Beyond the Heat: How to Choose the Right Infrared Sauna for Your Gym

​​Infrared sauna technology isn’t new but with more and more options on the market and a growing list of features, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to zero in on what it takes to drive revenue, retention and renewal.

In today’s hyper-competitive fitness landscape, recovery isn’t an afterthought — it’s a differentiator. Nearly every forward-thinking gym and boutique fitness studio is carving out space for post-workout restoration. But as recovery offerings become more sophisticated, so do the expectations of members, and the pressure on operators to deliver.

Enter the infrared sauna.

Long embraced in wellness and recovery, infrared saunas are now emerging as a must-have asset in the modern fitness facility. But with a surge of options on the market, and plenty of misconceptions about what makes one sauna different from another, operators need to ask smarter questions before investing.

“A sauna isn’t just a sauna,” says Robert Barkoff, Director of Business Development at Sunlighten, the global leader in infrared sauna innovation. “This is light therapy. It’s science. And choosing the wrong solution can actually set you back, both financially and experientially.”

Barkoff would know. Sunlighten has been at the forefront of the infrared movement, helping fitness brands from boutique studios to global chains incorporate saunas that elevate the wellness experience while driving revenue, retention and renewal.

And the demand speaks for itself. By 2030, the commercial sauna market is expected to exceed $550 million, and Sunlighten is seeing roughly 40% of that being driven by fitness and recovery centers.

But Barkoff cautions against rushing the decision. “There’s new terminology and unfamiliar technology,” he says. “Our job is to simplify that journey and tailor the right solution to the specific business.”

Start with the Right Questions

To avoid costly missteps, Barkoff advises operators ask themselves a few key questions before buying:

1. Who is the end user — and what do they want from the experience?
Do your members want a tech-forward, private escape? A communal post-class cool down? Something restorative or performance-driven? “The type of experience you want to create should inform the type of sauna you invest in,” Barkoff says.

2. How do you want your staff to interact with the sauna?
Will it be self-serve or staff-assisted? “Infrared saunas can be a powerful unassisted revenue generator,” Barkoff says, “but some level of onboarding or education makes a big difference in long-term engagement.”

3. What’s your floor plan, and how much space do you actually have?
Sunlighten offers custom solutions for everything from boutique corners to full-scale recovery lounges. “Whether you’ve got 40 square feet or 400, we can fit or customize a model to match,” he says.

4. What’s your customer base — and how should your sauna reflect your brand?
“A franchise operator might want a low-maintenance, high-throughput setup,” Barkoff says. “A premium boutique might prioritize personalization and aesthetic design. Either way, the sauna should feel aligned with your overall identity.”

5. Do you want tech integrations, mood-based presets or plug-and-play simplicity?
From app scheduling to Spotify streaming to NASA-grade light therapy, the options matter. “But none of that matters if the heater quality isn’t there,” Barkoff adds. “That’s where we differentiate. Through 3rd party testing, we confirmed that our saunas are 95-99% emissive, meaning your clientele will be receiving the highest quality and quantity infrared available.”

Avoid the Common Pitfalls

Beyond the smart questions, there’s wisdom in learning from what doesn’t work. Barkoff cautions against falling into common traps: “Too often, fitness operators buy based on hype or unrealistic promises without doing the necessary homework. They expect a ‘set it and forget it’ scenario, which rarely happens in reality. Even though our saunas are incredibly reliable, it’s essential to have a plan for regular maintenance and member education.”

Barkoff continues, “Overcomplicating the process by chasing every new gimmick only dilutes the core benefit. With Sunlighten, we strip away the noise. We focus on what truly matters — delivering consistent, high-quality light therapy that drives recovery and member satisfaction.”

Why Sunlighten Stands Apart

So, what makes Sunlighten the go-to choice for gyms looking to invest in infrared saunas? “Our leadership in light science isn’t just a marketing buzzword,” states Barkoff. “It’s the result of rigorous testing and innovation. When you step into a Sunlighten sauna, you’re experiencing technology that’s been fine-tuned to deliver measurable benefits — from muscle relaxation to improved circulation.”

Sunlighten also champions a consultative approach. “We understand that every gym is unique. That’s why our team is committed to guiding you through every step of the decision process. Whether it’s through our extensive marketing portal, personalized consultations or our integrated app systems, we’re with you from selection to installation and beyond.”

Many operators evaluate saunas based on temperature, but infrared is about light, not just heat. “Infrared delivers benefits through light wavelengths absorbed by the body, not just sweating it out,” Barkoff says. “We change the recovery mindset from ‘no pain, no gain’ to ‘smarter, deeper, better.’”

Real Results, Real ROI

Sunlighten’s impact isn’t theoretical. The company recently partnered with Anytime Fitness on a pilot program that resulted in a measurable bump in revenue, ranging from $15K to $30K in added income per location thanks to new member signups, renewals and premium upsells.

“The ROI can be shockingly fast,” Barkoff says. “Even with modest usage projections, you can hit break-even in as little as 14 to 19 weeks.”

Looking ahead, Barkoff sees continued innovation — not just in sauna features, but in the ecosystem around them.

“Members want more than heat — they want integration,” he says. “We’re blending sauna innovation with data-driven wellness to create smarter, more connected recovery experiences.”

Expect even faster heat-up times, more seamless front desk integrations and personalized recovery journeys that evolve with the user.

As recovery becomes a non-negotiable part of the fitness experience, the choices operators make around equipment — and partners — matter more than ever.

“This isn’t just about buying a sauna,” Barkoff says. “It’s about unlocking a business asset that enhances your brand, boosts your revenue and keeps your members coming back.”