Many gyms offer tanning beds that can be used alongside the fitness areas as part of your monthly gym membership. However, others require additional payments for each use of the tanning beds.
That's why we sent an expert, Amanda Dvorak, to review the most popular gyms near her home in New Jersey. We also called the gyms to verify the amenities they offer. Here's what we found (including which require premium memberships to get access to those sweet, sweet UV rays).
Quick comparison
Use this to shortlist gyms fast. Each gym section below covers the equipment details, local variability, and what to ask before you join.
| Gym | Tanning access | Cost tier | Best for | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Fitness | Common, Varies by club | $ | Beginners | Link |
| Gold’s Gym | Some locations, Confirm locally | $$ | Bodybuilding, strength | Link |
| World Gym | Often available, Varies by club | $$ | Powerlifters, strength | Link |
| GoodLife Fitness | Common, Canada | $$$ | All-around training | Link |
| Anytime Fitness | Limited locations, Confirm locally | $$$ | Convenience, 24-hour | Link |
| Crunch Fitness | Some locations, Tier-dependent | $$ | Classes plus lifting | Link |
| Snap Fitness | Limited locations, Confirm locally | $$ | Quieter gyms | Link |
| Fit4Less | Common, Canada | $ | Budget training | Link |
1. Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the most consistent “easy yes” options if you want a low-cost gym that often includes tanning at the higher tier. Most Planet Fitness locations that have a Black Card Spa include tanning, but it still varies by club.
In most cases, tanning isn’t included with the base plan. It's typically included with the PF Black Card, which starts at $25 per month (pricing and fees vary by location).
If Planet Fitness is your top choice, also see: how the day pass works and Planet Fitness vs. 24 Hour Fitness. There's no massage option at these locations, but there are clean locker rooms and showers. Some locations sell shirts, locks, and bottles of water (and sports drinks), too.
2. Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym is a strong pick if you want a more traditional serious lifting environment and you're willing to do a little homework on amenities. Tanning exists in some Gold’s Gym locations, but it isn’t universal, and it is one of the amenities most likely to vary based on ownership and region.
If your local Gold’s doesn't have tanning onsite, ask whether they partner with nearby salons for member discounts. If tanning matters in your decision, confirm the exact rules before you sign, membership tier requirements, booking process, and whether there are time limits per session.
Gold’s is also commonly featured in family-friendly gym discussions. If that matters in your decision, see this guide to the best gyms for kids and teens. Those are the ones we've reviewed that suit workout routines for everyone in the family.
3. World Gym
World Gym is often a good match for lifters who care about barbells, racks, platforms, and a “strength-first” vibe, and who also want tanning as an amenity when available. Many locations include tanning, but policies vary because clubs are typically independently operated.
Pricing can swing widely by location. Use World Gym’s membership page or your local club’s pricing page as the source of truth, then ask whether tanning is included in the membership you are considering or priced separately.
Helpful comparisons: Planet Fitness vs. World Gym and World Gym vs. Gold’s Gym.
4. GoodLife Fitness
GoodLife Fitness is Canada-focused and can be a solid all-around choice if you want a full-service gym feel. Many locations have tanning available either as part of higher tiers or as an add-on, but it is still something to confirm at the club level.
If tanning is a deciding factor, ask which membership tier includes it, whether you need to reserve a time, and whether the club sets frequency limits or session caps.
Related resource: best gyms with showers (useful if you are pairing workouts and tanning on the same visit).
5. Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness wins on convenience, especially if 24-hour access is non-negotiable. Tanning exists in a smaller subset of Anytime Fitness locations, not the entire network.
If your club has tanning, ask how booking works, how many beds they have, and whether tanning is included in your plan or billed as a separate add-on. Since many Anytime locations are independently owned, pricing and amenities vary more than people expect.
Comparisons: Anytime vs. Planet Fitness and Anytime vs. LA Fitness.
6. Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness can be a strong value if you want a lot of equipment, a social vibe, and robust class options. Tanning is common in some Crunch clubs, typically tied to higher membership tiers, but it isn’t guaranteed everywhere.
Before joining, confirm whether tanning is included with your plan, whether you can upgrade later without a hassle, and whether your club requires reservations or front-desk check-in for tanning sessions.
Related comparisons: Crunch vs. Planet Fitness and Crunch vs. LA Fitness.
7. Snap Fitness
Snap Fitness tends to work well for people who want a quieter gym experience and straightforward equipment. Some locations offer tanning, but it isn’t a chain-wide standard.
