Crunch Fitness West Hollywood, technically located in the city of Los Angeles, was pressured to reopen its men’s steam room facility after closing it in late January in response to complaints of inappropriate sexual conduct. According to sources, members urged management to reconsider after learning that the steam room would be permanently shut down, arguing that the reported activity was both illegal and unsanitary.

“I called the two managers yesterday, 1.30.2025, and they told me they have chosen to close the steam room PERMANENTLY,” wrote West Hollywood resident Jason Thompson. “They both informed me they made this decision because a) the sexual activity some have complained about is illegal and b) it is unsanitary for health reasons.”

Thompson, the founder of a health retreat called Authenticity, pointed out that similar activity occurs in the men’s shower area and questioned why the steam room was treated differently. According to Thompson, management responded that showers were necessary for hygiene and that the gym needed to provide members with the option to shower.

He also argued that the closure affected membership value, stating that he specifically signed up for the steam room, which he uses after yoga, stretching, and cardio. “I signed up for this gym because of their steam room and have not been able to use it for a week. I’m now not getting what I paid for,” he said.

After requesting a refund or a discount—both of which were denied—Thompson escalated his concerns to Crunch’s corporate office. A week later, the steam room was reopened.

Crunch Fitness West Hollywood had drawn media attention after posting a sign stating: “The steam room in the men’s locker room is temporarily closed. This is due to inappropriate conduct by members. Reopening is under review and will be determined the week of January 27, 2025.”

January 31, the posted an updated sign stating a reopening date had not been determined.

This is not the first time the gym has taken action over steam room misconduct. In January 2022, Crunch gym posted a similar sign warning members against engaging in sexual activity in the men’s locker room, humorously urging them to choose “literally anywhere else.”

After being closed for almost two weeks, the steam room reopened on Monday, February 3.

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