What type of equipment is at Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness positions itself as a welcoming, high-utility gym where the equipment mix is designed to support beginners and regular exercisers alike. On the floor you will typically encounter three broad zones: a cardio area with machines that keep your heart rate up with minimal setup, a strength area focused on machines and free weights for resistance training, and a functional training zone with versatile tools for mobility, core work, and circuit-style routines. While exact counts and brands vary from club to club, the overall approach is consistent: accessible equipment, clear pathways, and a layout that minimizes intimidation while maximizing workout options.

In most Planet Fitness locations, cardio machines form a large portion of the floor space. Expect treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and stair climbers lining up in rows, often facing screens or TV displays to keep motivation high during longer sessions. Strength training is supported by a mix of selectorized machines and free weights. You’ll commonly find weight stacks and plate-loaded machines that target major muscle groups—chest, back, legs, shoulders—in addition to a rack of free weights, benches, and adjustable benches for versatile movements. A dedicated functional area typically includes cable machines, medicine balls, resistance bands, and mats for mobility work and core routines. This combination allows any member to perform compound movements, unilateral work, and functional training without needing a gym full of specialty gear.

Brand and equipment quality vary a bit by location, but Planet Fitness often uses reputable brands such as Life Fitness and Precor for cardio machines, with selectorized strength machines and weight stacks from reputable manufacturers. The goal is durability and ease of use: machines are color-coded, seats and pads are adjustable, and many models have quick-start programs or digital readouts to track reps, sets, and time. If you’re unsure which machine to start with, a quick orientation session is typically available or can be requested at the front desk. The plan is simple: get moving, learn safe form, and gradually increase resistance or duration as you build confidence.

To help you translate equipment into results, here are practical approaches you can apply in any Planet Fitness location. Think of the floor as a circuit-friendly map: begin with a cardio warm-up to elevate heart rate, move into machine-based strength work to target major muscle groups, and finish with functional training moves to enhance mobility and daily function. This structure makes it easier to complete a complete workout in 30–45 minutes, even on busy days when you’re sharing equipment with others.

Case studies from real members illustrate how people leverage PF layouts for different goals. A beginner named Alex might start with 20 minutes of light-to-moderate cardio, then complete a 20-minute circuit using 4–6 machines (leg extension, chest press, lat pulldown, row, shoulder press) followed by a 5-minute cool-down and stretch. A returning member, Maya, could focus on two full-body resistance days per week (one upper-body, one lower-body) using a mix of machines and dumbbells, interspersed with mobility work. In both cases, the floor’s simple flow and the lack of client-level intimidation helped them stick with their plan.

How to maximize equipment usage on your next PF visit:

• Plan a 30–45 minute session focused on a single area (cardio, strength, or mobility) to avoid aimless wandering.
• Start with a 5-minute cardio warm-up, then 2–3 strength stations, and finish with mobility work.
• Use the orientation option or ask staff for a quick tour of the layout.
• Rely on the on-machine readouts to track reps and time, and jot down your plan for next visit.
• Respect others’ space: re-rack weights, wipe down machines, and move efficiently between stations.

Cardio Equipment: what to expect and how to use it effectively

Cardio equipment is the centerpiece for endurance, fat loss, and heart health. Most PF clubs offer a broad selection of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and stair climbers. Typical usage tips include choosing a machine with adjustable incline or resistance, setting a moderate pace that you can sustain for 20–30 minutes, and using built-in programs to vary intensity across sessions. A simple cardio plan could be a 5-minute warm-up, 20–25 minutes at a steady but challenging pace (RPE 5–6 out of 10), and a 5-minute cool-down. By using a heart-rate target or perceived exertion, you can tailor sessions to your current fitness level while supporting progression. A common real-world approach: alternate days focusing on steady-state cardio with one day per week dedicated to interval-style efforts (e.g., 1 minute hard, 2 minutes easy, repeat 6–8 times).