If your Snap location has tanning, ask whether it is included in your plan or offered as an add-on, and confirm whether there are specific hours when tanning is available (some smaller clubs limit access when staffing is reduced).
If you are newer to lifting and want a gym that feels approachable, see: best beginner-friendly gyms.
8. Fit4Less
Fit4Less is Canada-based and is usually one of the lowest-cost ways to get gym access that can include tanning, depending on membership tier and club amenities. That makes it a top choice if you're lifestyle includes budget-friendly fitness.
At many locations, tanning is included with the Black Card tier. Fit4Less lists its Black Card as $13.99 every two weeks (plus fees and taxes, varies by club), but you should still confirm whether your specific club offers tanning and whether there are any restrictions.
Comparisons: Fit4Less vs. Planet Fitness and GoodLife vs. Fit4Less.
Things to know when looking for a gym with tanning
- Confirm tanning exists at your specific club. For many chains, tanning is not a brand-wide promise. Use the club locator, then call or visit and ask directly.
- Ask whether tanning is included or an add-on. The common setup is “included on higher tier,” but some clubs charge per session or require an add-on.
- Know the busy hours. If you show up between 5 pm and 8 pm, expect queues at the front desk and higher demand for beds.
- Ask about booking. Some clubs require reservations through an app, others use front-desk scheduling, and some are strictly first-come.
- Ask about session limits and frequency rules. Many clubs cap session length and may set minimum time between sessions.
- Pay attention to hygiene and maintenance. Ask how often beds are cleaned, who cleans them, and whether staff handle bulb replacement and inspections on a schedule.
- Age restrictions are common. In many regions, minors are restricted from indoor tanning. If you are under 18, confirm local rules before assuming access.
- If a gym does not have tanning, ask about partner discounts. Some clubs negotiate salon discounts for members, which can be a workable compromise.
Gyms without tanning
If tanning is non-negotiable, these popular gyms are generally not known for offering tanning beds as a standard amenity:
- Equinox, premium equipment and amenities, typically no tanning.
- LA Fitness, broad access to cardio and strength equipment, typically no tanning.
- Life Time Fitness, higher-end club experience, typically no tanning.
- Onelife Fitness, often strong on pools and recovery amenities, typically no tanning.
- 24 Hour Fitness, solid equipment options, typically no tanning.
- Blink Fitness, budget-friendly, typically no tanning.
- Youfit, basic equipment, typically no tanning.
- F45, class-based training, typically no tanning.
Benefits of joining a gym with tanning beds (plus tradeoffs)
- Convenience. If you already train 3 to 5 days per week, combining workouts and tanning can be a simple scheduling win.
- Bundled pricing. Many gyms bundle tanning into higher-tier memberships, which can feel cheaper than paying per session elsewhere, depending on how often you actually use it.
- More consistent routine. People are more likely to stick to habits when everything happens in one place.
Health note: indoor tanning exposes you to UV radiation. If your goal is a “tan look,” spray tans and self-tanners avoid UV exposure and are generally considered safer alternatives.
FAQ
Which gym is the most reliable bet for tanning access?
In most markets, Planet Fitness tends to be the most consistent option because tanning is commonly tied to the PF Black Card tier and many clubs have a dedicated spa area. That said, you still need to confirm your specific location offers it.
If you care equally about “serious lifting” and tanning, World Gym and some Gold’s Gym locations can be a better fit, but the amenity check becomes more important.
Is tanning included with every membership at gyms that offer it?
No. The most common setup is tanning included only with top-tier memberships. Some clubs offer it as a paid add-on, and others charge per session. Always ask for the exact rule at your club.
What should I ask the front desk before I join?
- Do you have tanning beds at this location, or only at certain clubs?
- Which membership tier includes tanning?
- Do I need to book, and if so, how?
- How many beds do you have, and what are peak wait times?
- What is the session time limit, and are there frequency rules?
- How often are the beds cleaned, and who cleans them?
What are the risks of tanning?
Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage skin cells and increase skin cancer risk. The risk increases with frequency of use and with early-age exposure.
If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, take photosensitizing medications, or you burn easily, treat this as a serious decision and talk to a clinician before using indoor tanning.
Does a gym “health halo” make tanning safer?
No. The setting does not change the biology. A tanning bed in a gym is still a UV exposure device. If you want the cosmetic look without UV, spray tans and self-tanners are the safer path.
Why did some gyms remove tanning beds?
Two main reasons show up again and again: liability and shifting consumer demand toward non-UV alternatives.
In addition, some clubs simplify operations by removing amenities that require extra cleaning, staffing, and maintenance.
