The New MVP: Recovery Spaces
In today’s fitness world, one thing’s clear: recovery isn’t optional. It’s essential. For athletes, weekend warriors, and gymgoers chasing consistent performance, recovery has become the secret weapon. And facilities across the country are catching on—expanding their recovery zones with tools like saunas, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, compression therapy, and even Himalayan salt lights.
“We’ve seen a massive increase in our sauna and steam room use,” says Thomas Bauknecht, director of operations at Razor Sharp Fitness in Racine, Wisconsin. “People are using it consistently, coming back the next day feeling more refreshed and ready to train again.”
Saunas and Steam Rooms Are Booming
Forget the old-school steam room tucked in a corner. Today’s clubs are putting recovery front and center. According to gym managers, sauna sessions are on the rise—not just for relaxation, but as a serious post-workout tool to boost circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and support better sleep.
Steam rooms and infrared saunas are pulling double duty, serving both wellness and performance goals. Members are using them to reset after intense training or just to decompress from everyday stress.
Looking to add one to your facility? We’ve got you covered. BNEHS Infrared Sauna
Compression Therapy: From NFL to You
Compression boots—once exclusive to pro athletes—are now showing up in local gyms and boutique studios. They reduce swelling, improve circulation, and speed up muscle recovery. And thanks to more affordable, plug-and-play systems, you don’t need a training room or a six-figure salary to access the benefits.
These tools are especially popular with endurance athletes, older members, and anyone recovering from intense leg days.
Red Light and Himalayan Salt: Wellness Goes High-Tech
It might sound like wellness spa fluff, but there’s real science behind red light therapy and Himalayan salt lights. Red light therapy, in particular, is gaining momentum as a legit recovery tool. It’s shown to reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and even improve skin tone.
Salt lights? They help create a calming environment while potentially improving respiratory health and sleep quality—something that indirectly boosts physical performance.
Bauknecht’s club added both red light and salt elements to their recovery area and noted a consistent uptick in member use and retention.
Want in? Explore red light recovery units from Premier Fitness — built to deliver serious benefits, not just ambiance.
The Bottom Line: Invest in Recovery or Fall Behind
Today’s fitness consumer is smarter, more educated, and looking beyond weights and cardio. They’re asking questions like: How fast can I recover? How do I feel tomorrow? And they’re willing to pay for answers.
“People want to feel better, faster. They’re looking for smarter ways to train—and recover,” Bauknecht says.
In a world where everyone is chasing the next fitness edge, recovery is no longer the cooldown. It’s the next rep.
Check out our Recovery Products: Premier Fitness – Recovery
