Accessing a gym amenity like a tanning bed shouldn't feel like a mystery. If you hold a Peak or Peak Results membership at Crunch Fitness, you can use their indoor tanning booths and Relax & Recover amenities as part of your monthly fee. Getting a golden glow right after a heavy lifting session is convenient, but skipping the basics can lead to burns, ruined skin, or a broken machine.
This guide breaks down exactly how to use Crunch tanning beds safely, what rules you need to follow at the front desk, and how to build a base tan without damaging your skin.
Understanding Crunch Tanning Tiers and Equipment
Crunch locations equipped with tanning facilities typically feature specialized equipment, such as the ProSun V6 Luxura or comparable high-efficiency stand-up and lay-down units. These machines utilize specialized UV lamps designed to deliver controlled radiation doses in a fraction of the time natural sunlight takes.
Stand-up booths generally run shorter sessions—often capped around 9 minutes—because their high-intensity bulbs surround your entire body evenly. Lay-down beds offer a more relaxing, traditional experience, but they require longer exposure times and can cause minor creases where your skin presses against the acrylic surface.
You don't need to bring fancy gear, but you do need to understand the limitations of gym-grade UV equipment. Gym tanning units are regulated under strict health codes, and staff members are trained to monitor usage times to prevent overexposure.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Tanning Bed at Crunch
Using the tanning room at your gym requires a specific protocol. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process from check-in to cleanup.
- Check in at the front desk: Scan your membership app and let the associate know you want to use the tanning room. They will log your visit, verify your membership tier, and assign you a room.
- Prep your skin and gear: Grab your indoor tanning lotion, protective eyewear, and a clean towel. Gym staff require approved eye protection; closing your eyes is not enough to protect your retina from UV damage.
- Set up the machine: Enter the designated room, lock the door, and undress according to your preference. Apply your indoor tanning lotion evenly across your skin. Step into the unit and close the door securely.
- Initiate the cycle: Press the power or start button on the digital display panel. Many modern units give you a brief delay (usually 1 to 2 minutes) to get situated before the lamps turn on automatically.
- Sanitize after your session: Once the machine cycles off, get dressed, grab the gym-provided disinfectant spray and paper towels, and wipe down every surface you touched. Throw your trash away and exit the room promptly.
Crucial Rules and Etiquette
Gym tanning etiquette keeps the amenity clean and available for everyone. Ignoring basic rules can get your amenity privileges revoked.
- Never skip eye protection: UV radiation causes cumulative damage to corneal tissue and can lead to photokeratitis. Always wear certified goggles.
- Respect the time caps: Staff members program strict maximum limits into the machines (often starting beginners at 3 to 5 minutes and capping experienced tanners around 9 to 12 minutes). Never attempt to restart the machine for a second cycle back-to-back.
- Clean up behind yourself: Sweat and lotion residue build up quickly on acrylic surfaces. Always spray and wipe the bed or booth thoroughly before leaving.
- Verify guest pass restrictions: Standard guest passes tied to a Peak membership occasionally exclude premium recovery amenities depending on local franchise rules. Always ask the front desk before letting a guest use the tanning room.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Jumping straight into a 10-minute session on your first day is a recipe for a painful burn. Because indoor UV output is concentrated, your skin needs time to adapt by producing melanin.
- Using outdoor oils: Never use heavy outdoor tanning oils or products containing mineral oil inside a gym bed. These substances degrade the acrylic shields and can crack the plastic components of the machine. Use lotions explicitly formulated for indoor salon beds.
- Tanning every single day: Skin needs at least 24 to 48 hours to recover and build pigment between sessions. Tanning daily causes inflammation rather than a deeper bronze.
- Ignoring redness: If your skin feels tight, warm, or pink hours after your session, you burned. Back your time down by two minutes on your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for tanning if I have a base Crunch membership?
No. Tanning facilities and the Relax & Recover lounge are restricted to higher-tier memberships like Peak or Peak Results. Gyms do not typically offer a standalone upgrade or cash payment option just for tanning.
Should I tan before or after my workout?
Most members prefer tanning after their workout because their pores are clean and blood circulation is elevated, though some use the warmth of the bed to loosen tight muscles beforehand. Make sure to shower and wash off sweat before applying indoor tanning lotion to ensure even absorption.
How long does it take to see a real tan?
Building a visible base tan typically requires 4 to 6 sessions spaced two days apart. Starting with short 4-minute exposures and adding a single minute per visit protects your skin while building color safely.
Do I have to be completely naked in the booth?
No, you can wear a swimsuit, underwear, or go nude depending on your comfort level and whether you want to avoid tan lines. Stand-up booths offer full coverage easily, while lay-down beds may require you to shift your position halfway through your session to prevent creases.
