In recent years, recovery has quickly became one of the biggest trends in the fitness industry. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are focused on their overall wellness as compared to their usual fitness goals, and community rec centers across the country are taking notice.
Take the Brown Family YMCA branch at the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast for example. This branch is currently undergoing an expansion that will include a new recovery room for members to utilize.
Timothy Burrows, Jr., the vice president of healthy living and operations at the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, said as trends shift and new approaches emerge, self-care now goes far beyond just strength training, cardio and flexibility. Now, recovery has become an essential component of the wellness equation.
“If you’re dealing with persistent aches and pains, it’s difficult to perform at your best during workouts,” said Burrows. “Integrating recovery techniques into your fitness routine allows you to train harder, recover smarter and achieve your goals more effectively. Recognizing the growing importance of recovery, the Brown Family YMCA will be the first YMCA branch in the Jacksonville, Florida, area to introduce a dedicated recovery room. This redesigned space marks a shift in how we think about wellness and member experience. We plan to explore similar enhancements at other First Coast YMCA branches in the future.”
Recovery Zone Details
The new space is designed to offer a calming, spa-like experience. It will feature four two-person infrared saunas, two HydroMassage beds and a state-of-the-art CryoLounge.
In partnership with Precor and Wellness USA, the YMCA is also excited to introduce ClubStrong red light and infrared saunas, along with the Wellness Space Brands’ HydroMassage 440 G3 and CryoLounge+.
“The ClubStrong Sauna is the first heavy-duty, fully featured commercial infrared sauna built specifically for high-traffic use,” said Burrows. “With its robust construction and industry-leading number of red-light modules, it delivers a premium wellness experience for members. Our HydroMassage beds provide customizable 10–15-minute sessions designed to relieve muscle soreness, reduce stress and support post-workout recovery. Users can personalize the speed, intensity, target areas, and temperature for optimal results.”
Burrows added red-light therapy offers a wide range of benefits, including
- Faster muscle recovery.
- Improved performance through pre-activation.
- Reduced pain and inflammation.
- Enhanced brain function and mood.
- Boosted metabolic function and anti-aging support.
- Improved skin health and overall aesthetics.
Additionally, hydromassage and cryolounge therapies also support recovery by:
- Easing muscle soreness.
- Reducing stress levels.
- Promoting faster post-workout recovery.
Recovery Trends Up Coast to Coast
Meanwhile on the West coast, the Peninsula JCC also views recovery not as luxury, but as a core component of a well-rounded member experience.
Seth Hazen, the chief business officer at the JCC, said the team has built recovery into the facility and their philosophy because it plays a critical role in how members feel, how consistently they show up and how long they stay engaged.
“It supports our mission — and it’s also a smart, strategic retention tool,” said Hazen. “Recovery is one of the most underleveraged drivers of member satisfaction and retention. Most facilities focus entirely on effort: classes, reps and programs. That’s important, but incomplete. Recovery helps people come back the next day, the next week, and the next season. It turns a moment of progress into a pattern.”
Peninsula JCC’s recovery space functions as a private personal training studio, outfitted with high-impact tools that help members bounce back faster, reduce muscle soreness and build long-term resilience. Within this space, Hazen said they offer:
- Percussion massage with Theragun devices for targeted muscle relief.
- Vibration therapy using rollers and a Power Plate platform to support circulation and mobility.
- Compression therapy with Normatec boots to reduce inflammation and promote lymphatic drainage.
- Assisted stretching using massage tables, resistance bands and designated space for guided flexibility work.
“We’ve also invested in a separate recovery lounge featuring HydroMassage beds and Fujimi massage chairs, providing an accessible and calming option for members looking to unwind. One Fujimi chair is reserved for staff use, reinforcing our belief team wellness is just as important as member wellness. These offerings are intentionally designed.”
Endless Benefits
Hazen said by integrating recovery options into the J’s operations, it’s provided the team with a growth engine.
“Recovery offerings give us an opportunity to engage members who wouldn’t normally see themselves in a traditional gym setting,” said Hazen. “We’re not just marketing to high-intensity athletes — we’re reaching people focused on longevity, stress management, injury prevention and functional health.
Hazen added recovery offerings also differentiates the JCC. In a competitive market, rec centers don’t need to be one of many options — they need to be one of one. Recovery is part of what sets the JCC apart and gives members a reason to choose its services over a lower-cost or less comprehensive option.
“It creates better experiences, better referrals and better retention,” said Hazen. “It draws in highly engaged members — the kind who use their membership often, talk about their experience positively and explore other programs we offer. Most importantly, it reduces churn. Members who recover well are more likely to stay healthy, motivated and connected to our community long-term.
Tips and Advice for Leaders
If you’re considering adding similar recovery offerings, Burrows advised to first evaluate your existing spaces and to do an ample amount of research.
“Look for opportunities to repurpose underutilized or low-performing areas within your current facility,” said Burrows. “Instead of investing in new construction or additions, consider how you can maximize the potential within your existing footprint. Also, explore the wide range of available methods and determine which options best align with the needs and interests of your members and your specific branch.”
Leaders should also research what similar services are being offered in your areas. Visit competitors, take advantage of trial sessions or explore their websites to gain valuable insights. Understanding what’s already out there will help you position your offering effectively and identify potential gaps you can fill.
For Hazen, the most critical piece to get right with recovery is education. He said staff and members need to understand why it matters. Demos, signage and short workshops go a long way in helping people take advantage of what’s offered.
Also, partnering with local therapists and wellness professionals adds depth and credibility to your offerings, and tracking usage and satisfaction should be part of your strategy. “Recovery shouldn’t be an island,” said Hazen. “We’ve had success layering it into existing programming — adding post-small group class stretching, offering 10-minute recovery sessions with trainers and promoting it during onboarding. That integration keeps recovery top of mind.
