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Adding Tanning Beds to Your Gym: Complete Revenue Guide 2025

Written by Zuleika Boekhoudt | Jan 23, 2025 12:56:36 PM

Adding tanning beds to your fitness center could be the game-changing move you're looking for. More and more fitness facility owners are discovering how tanning services can transform their gyms into comprehensive wellness destinations while creating new revenue opportunities.

 

If you're exploring ways to enhance member retention or looking to stand out in your local market, understanding the impact of tanning services on both member satisfaction and profitability is essential. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about integrating tanning services into your fitness center.

 

Key Benefits of Adding Tanning Beds to Your Gym

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  • You can create new income streams without needing to hire additional staff to manage the service
  • Your members are more likely to stay when they use multiple services at your facility
  • Your gym will stand out from others in the area by offering something many competitors don't have
  • You can introduce premium membership tiers that include tanning as an exclusive benefit
  • Members will appreciate the convenience of handling their tanning and fitness needs in one place

 

 

Why Should Fitness Centers Add Tanning Services: A Complete Guide

The connection between fitness and tanning creates a natural synergy in your facility. Your members are already focused on looking and feeling their best - that's why they choose your gym. Adding tanning services aligns perfectly with these goals, creating a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond physical fitness.

 

Many of your members are likely to use tanning services at other locations anyway. By bringing these services in-house, you're not only capturing that existing demand but also creating a more convenient experience. Your members can seamlessly incorporate tanning into their fitness routine without managing multiple memberships or making extra trips across town.

 

This convenience becomes even more valuable during winter months. When outdoor activities decrease and motivation might dip, tanning services provide an additional reason for members to maintain their visits, helping them stay committed to their wellness goals year-round.

 

Gym Tanning Benefits for Members: Beyond the Aesthetic Results

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Modern tanning technology offers significant wellness advantages that naturally complement fitness routines. These benefits create additional value for your members while supporting their overall wellness goals.

 

Vitamin D Production and Fitness Benefits:

  • Your members can recover faster from intense workouts through the body's natural vitamin D production
  • Their bodies can build and maintain muscle more effectively with improved protein synthesis
  • They'll maintain stronger bones thanks to better calcium absorption from vitamin D exposure
  • Members can keep their vitamin D levels up even during darker winter months when they need it most

Mental Wellness and Performance Benefits:

  • Members can extend their post-workout good mood with the natural endorphin boost from tanning
  • They're more likely to stick to their fitness routines when they have a mood-lifting tanning session to look forward to
  • A relaxing tanning session helps relieve the day's stress after a challenging workout
  • The combination of exercise and UV exposure helps members feel more energized and refreshed

Fitness Center Revenue Growth: Maximizing Tanning Bed Profits

Adding tanning services to your gym opens multiple revenue streams without significantly increasing operational costs. Unlike many gym services that require dedicated staff, tanning beds can generate income with minimal oversight.

 

Strategic Pricing Models for Maximizing Returns:

  • Premium Membership Tiers
    • Create VIP packages that include unlimited tanning access with their regular gym membership.
    • Design hybrid memberships that let members combine both fitness and tanning at a special rate,
    • Offer family plans where multiple members can share tanning benefits at a discounted price.
  • Flexible Usage Options
    • Give occasional tanners the option to pay for single sessions when they need them.
    • Create bulk session packages that reward members with better rates for buying more sessions.
    • Adjust your pricing based on busy and quiet times to maximize bed usage throughout the day.
    • Put together special packages for events like competitions or wedding prep.

 

The minimal staffing requirement makes tanning services particularly attractive from a business perspective. While personal training and group fitness require ongoing labor costs, tanning beds can generate revenue consistently with very little additional overhead.

 

The Importance of Premium Service Standards

While tanning beds can operate with minimal staff oversight, maintaining premium service standards is crucial for success. Consider investing in advanced training for your team members about skin types, tanning safety, and the science behind UV exposure. 

 

When staff can confidently discuss topics like vitamin D production, CollaTan technology, and customized tanning programs, they help position your tanning services as a premium wellness offering rather than just a basic amenity. 

 

This expertise, combined with immaculately maintained facilities, justifies premium pricing and helps attract quality-focused members who value professional guidance in their wellness journey.

 

Member Retention Strategies: Using Tanning to Keep Members Longer

Offering multiple services creates stronger connections with your facility. Members who integrate both workout and tanning sessions into their routines develop more consistent habits around visiting your gym. This increased engagement naturally leads to longer-term memberships and higher satisfaction rates.

 

The convenience factor plays a crucial role in retention. Members appreciate the ability to handle multiple wellness needs in one location, making their gym time more efficient and valuable. This added value often translates into increased loyalty and higher renewal rates.

 

Regular tanning sessions also create additional touchpoints with your facility. More frequent visits mean more opportunities for member engagement, whether through interaction with staff, exposure to other services, or simply maintaining the habit of coming to your gym.

 

Gym Differentiation Strategy: Standing Out with Premium Tanning

Adding high-quality tanning services positions your facility as a premium wellness destination, offering something many competitors don't.

 

Modern tanning beds represent a significant upgrade from older technology. By offering state-of-the-art equipment, you demonstrate your commitment to providing comprehensive wellness solutions. This attention to quality helps attract and retain members who value premium services.

