In 2025, a gym is no longer just a place to work out; it’s also a place to heal.
The “Wellness Economy” is growing quickly around the world, and members are asking for cold plunges, saunas, and contrast therapy.
The question for gym owners and wellness directors isn’t “Do my members want this?” Yes, they do. The question is, “Does the math work?”
As a company that makes commercial recovery equipment for businesses all around the world, I’ve seen the spreadsheets. One of the best methods to boost the lifetime value of your members is to add a Gym Recovery Zone. Here is why it makes sense for businesses to use inflatable setups over permanent ones that cost a lot.
The “Recovery Economy”: Why Members Pay More
According to data from the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism and spa economy is growing twice as fast as the global economy. People are willing to pay a premium for “Biohacking” and recovery services.
By installing an ice bath, you aren’t just adding a bucket of water; you are creating a new Premium Membership Tier
- Retention Tool: Members who build a habit of post-workout plunging are less likely to cancel.
- Acquisition Magnet: It differentiates you from the budget gym down the street.
Crunching the Numbers: The ROI Calculation
Let’s look at a realistic model using a Huale Multi-Person Inflatable Tub
An inflatable setup doesn’t need as much money up front (CAPEX) as a permanent tiled pool, which costs more than $20,000 and needs permits.
The “Add-On” Model:
- Investment: Let’s say that a commercial inflatable tub and chiller arrangement costs $X (low four figures).
- Revenue: You charge an extra $20 a month for “Unlimited Recovery Zone Access.”
- The Math: That’s $400 a month in pure passive income if only 20 people sign up.
- Payback Period: Most gym owners get back the money they spent on equipment in three to five months. After that, you make 100% profit (less minimal fees for water and energy).
Factory Insight: Inflatable tubs lose value more slowly than you may imagine. Our drop-stitch material can handle commercial traffic, so your asset will stay making money for years.
Throughput Matters: The Case for Multi-Person Tubs
User Throughput, or how many people can use it in an hour, is the most important thing for making money in a business.
A single-person barrel creates a bottleneck. If one person sits in it for 10 minutes, other members get annoyed waiting. The Solution: Multi-Person Inflatable Ice Baths.
- Capacity: Can hold 3 to 4 people at once.
- Social Factor: Gives the impression of a “community” (Team Plunging).
- Efficiency: You can make three times as much money per square meter of floor space.
Why “Inflatable” Beats “Fixed” for Business Owners
Why would a high-end gym pick an inflatable Huale tub over a tank made of stainless steel? Being able to change.
- Zero Construction Cost: No excavating, no plumbing, and no contractors. Just plug it in and go.
- Seasonal Versatility: In the summer, move it outside for a “Sun & Ice” event. In the winter, bring it indoors.
- Soft Safety: Hitting a hard steel rim hurts in a wet location where you could slip. There is no pain when you hit an air-filled drop stitch rim. This lowers the chances of responsibility.
Research by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)highlights the importance of recovery modalities in athlete performance, validating your decision to invest in safety-conscious equipment.
Conclusion: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
The need is here. Your members will go to a rehabilitation studio that specializes in cold plunges and pay them instead if you don’t provide one.
You don’t need to spend $50,000 to start. All you need is a strong, commercial-grade inflatable system.
Want to make your Gym Recovery Zone?
Contact us to get the specs and wholesale prices for our multi-person tubs for fitness centers.