Practical implementation for beginners: select a treadmill or bike, set a 0–10 incline or resistance, start walking or pedaling, and monitor how you feel. If you can easily talk in full sentences, you’re probably at a comfortable pace. If you’re winded, scale back. Track your sessions for consistency, and gradually increase duration by 2–5 minutes per week or raise resistance every other week.

Strength Training Machines and Free Weights: how Planet Fitness structures strength work

In the strength zone, you’ll encounter a mix of selectorized machines and free weights. Selectorized machines (weight stacks) guide your range of motion and can be excellent for beginners learning proper form. Free weights—dumbbells and, where available, barbells—allow for more natural movements and progression as you gain stability. A practical approach is to begin with 2–3 machine-based movements per muscle group (for example, chest press, lat pulldown, leg extension) to learn alignment, then incorporate 1–2 free-weight exercises (like incline dumbbell press or goblet squats) as you become comfortable. Remember to adjust seats, pads, and handles before starting to ensure safe form.

Suggested starter routine for newcomers (2–3 days per week):

1. Upper body: chest press (machine), lat pulldown (machine), dumbbell shoulder press.
2. Lower body: leg press (machine), leg extension (machine), bodyweight lunges or goblet squats with a light dumbbell.
3. Core and mobility: cable rotations, planks, and gentle hip flexor stretches.

Safety and progression tips: start with light resistance, focus on controlled movements, and avoid locking joints. If you’re unsure about form, ask a staff member for a quick demonstration. Over weeks, you can progress by increasing weight in small increments (2–5 pounds for dumbbells, 5–10 pounds on machines) or adding an extra set to each exercise.

Functional Training Zones, Mats, and Accessories: how to round out workouts

The functional training area and accessories—cables, medicine balls, kettlebells, resistance bands, mats—are ideal for mobility work, core stability, and shorter, high-intensity sessions. Functional training supports everyday movements and helps bridge the gap between machine work and real-life activities. Start with a 5–10 minute mobility routine: hip circles, ankle flexion/extension, thoracic spine mobility, and dynamic hamstring stretches. Functional circuits can be built as 4–6 stations, focusing on compound moves and cadence control. For example, you could rotate through medicine ball slams, cable chops, kettlebell deadlifts, and planks with shoulder taps.

Best-practice setup for beginners: choose a large space where you can move freely, place a mat down, and select 2–3 light resistance stations. Use a timer to run a 45–60 second work period with 15–30 seconds rest, repeating the circuit 3–4 times. This approach improves relative strength, balance, and mobility without requiring heavy loads.

Final practical notes: always wipe down equipment after use, choose weights that let you complete the prescribed reps with good form, and keep a simple log of sets and reps to track progress over time. If you’re unsure about a movement, video-record yourself or ask a trainer for a quick check-in.

FAQs about Planet Fitness equipment

Do Planet Fitness locations have free weights?

Yes. Most clubs include a dedicated free-weight area with dumbbells (typically ranging from light to heavy) and adjustable benches. Some locations also offer kettlebells and a small number of barbells.

Are there weight racks or squat racks at Planet Fitness?

Many locations feature basic resistance machines and at least one Smith machine or rack for barbell work. Availability varies by club size; if you specifically want free-weight squats, check your local club’s layout ahead of your visit.

Can I use the equipment if I’m a member?

Yes. Planet Fitness memberships grant access to equipment during staffed hours or 24/7 in clubs that offer around-the-clock access, depending on membership type and local policy.

Do I need a trainer to use equipment?

No. A free orientation is often available to help you learn the layout and basic moves, but professional personal training may incur an additional charge if offered by that location.

Are there costs beyond the membership for equipment use?

Equipment use is covered by standard membership. Some clubs offer paid training sessions or small-group workouts as add-ons.

What safety guidelines should I follow?

Wipe down machines after use, re-rack weights, and respect others’ workout space. For injuries or unfamiliar moves, ask staff for guidance and gradually progress in weight and complexity.

Is there staff support for equipment questions?

Yes. Most Planet Fitness locations have staff on the floor who can help with equipment setup, form, and basic workout planning. Some clubs also offer occasional free or low-cost group sessions.