tools.
LA Fitness: Wide-Ranging Amenities for a Mid-Tier Price
LA Fitness caters to a broad market, offering group classes, swimming pools, saunas, and even basketball courts. While you might not find cutting-edge treatments like red light therapy, you'll have the chance to round out your wellness routine with a relaxing sauna session post-workout. Saunas help flush toxins, improve circulation, and let you quiet your mind. If you're looking for a more traditional gym environment with a good mix of classes, pools, and heat therapy, LA Fitness could fit your holistic needs—just know the perks may vary by location.
Life Time and Equinox: A Spa-Like Wellness Experience
If you have a bigger budget and want a gym that feels more like a top-tier wellness resort, Life Time and Equinox top the list. These premium clubs often have spa services (massages, facials), luxurious steam rooms, salt therapy lounges, and even nutritional coaching. Equinox, in particular, promotes a high-end, holistic model—expect cutting-edge group workouts, state-of-the-art recovery lounges, and well-curated menus at their in-house cafés. Life Time often offers family-friendly perks too, like kids' classes and healthy cooking demonstrations, making it easier to integrate wellness into your entire lifestyle.
Boutique Studios: Targeted Holistic Support
Beyond big-box gyms, boutique studios—like Orangetheory, CorePower Yoga, and SoulCycle—may not have elaborate wellness lounges, but they integrate a holistic philosophy into every workout. Many offer workshops on mindfulness, nutrition, and stress management. If community support, personal attention, and a mindful approach to training matter most to you, these specialized options may fill that holistic gap, even without the fancy gadgets.
Finding the Right Fit
Your choice comes down to what you value most. If you're attracted to advanced tools for muscle recovery, Planet Fitness's red light therapy booths or Life Time's spa services might hit the mark. If you want relaxation integrated into your everyday routine, perhaps a sauna at LA Fitness or hydro-massage at Crunch will do the trick. For those who crave a deeply immersive wellness culture, Life Time or Equinox can deliver a comprehensive, resort-like environment.
Ultimately, joining a gym with holistic amenities transforms your workout from a chore into a personal journey of self-care. Consider your budget, your goals, and how important it is to have relaxation and rejuvenation options at your fingertips. With today's gyms increasingly focused on the “whole you,” it's easier than ever to find a spot that offers more than a place to sweat—it can become a place to restore, rejuvenate, and thrive.
