Tips for sauna in the basement & tips for gym in the basement

Hello friends,

we are currently planning a single-family house and want to set up a large "leisure" area in the basement next to the technical room and utility room, where you enjoy spending time.

We have planned a large room with a whirlpool/sauna and a small fitness studio. I wanted to ask here if anyone who has already done this might give tips on what works well and what you definitely should or shouldn’t do, for example?

Here is what I have already gathered:

Sauna:
- Planned is a 2-person wooden sauna --> High voltage needed
- Planned is a bathtub/whirlpool --> water connection and drain necessary, possibly a lifting station, is that always necessary?
- A MUST is underfloor heating (no one likes a cold wellness basement) and of course at least 1 window/light well, better 2, so the air can circulate and it doesn’t get damp
- I will consider a network connection for a Sonos box or similar, for relaxing music
- Also, as much tiling as possible
- Does anyone have any other tips/info?

Fitness studio:
- Planned is a small setup with short and long barbells, weight bench, a cardio machine (stepper or treadmill), mats, mirrors on the wall
- Here I don’t know: tiles or laminate? I would lay out a protective floor mat anyway, but which of the two is more resistant if a heavy weight falls? Could tiles break?
- We also plan a window here, because maybe it will get stuffy when working out :D

I would be very grateful for tips and DO’s as well as DON’Ts!

Best regards Elias

Then think about the room height in the basement. On Ruben's treadmill or stepper, you are quickly 30-50cm taller… you definitely don't want to hit your head. So it's better to plan for a ceiling height of 2.40/2.50 meters right from the start.

Then think about the ceiling height in the basement. On Ruben's treadmill or stepper you quickly get 30-50cm higher... you don't want to hit your head on that.
So it's better to plan for a ceiling height of 2.40/2.50 meters right from the start.

That is actually a great tip that I hadn't considered before. Thanks!

Ceiling height min. 280cm. If jump rope and such also higher. Power outlets and network in the floor. Strong ventilation system, air conditioning, bathtub or whirlpool are huge differences. A dehumidification system would also be necessary. Can you provide figures on the room size? Tiles and weights do not go together. Definitely use rubberized ones. Floor protection mats are somewhat counterproductive for underfloor heating. Absolutely ventilation system. How is the access to this room? Ground level, elevator, wide or double doors, etc.? If you ever have to move a 500kg cross trainer, normal doors are not enough. Stairs definitely not.

Off the top of my head:

- A lifting system is not always mandatory but usually necessary. It depends on the situation with the height of the sewer system, etc.

- I would definitely plan with ventilation, preferably central and including the basement, because sauna, whirlpool, gym, basement, everywhere where you don’t want moisture but it occurs and you prefer fresh air but none comes in by itself.

- The most important do is probably to think about the money, and the worst don’t is to forget to plan it in. :D Sure, you can do everything cheaply but if you want to do it properly, there’s quite a bit involved... :cool:

Plan a floor drain for easier cleaning (also available discreet and chic).