Trying to understand which cardio machines Planet Fitness offers before choosing a workout or visiting a club?
This guide breaks down the main options clearly, including treadmills, ellipticals, upright and recumbent bikes, rowing machines, stepmills, recumbent steppers, and selected specialty cardio equipment.
You will also learn how these machines differ, how to choose one based on your preferences, how to use cardio equipment safely, which brands and models may appear, and why machine availability can vary by location.
We also cover cardio for weight-loss goals without unrealistic claims, plus practical ways to check your local club’s exact setup. Keep reading if you want a complete Planet Fitness cardio overview without sorting through scattered or outdated information first in one place.
What Cardio Equipment Does Planet Fitness Have
Planet Fitness offers a broad selection of cardio equipment for walking, running, cycling, rowing, and stair-based workouts. Current Planet Fitness club pages commonly list treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, upright exercise bikes, recumbent bikes, stepmills, and recumbent steppers as part of their cardio areas.
Some locations also list additional machines such as Arc trainers, upper-body ergometers, and indoor cycles, giving members more options beyond the standard cardio lineup.
This means the overall Planet Fitness cardio equipment list can support several different movement styles, from steady-paced cycling to treadmill running or rowing.
However, the types and number of cardio machines at Planet Fitness can vary by club. A machine available at one location should not automatically be assumed to be present at every gym.
If you rely on a specific cardio machine, check your local club’s equipment page or contact the location before visiting.
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Planet Fitness Cardio Equipment List at a Glance
If you want a quick Planet Fitness cardio equipment list, the company’s current equipment pages show several common cardio machine categories. The exact mix and number of machines can still vary by location.
Common Cardio Machines
- Treadmills
- Ellipticals
- Rowing machines
- Upright exercise bikes
- Recumbent bikes
- Stepmills / stair-climbing machines
- Recumbent steppers
Additional Cardio Equipment at Some Locations
Depending on the club, you may also find:
- Arc trainers
- Upper-body ergometers
- Indoor cycles
This list should be treated as a general overview rather than a guarantee for every Planet Fitness. If a particular cardio machine is important to your routine, check your local club’s equipment page or contact the location before visiting.
Treadmills at Planet Fitness
Treadmills are a core part of the cardio equipment at Planet Fitness and can be used for walking, jogging, or running indoors.
Planet Fitness specifically lists treadmills among its cardio options, and its treadmill guidance shows that users can adjust speed and incline to change workout intensity.
Treadmill consoles typically display workout information such as time and distance, although the exact controls, programs, screens, and other features depend on the model installed.
Because Planet Fitness clubs do not necessarily use identical equipment, treadmill models and console features can vary by location.
For treadmill brands, settings, time limits, console features, and step-by-step instructions, read our complete Planet Fitness treadmill & how to use treadmill at planet fitness Guide.
Elliptical Machines at Planet Fitness
Elliptical machines are another common cardio option at Planet Fitness. Instead of walking or running on a moving belt, an elliptical guides the feet through a continuous oval-shaped motion while they remain supported by the pedals.
Models with moving handles also allow the arms and legs to contribute to the movement. Planet Fitness’s elliptical guidance notes that users can adjust resistance and, on applicable machines, incline to control workout difficulty.
Ellipticals may suit people who simply prefer this movement pattern to treadmill walking or running, but neither machine is universally better for everyone. Controls, programs, and machine designs can also differ between clubs.
For settings, controls, brands, machine types, and instructions, read our complete Planet Fitness elliptical machine guide.
Exercise Bikes at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness includes upright exercise bikes among its standard cardio equipment options. These stationary bikes allow you to cycle indoors while controlling resistance and pace.
Proper setup starts with adjusting the seat to a comfortable position that allows a controlled pedal stroke. Resistance can then be increased or decreased based on the effort you want from the workout.
Depending on the installed model, the console may display metrics such as time, distance, speed, resistance, or other workout data. Planet Fitness locations do not necessarily have identical bike models or console features, so the exact setup can vary from club to club.
For bike setup, brands, resistance settings, and step-by-step use, read our exercise bike Planet Fitness guide.
Recumbent Bikes at Planet Fitness
Recumbent bikes are also part of Planet Fitness’s listed cardio equipment lineup. Unlike an upright stationary bike, a recumbent bike places the rider in a more reclined position with a larger seat and back support, while the pedals sit farther in front of the body.
Before exercising, adjust the seat so you can reach the pedals comfortably without having to overextend your legs. You can then select a manageable resistance and adjust it as needed during the workout.