 

The addition of tanning services also opens up marketing opportunities. You can promote your facility as a complete wellness center rather than just another gym, appealing to potential members looking for comprehensive health and wellness solutions.

 

Modern Tanning Technology for Gyms: Safety and Features

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Today's tanning equipment combines sophisticated technology with user-friendly operation. Advanced safety features and comfort enhancements make these tanning beds attractive to both experienced tanners and newcomers.

 

Advanced Safety Features:

  • Your members will always get the right amount of UV exposure thanks to intelligent control systems
  • Built-in safety protocols automatically prevent overexposure
  • Multiple timer systems work together to ensure sessions end exactly when they should

 

Member Comfort Enhancements:

  • Members can enjoy the perfect temperature throughout their session with climate control
  • The ergonomic design makes every session comfortable and relaxing
  • Built-in music system, like Bluetooth and Wellness Sound, helps members unwind during their session
  • Stand-up tanning beds include a VibraPlate to tone the lower body during sessions
  • Quick sessions fit easily into busy schedules without rushing
  • The CollaTan technology boosts physical performance, speeds up muscle recovery, and supports a faster return-to-play after workouts or injuries.

 

These modern features help address common concerns about tanning while providing an enjoyable experience that members look forward to including in their wellness routine.

 

 

Gym Tanning Room Setup: Implementation Guide

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Successful integration of tanning services requires thoughtful planning and attention to detail. The proper setup ensures both member satisfaction and operational efficiency.

 

Essential Space Requirements:

  • Make sure each tanning room has enough space for comfortable movement and changing
  • Install proper ventilation systems to maintain ideal temperature and air quality
  • For lay-down tanning beds, create private changing areas where members can get ready comfortably
  • Stand-up tanning beds take up less space and can be paired with a changing cubicle, eliminating the need for additional room
  • Set up dedicated storage areas for cleaning supplies and spare parts
  • Include a cleaning station in each room to maintain hygiene standards

 

Operational Considerations:

  • Train your staff thoroughly on how to operate and maintain the equipment safely
  • Set up regular maintenance checks to keep everything running smoothly
  • Create clear cleaning procedures that staff can easily follow between sessions
  • Develop a simple orientation process to help new members use the equipment confidently

Marketing Tanning Services to Gym Members: Effective Strategies

Promoting your tanning services effectively requires a comprehensive approach that emphasizes both convenience and benefits. A well-planned marketing strategy helps maximize awareness and utilization of your new services.

 

Digital Marketing Tactics:

  • Send targeted emails that show members how tanning complements their fitness goals
  • Share engaging social media content that showcases your new tanning services
  • Use your mobile app to send timely notifications about special tanning promotions
  • Make it easy for members to book tanning sessions through your online system

In-Facility Promotion:

  • Create educational materials that explain the wellness benefits of tanning to your members
  • Place attractive signs and displays in high-traffic areas of your gym
  • Ensure your staff can confidently explain tanning benefits to interested members
  • Include information about tanning services in every new member orientation

For promotional support or marketing materials, feel free to reach out to us at info@ultrasuninternational.com. We're here to assist with all your marketing needs.

 

Tanning Bed Investment for Gyms: Cost Analysis Guide


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Understanding the financial aspects of adding tanning services helps in making an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

 

Initial Investment Considerations:

  • Choose equipment that matches your budget while meeting your members' needs
  • Plan for professional installation to ensure everything works properly from day one
  • Prepare your space properly with the right electrical and ventilation updates
  • Invest in thorough staff training to ensure smooth operation from the start
  • Create professional marketing materials to promote your new services effectively

Ongoing Operational Costs:

  • Monitor and manage energy usage to keep utility costs under control
  • Schedule regular maintenance to prevent expensive repairs down the line
  • Keep essential supplies in stock for uninterrupted service
  • Make sure your insurance coverage includes tanning services and verify any additional requirements

Transform Your Fitness Center with Premium Tanning Services

Adding tanning services to your facility represents more than just a new amenity – it's an opportunity to create a comprehensive wellness destination that meets diverse member needs while generating additional revenue.

 

Ready to explore how tanning services could work in your fitness center? Contact us for a personalized consultation where we'll help you understand the options, costs, and potential returns specific to your facility.

 

 

FAQs About Gym Tanning Services

 

What size room do I need for a tanning bed in my fitness center?

Each tanning bed requires about 80-100 square feet of space, which includes room for the bed itself plus changing space. For a typical starter setup with two beds, you'll want to allocate around 200 square feet. Remember to factor in additional space for ventilation equipment and storage.

 

Are tanning beds high-maintenance for fitness centers?

Modern tanning beds are designed for commercial use and require minimal daily maintenance. Basic cleaning between sessions and regular lamp replacement are the main requirements. With proper care and regular maintenance checks, your equipment will run efficiently with minimal downtime.

 

What should I consider for tanning bed placement in my gym?

Look for a location away from your main workout areas where members can have privacy. Good ventilation is essential, and you'll want easy access to electrical connections. Consider placing tanning rooms near changing areas or wellness spaces rather than next to high-traffic cardio zones.