Planet Fitness has all the essential gym machines you need, from treadmills and ellipticals to chest presses, leg presses, Smith machines, and even a 30-minute express circuit zone.
For new gym-goers, the variety of equipment at Planet Fitness can feel overwhelming. But knowing exactly what’s available helps you build a balanced routine, mix cardio with strength, and avoid wasting time guessing which machine to use. With over 2,500 locations across the U.S., Planet Fitness prides itself on being a Judgment Free Zone®, offering beginner-friendly machines that are safe, easy to use, and effective for full-body training.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of all Planet Fitness machines, organized by cardio, strength, functional, and circuit training categories, with workout tips, benefits, and FAQs.
Cardio Machines at Planet Fitness
Cardio is a core part of most fitness journeys, and Planet Fitness has one of the largest cardio floors compared to other gyms in its price range.
Popular Cardio Machines
- Treadmills – Adjustable incline and speed for walking, jogging, or sprinting. Some have built-in heart rate monitors.
- Ellipticals – Low-impact full-body workouts; easier on the joints compared to treadmills.
- Rowers – Combine cardio and strength, engaging back, arms, and legs.
- Arc Trainers – A hybrid between a stair climber and elliptical; perfect for high calorie burn.
- Stepmills / Stair Climbers – High-intensity machines for endurance and leg power.
- Stationary & Recumbent Bikes – Joint-friendly cardio with adjustable resistance.
- Upper Body Ergometers – Great option for people with lower-body limitations who still want cardio.
🔑 Tip: The treadmill and stair climber are considered the best calorie-burners, but ellipticals and bikes are more beginner-friendly.
Strength Training Machines at Planet Fitness
Strength training is just as important as cardio, and Planet Fitness has a wide variety of machines targeting every muscle group.
Upper Body Machines
- Chest Press Machine – Builds chest, shoulders, and triceps.
- Pec Deck (Butterfly) – Chest isolation for better definition.
- Shoulder Press & Lateral Raise – Focuses on shoulders.
- Bicep Curl Machine – Isolates the biceps for arm growth.
- Tricep Extension / Press Down – Strengthens triceps.
- Lat Pulldown Machine – Works lats and upper back.
- Seated Row Machine – Develops mid-back and posture.
- Rear Deltoid Machine – Targets the back of the shoulders.
- Lower Back Extension – Builds spinal support muscles.
Lower Body Machines
- Leg Press (Seated or Sled) – Compound move for quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
- Hack Squat Machine – Squat variation with support.
- Leg Extension – Focuses on quads.
- Leg Curl (Seated or Lying) – Targets hamstrings.
- Seated Calf Raise – Strengthens calves.
- Hip Abductor & Adductor Machines – Isolates inner and outer thighs.
- Glute Kickback Machine – Builds glutes for strength and shape.
Core Machines
- Abdominal Crunch Machine – Focuses on rectus abdominis.
- Cybex Abdominal & Torso Rotation Machines – Targets obliques and deep core muscles.
- Roman Chair / Captain’s Chair – Great for leg raises and bodyweight ab training.
🔑 Tip: Beginners should start with leg press, chest press, and lat pulldown as these mimic natural movements.
Functional Training & Multi-Use Equipment
Planet Fitness doesn’t just stick to machines—it also offers functional equipment for versatile workouts.
Functional Equipment
- Cable Towers & Dual Adjustable Pulley – Allows dozens of exercises like tricep pushdowns, cable crossovers, and face pulls.
- Smith Machine – Assisted barbell setup for squats, lunges, and bench press.
- Hammer Strength Machines – Plate-loaded equipment for chest, back, and leg presses.
- Fitbench Stations – Multipurpose training bench with attachments.
- Battle Ropes, Kettlebells, and Medicine Balls – Functional training for strength and endurance.
- TRX Suspension Trainers – Full-body bodyweight training.
- Bosu Balls & Resistance Bands – Balance and stability training.
👉 The PF 360 Zone is a popular functional training area that combines kettlebells, resistance bands, ropes, and more into one station.
Circuit Training Zone
The 30-Minute Express Circuit is unique to Planet Fitness and perfect for anyone short on time.
- Includes 10 strength machines and 10 cardio steps.
- Uses traffic light signals: Green = go, Red = rest.
- Full-body training in just half an hour.
🔑 Tip: Great for beginners who want a structured routine without overthinking exercise selection.
Sample Full-Body Workout Using Planet Fitness Machines
Here’s a beginner-friendly routine:
| Exercise | Machine | Sets/Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-Up | Treadmill | 5 min |
| Legs | Leg Press | 3×12 |
| Chest | Chest Press | 3×12 |
| Back | Lat Pulldown | 3×12 |
| Shoulders | Shoulder Press | 3×10 |
| Arms | Bicep Curl | 3×12 |
| Core | Ab Crunch | 3×15 |
| Cardio Finish | Elliptical | 10 min |
Benefits of Planet Fitness Machines
- ✅ Beginner-Friendly – Clear labels + QR tutorials on machines.
- ✅ Safe & Low-Risk – Guided paths reduce injury risk.
- ✅ Affordable Access – Memberships from just $10/month (Planet Fitness, 2025).
- ✅ Variety of Equipment – Cardio, strength, and functional tools in one gym.
- ✅ Structured Options – The 30-minute circuit is great for time-crunched workouts.
FAQs on Planet Fitness All Machines
1. Does Planet Fitness have squat racks?
No. Instead, they provide Smith machines for squats and presses.
2. Can I do deadlifts at Planet Fitness?
Traditional deadlifts aren’t allowed, but variations using dumbbells or Smith machines are possible.
3. Are dumbbells available?
Yes, most PF gyms have dumbbells up to 75 lbs.
4. What’s the most effective cardio machine?
Treadmills and stair climbers typically burn the most calories.
5. Is the equipment beginner-friendly?
Yes, most machines are designed with safety in mind and are easy to adjust.
6. Does Planet Fitness offer free training?
Yes, their PE@PF program includes free fitness training for members.
7. Does every location have the same machines?
Most clubs carry the same standard machines, though some equipment may vary.
Conclusion
Planet Fitness offers one of the most complete lineups of machines for cardio, strength, and functional training in the budget-gym category. From treadmills and ellipticals to chest presses, leg presses, Smith machines, and the 30-minute express circuit, PF ensures beginners and regular gym-goers alike can train effectively.
👉 If you’re looking for a low-cost gym with a full variety of machines and beginner support, Planet Fitness is a smart choice. Check out your nearest Planet Fitness location today and explore their full machine lineup.