Adding a Recovery Zone to an Existing Gym: Space, Setup and Revenue

A recovery zone lets a gym or training studio earn more from the members it already has. The most common setup combines a sauna, a cold plunge, and recovery equipment such as massage chairs, in a dedicated room or a section of the floor. The planning work is mostly infrastructure: dedicated electrical circuits, ventilation for heat and humidity, drainage and water care for cold plunges, and flooring that handles water. Most owners pay for the investment through a premium membership tier, a recovery add-on, or drop-in sessions, and some use it to attract members who wouldn't join for the gym floor alone.

At Repetition Fitness, we supply and install saunas, cold plunges, and recovery equipment along with commercial gym equipment, from our offices in St. Petersburg, Florida and New York. Here's how to plan a recovery zone in a gym that's already open.

Why owners add recovery

New revenue from existing members. Members already come in several times a week. A recovery tier gives them a reason to pay more.

Retention. Amenities that become part of a member's routine make the membership harder to cancel.

Differentiation. Many gyms in a market have similar equipment. A well-run recovery area is something competitors may not offer.

A new audience. Some people want recovery sessions without a full gym membership, which opens up drop-in and recovery-only memberships.

What to plan for

Saunas. Traditional saunas and infrared saunas have different heat levels, power needs, and footprints. Commercial saunas typically need a dedicated electrical circuit, and the room needs ventilation to manage heat and humidity. Plan clearances around the unit and a changing or cool-down area nearby.

Cold plunges. Commercial cold plunges use a chiller and a filtration or sanitation system, which need power and regular maintenance. Plan for drainage, splash-resistant flooring, and access for filling and emptying. Water care is an ongoing job, so assign someone to it before opening.

Recovery equipment. Massage chairs and other recovery devices mainly need floor space and outlets, and they work well in a quieter area away from the gym floor.

Flooring. Wet areas need slip-resistant flooring that handles water. Gym rubber flooring isn't always the right choice next to a cold plunge.

Location in the building. Put recovery near locker rooms and showers if you can. Members moving between sauna, cold plunge, and showers shouldn't have to walk wet across the gym floor.

Your lease and your landlord. Plumbing and electrical changes need landlord approval, and some spaces can't easily add drainage. Confirm this before committing to a layout.

We map all of this in a 3D layout along with your existing floor, so you can see where the recovery zone fits before any work starts.

Safety and operations

Heat and cold exposure aren't suitable for everyone. Talk to your insurer about coverage, use a waiver that addresses recovery amenities, post clear usage guidelines, and set session time limits. Many gyms also post guidance recommending that members with heart conditions, blood pressure concerns, or who are pregnant check with a doctor first. Decide how cleaning, water testing, and equipment checks will fit into your staff's daily routine.

How gyms charge for recovery

• Premium membership tier. Recovery access is included in a higher-priced tier. This is the simplest option and encourages members to upgrade.
• Add-on. Members keep their current plan and pay a monthly recovery add-on.
• Drop-in and packs. Single sessions or packs for members and non-members.
• Recovery-only membership. For people who want the recovery area but not the gym.
• Bundled with training. Personal training or small-group packages that include recovery sessions.

Many gyms combine two or three of these. Before launching, look at your membership base: how many members would realistically upgrade, and at what price does the recovery zone pay for itself?

Adding recovery during an expansion

If you're already planning an expansion, it's the best time to add recovery, since plumbing, electrical, and construction are already underway. Read how to expand your gym without shutting down for phasing, and how to finance a gym expansion for funding. Recovery equipment can be financed along with the rest of your equipment through our partner Equinox Funding, an equipment finance company.

Frequently asked questions

How much space does a recovery zone need? It depends on the equipment. A single sauna and cold plunge fit in a small room, while a full recovery area with several units needs more. The biggest constraints are usually plumbing and power, not square footage.

Do cold plunges need plumbing? They need a way to fill and drain, plus power for the chiller and filtration. The exact requirements depend on the unit.

Is a sauna or a cold plunge the better first addition? It depends on your members and your space. Saunas mainly need power and ventilation. Cold plunges add water care and drainage. Some owners start with whichever their space supports most easily.

Can recovery equipment be financed? Yes, alongside other gym equipment.

Do you install recovery equipment? Yes. We supply and install saunas, cold plunges, massage chairs, and other recovery equipment, along with the rest of the gym.

Plan your recovery zone

Send us your floor plan and tell us what you're considering. We'll show you where recovery fits, what infrastructure it needs, and what it costs. Start here, or see our commercial gym and training studio guide.