17 Retro Health Club Membership Perks That Are Gone
This list features 17 fun and quirky health club perks that were once common but are no longer part of the modern gym experience.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Health clubs used to offer all kinds of perks that made working out feel special. This list highlights 17 of those extras that have disappeared over the years. Some were practical, others just felt fancy, but they all added character to the gym scene.
1. Classic Towel Service
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Members once enjoyed the convenience of fresh towels after every workout, eliminating the need to bring their own. This service made post-gym routines easier and reduced laundry chores at home. It also gave gyms a neat and upscale feel, showing attention to member comfort.
2. On Site Saunas & Steam Rooms
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Many vintage gyms featured built-in saunas or steam rooms where members could relax and unwind. This feature created a spa-like atmosphere that helped soothe sore muscles and provided a calming end to workouts. Over time, these areas became too costly to maintain and have mostly disappeared from standard health clubs.
3. Juice and Smoothie Bars
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Health clubs often had in-house juice or smoothie counters serving protein shakes and fresh blends. These stations made it easy to grab something healthy without leaving the gym. Most were removed when bigger chains took over and streamlined operations.
4. Unlimited Guest Passes
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Older memberships often came with guest privileges that let you bring a friend anytime. It helped people stay motivated and made workouts more social. Today, most gyms limit guests or charge extra for every visit.
5. Personalized Locker Nameplates
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Some members had nameplates or reserved lockers that gave them a sense of belonging. It felt more like a club than just a place to sweat. This personal touch faded as gyms focused more on shared, rotating locker use.
6. Free Childcare Centers
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Many retro health clubs offered on-site childcare while parents exercised. It gave moms and dads peace of mind and helped them keep fitness in their routine. Now, only a few family-focused gyms still offer this service.
7. Tanning Beds in the Locker Rooms
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Some gyms installed tanning beds for members who wanted that golden glow. It was marketed as a full-service perk that went hand in hand with looking fit. Over time, health risks and liability concerns pushed this amenity out.
8. Monthly Fitness Newsletters
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Clubs used to send out printed newsletters featuring member stories, staff spotlights, and workout tips. It helped build a real sense of community and kept people informed beyond the treadmill. Digital apps and generic emails replaced that personal touch.
9. In-House Shoe and Gear Cleaning
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Some upscale clubs had gear cleaning stations or even shoe shining services. Members could leave their sneakers or yoga mats and pick them up fresh the next day. As budgets tightened, these luxury details became less practical.
10. Free Fitness Assessments
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New members often received a full body assessment that included posture checks and personalized fitness plans. It set the tone for serious, customized progress. These days, you usually have to pay extra for that level of attention.
11. Members-Only Social Events
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Clubs would host mixers, holiday parties, or themed nights to connect members outside the gym floor. It made the gym feel more like a community and less like a business. These events disappeared as fitness centers shifted toward efficiency over engagement.
12. Front Desk Shoe Drop-Off
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Some gyms let members drop their workout shoes at the front desk to avoid dragging them home. The staff would store them and even clean them in some cases. It was a small perk that made regular visits more convenient.
13. On Site Massage Therapy
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Many clubs partnered with massage therapists who had space right inside the facility. After a tough session, you could book a massage without driving somewhere else. Fewer clubs offer this now, and those that do often charge premium rates.
14. Free Group Fitness Classes
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Aerobics, step, and stretching classes were once included in most memberships. You could drop in without signing up or paying anything extra. Now, many group classes require reservations or separate payments.
15. Member Wall of Fame
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Clubs used to display photos or stories of members who hit fitness goals or made a transformation. It inspired others and created a proud, motivating environment. This type of recognition has mostly vanished in today’s fast-paced gyms.
16. Lounge Areas with Magazines and Coffee
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Some health clubs had lounge spaces where members could relax with a coffee and flip through fitness magazines. It made the gym feel more like a retreat than just a place to sweat. As fast-paced gym models took over, these cozy spots quietly disappeared.
17. Retro Aerobics Classes
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Bright outfits, catchy music, and full-body movement made these classes feel like dance parties. They created energy and fun while burning calories fast. While some boutique studios revived the vibe, the originals had a charm you just cannot recreate.