You go to the gym to work up a sweat.
You feel good about yourself after a hard workout, but you have to drive back to work — or to a hot date directly from the gym.
You don’t want to go somewhere smelling like you just ran a marathon!
It’s for this reason many gyms offer showers at no additional cost to members. But you might be surprised that not all gyms have a place where you can wash up after a workout.
So what are the best gyms with showers near me?
Pretty much every major gym near you will have a locker room with private showers including:
- Equinox
- Life Time
- Crunch
- 24 Hour Fitness
- Anytime Fitness
- Planet Fitness
- Gold’s Gym
- YMCA
- LA Fitness
Where they differ is how nice showers end up being. Some clubs, like Equinox, really go all out. They even provide you with high-end shampoo and soap, so you don’t have to bring anything. But if you don’t mind bringing your own toiletries, then you can find a cheaper gym, like Planet Fitness, with suitable showers.
Carefully read reviews for local gyms near you before signing up if you plan on using the showers. Current members can let you know how clean the staff keep the facilities. Better yet, take a tour and see for yourself.
The only gyms that may not have showers are ultra-convenience gyms like Snap Fitness and other small, budget-friendly options.
Below I’ll break down the major gym chains that often have showers.
The exact amenities you find at a gym near you can vary. So make sure to call ahead to confirm anything before signing up.
Benefits of working out at a gym with showers
Most people shower after a workout because they don’t want to smell. They want to scrub away any sweat so that they can go about their day with peace of mind.
However, a lot of people don’t realize there are also some health benefits to gain!
So even if you’re just headed home after working out and don’t need to shower right away, you still might want to grab a quick rinse at the gym before you leave.
Enjoy faster recovery
Research has shown that people who engage in a cold bath or shower after a workout have decreased lactic acid within their muscles.
An increase in lactic acid can result in what’s known as delayed onset muscle soreness.
It’s what causes you to feel sore the next day even if you feel all right immediately following a workout.
For the biggest benefit, you should shower in cold water and direct the water stream onto the muscles you targeted during your workout.
Aid in weight loss
A cold shower can also help boost your metabolism to help with weight loss.
Studies show that during a cold shower, your body has to increase its temperature. This can increase your metabolism by as much as 550 percent, forcing your body to burn more calories to keep you warm.
It doesn’t have to be a freezing cold shower either. You just need to keep it moderately cold.
(Don’t expect cold showers to magically transform your body, but they can be a nice bonus on top of the proper workouts and diet regimen.)
Boost your mood
You may feel completely drained after a workout.
It’s easy to just want to get back home and lounge on the couch.
But a shower increases your spirits. If you have other work you need to take care of that day, then a shower helps propel you to accomplish more than you thought you could.
Gyms with showers: Toiletries, quality & more explained
Most of the major gym brands offer showers.
The exact number of showerheads ultimately depends on the location. Some branches have larger buildings than others, allowing them to accommodate more people in the shower.
(Generally, the nicer and more expensive the club, the better the locker rooms and showers will be.)
While you can use this as a guide, it’s highly recommended to call a specific gym ahead of time to make sure they offer all of the amenities you want. It’s rare, but not impossible, to find a gym without a shower. Even independent gyms often have a little something for members.
Here’s a quick rundown of the major box gym chains.
1. Equinox
Equinox is one of the most elite gym brands available.
Even a basic membership will still cost you a couple thousand dollars a year. With that being said, you really do gain access to some stellar amenities.
This includes some truly stellar showers. The gym even provides its own high-end shampoo and Kiehl’s soap, so you don’t have to bring your own hygienic supplies.
There are also cold eucalyptus towels to dry yourself off.
It’s honestly one of the most luxurious showers out there. Even if you didn’t sweat a ton during your workout, you want to shower just to see what the hype is all about.
2. Life Time Fitness
The most comparable gym in relation to Equinox is probably Life Time Fitness.
You’ll find similarly luxurious showers at Life Time locations.
The gym recommends you shower before going into the pool to prevent it from getting too dirty. That won’t be a problem once you see the locker room.
Locations offer the J.R. Watkins’ natural line of beauty and health products. The brand’s shampoo and conditioner are made with healthy ingredients, including vitamin E, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
Naturally, you also get comfy towels to dry off with.
Bins are located around the locker room for you to dispose of your towel once you’re done.
3. Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness is definitely a more affordable option compared with Equinox and Life Time.
And locations do have gyms although the company’s FAQ page recommends you to bring your own toiletries.
You may also need to bring your own towel. It all depends on whether you get a membership at a Crunch Signature location.
If you have one near you, then the gym provides fluffy towels for you to use to dry off. These gyms also come with hair dryers, which is a great for anyone looking to spruce up their ‘do before heading home or off to work.
There are plenty of other amenities to enjoy at Crunch Signature. Naturally, it comes at a higher price, so you have to decide if the extra fee is worth all of the extras.
4. 24 Hour Fitness
Showers are plentiful at 24 Hour Fitness.
And just like all of the other amenities at these gyms, the showers are available 24/7.
One nice feature of 24 Hour Fitness is that it offers private showers to its guests.
And if you require some extra relaxation after a tough workout, then you can also go to the steam or sauna area.
5. Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is similar to 24 Hour Fitness in many ways, from equipment to amenities to locker rooms.
All locations come with showers and bathrooms.
However, not every location offers private lockers.
6. Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has fairly large showers, complete with curtains for extra privacy.
There are also plenty of lockers, so you have a place to put your belongings as you get yourself clean.
In general, Planet Fitness does a pretty good job of cleaning the showers every night. But don’t expect to find a lot of extras, including towels.
You’re going to need to bring your own toiletries if you want a thorough cleaning.
7. Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym does have showers, but many members say they aren’t as nice as what you’ll find at comparable clubs.
Many members complain that the shower curtains are too short, not providing as much privacy as you get elsewhere.
But if you’re not shy and just need a quick place to rinse off, Gold’s Gym will work — and it’s a fantastic gym otherwise.
8. YMCA
Your local Y will more than likely have some basic showers.
You’re best off bringing your own toiletries, and it’d be a good idea to bring a towel, too.
YMCAs also have lockers, vanities, and changing rooms for all members.
9. LA Fitness
LA Fitness is my favorite mid-range gym.
It’s one of the absolute best values around when you consider the equipment and amenities you get for the meager monthly price.
And yes, every LA Fitness has a clean, spacious locker room with private showers.
Learn more about LA Fitness showers here.
Gyms that DON’T have showers
It’s pretty rare for any gym, even smaller independent outfits, not to offer showers.
It’s simply good hygiene to allow members to wash up after a sweaty workout.
However, if you’re interested in joining a convenience or budget gym like Snap Fitness (or any club with a really small or bare-bones facility), they may not offer showers.
Call ahead or take a tour before you sign a contract if you’re a commuter or otherwise need access to a shower after working out.
Wrapping Up
Pretty much all of the major gyms have showers. But that doesn’t mean they’re all the same.
If you plan on showering at the gym multiple times a week, then you may want something a bit fancier. Equinox and Life Time have stellar showers and toiletries. But bear in mind that luxury comes at a price.
You can save money by getting a membership to Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, or the local YMCA. Their showers are perfectly fine as long as you’re not expecting something majestic. Anyone who just needs to get clean won’t have a problem with these lower-end showers.
Before you go, check out more gym amenity guides like:
Hope this guide to staying squeaky clean has been helpful!