West Hollywood, CA – Crunch Fitness in West Hollywood has temporarily closed its men’s steam room following reports of inappropriate conduct, marking yet another instance of such issues plaguing gyms in the area. The gym, while technically located within the city of Los Angeles, sits just outside West Hollywood’s boundaries and is a popular spot for the local community.
Steam Room Shutdown: A Recurring Issue
The closure, announced last week via a sign posted in the men’s locker room, cites “inappropriate conduct by members” as the reason for the shutdown. The sign further states that the reopening is under review, with a decision expected the week of January 27, 2025. This is not the first time the gym has had to take action due to similar issues.
In January 2022, the same Crunch Fitness location gained attention for a humorous yet direct sign addressing sexual activity in the men’s locker room. The sign urged members to “Please DO NOT HAVE SEX in the Men’s Locker Room!” and suggested they could engage in such activities “literally anywhere else,” with a warning of immediate membership revocation for non-compliance. This previous sign went viral after being shared by a Twitter user, igniting a conversation about public sex in gyms.
A Broader Issue in West Hollywood’s Fitness Scene
The problem of inappropriate behavior in gym locker rooms and steam rooms isn’t unique to Crunch Fitness. The former 24-Hour Fitness in West Hollywood, known historically as The Sports Connection, had a long-standing reputation as a place where such activity was common. Even John Reed Fitness, which took over the 24-Hour Fitness space, has encountered similar challenges.
Last summer, adult film actor Austin Wolf, also known as Justin Heath Smith, posted explicit content filmed inside the John Reed Fitness gym, including footage of him engaging in sexual activity in the showers. This incident not only highlighted the ongoing issue, but also led to Wolf’s arrest on charges of distributing child pornography.
The Ongoing Debate and Concerns
The repeated closures and warnings raise questions about the effectiveness of such measures in curbing unwanted sexual activity. Some suggest that closing the steam room might not be enough to deter those engaging in inappropriate behavior, particularly in a community with a significant gay population where such spaces might be seen as meeting places. The closure has certainly generated discussion and amusement among members, with many seeing the sign as a conversation starter, although the underlying problem is a serious matter.
The incidents at West Hollywood gyms are part of a larger issue where gym facilities, especially saunas and steam rooms, are sometimes seen as meeting places for sexual activity rather than areas for post-workout relaxation. This perception is not unique to West Hollywood; gyms in other major cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, have also faced similar challenges. Some gyms have resorted to removing locker-room relaxation stations altogether in an attempt to discourage the behavior.
Understanding Steam Room Etiquette
While steam rooms are intended to help customers unwind and loosen tight muscles, they are not intended for sexual activity. Public lewd behavior is illegal and can lead to criminal charges. Gyms are considered public spaces, and actions within them are subject to laws governing conduct in public areas.
Gyms typically have rules for steam room use to ensure safety and comfort for all members. These rules often include:
- Showering: Patrons should shower before and after steam room use.
- Time Limits: Steam room use should be limited to 10-15 minutes to avoid potential health issues such as nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
- Age Restrictions: Steam rooms are usually for adults, often 18 and older.
- Capacity Limits: Steam rooms have a maximum occupancy, usually around 7 people at a time.
- Health Considerations: People with certain health conditions such as epilepsy, cardiovascular or respiratory problems, or those who are pregnant, are advised to avoid using the steam room.
- Appropriate Attire: Proper clothing, such as swimsuits or towels, is required in steam rooms.
- Prohibited Actions: Shaving, using scents, or washing the body is not allowed in steam rooms.
- No Exercise: Aerobic exercise is prohibited in the steam room.
Gyms Grappling with “Bathhouse” Culture
The challenges faced by gyms in West Hollywood reflect a broader issue of a “bathhouse culture” that has developed in some communities, where steam rooms and saunas are seen as places for sexual encounters. This perspective clashes with the primary purpose of gyms, which are meant to be spaces for health and fitness. Many gym-goers are uncomfortable with the cruising and sexual activity that can take place in these spaces and prefer discretion.
Furthermore, gym staff are often placed in an awkward position trying to enforce rules and manage inappropriate behavior. The lack of consistent enforcement can perpetuate the problem, creating a cycle of warnings and closures. While some might view these spaces as harmless places to connect, it is important for all members to be respectful of others and follow gym regulations.
Moving Forward
The closure of the steam room at Crunch Fitness in West Hollywood serves as a reminder of the challenges many fitness centers face in maintaining a comfortable and respectful environment for all their members. While closing the facilities is a temporary solution, a more comprehensive approach may be necessary to address the underlying issues, which could include increased monitoring, stricter enforcement of rules, and perhaps even re-evaluation of the design of locker room and steam room areas. As the review process begins, many will be looking to see how the gym will address the issue, ensuring a safe and welcoming space for everyone. The decision about reopening is expected the week of January 27, 2025.