The controls, resistance levels, programs, and console design depend on the particular machine installed. Since equipment configurations can differ between Planet Fitness clubs, check your location if you need a specific recumbent-bike model or feature.
For setup, controls, machine details, and practical use, read our complete Planet Fitness recumbent bike guide.
Stair Climbers and Stepmills at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness includes stepmills and stair-climbing machines among its cardio equipment options. These machines simulate repeated stair climbing, with the user stepping continuously as the machine moves beneath them.
Planet Fitness guidance shows that users can typically increase or decrease the stepping speed to match their preferred effort level.
Because the movement repeatedly involves the legs, stair machines place substantial demand on the lower body while also providing cardiovascular exercise.
A practical approach is to begin at a manageable pace and maintain controlled, stable steps rather than relying heavily on the handrails.
Exact machine type, quantity, and console features can vary between Planet Fitness clubs, so local availability should be checked when this equipment matters to your routine.
Rowing Machines at Planet Fitness
Rowing machines are also part of Planet Fitness’s listed cardio lineup. Rowing differs from cycling or treadmill exercise because each stroke coordinates movement from the legs, torso, and arms.
Planet Fitness describes the basic sequence as beginning at the catch, driving first through the legs, then involving the body and arms before returning in a controlled manner.
Technique matters because simply pulling the handle faster or harder does not guarantee efficient movement.
Resistance levels, programs, and controls can depend on the rowing machine installed, and individual clubs may not have identical models or quantities.
For beginners, learning a smooth stroke sequence and using manageable resistance is more practical than focusing on speed alone.
Other Cardio Machines You May Find at Planet Fitness
Beyond treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowers, and stepmills, some Planet Fitness clubs list additional cardio equipment. These can include recumbent steppers, Arc trainers, and upper-body ergometers, which appear on current individual club equipment pages.
Certain locations also list air bikes and SkiErg machines within their functional or HIIT training areas rather than the main cardio section. These machines provide different movement patterns from traditional treadmill or cycling workouts and can add variety to a cardio routine.
However, these options should be treated as location-specific additions, not standard equipment guaranteed at every Planet Fitness. Current club pages show meaningful differences in cardio and functional equipment inventories.
If you specifically want an Arc trainer, recumbent stepper, upper-body ergometer, air bike, or SkiErg, check your local club’s equipment listing before visiting.
What Is the Best Cardio Machine at Planet Fitness
There is no single best cardio machine at Planet Fitness for everyone. The right choice depends on your training goal, experience, preferred movement, workout intensity, and which machine you can use comfortably and consistently.
Planet Fitness currently lists treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, stepmills, and other cardio options across its clubs.
For Walking or Running
A treadmill is the most direct choice if you want to walk, jog, or run indoors while controlling your pace and incline.
For Cycling
Choose an upright exercise bike for a traditional stationary cycling position or a recumbent bike if you prefer a larger seat, back support, and a more reclined position.
For Stair-Climbing Work
A stepmill is designed for continuous stair-style movement and lets you adjust your pace according to the workout you want.
For Combined Upper- and Lower-Body Movement
An elliptical can involve both the arms and legs when moving handles are used, while a rower coordinates the legs, torso, and arms through each stroke.
For Beginners
Start with a machine whose movement and controls feel straightforward. Planet Fitness also recommends beginning with familiar cardio equipment at a gentle pace and progressing from there.
The best option is ultimately the machine that matches your goal and allows you to exercise with controlled technique and an appropriate level of effort.
Best Cardio Machine for Weight Loss at Planet Fitness
There is no single Planet Fitness cardio machine that guarantees weight loss. Treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, upright or recumbent bikes, and stepmills can all increase physical activity and energy expenditure. Planet Fitness currently lists these among its cardio options.
For body weight to decrease over time, energy expenditure must exceed energy intake. The CDC notes that physical activity contributes to this calorie deficit, while food intake also plays a major role in weight management.
How many calories you expend during a workout varies with factors such as exercise intensity, duration, body size, and the activity performed, so a machine displaying a higher calorie estimate should not automatically be considered the best choice.
A treadmill, rower, elliptical, bike, or stepmill can therefore be useful when it helps you exercise consistently at an appropriate intensity.
Rather than searching for a machine that supposedly “burns fat fastest,” choose one whose movement you can perform comfortably and maintain regularly.
Sustainable weight management is broader than cardio alone and also involves eating patterns, regular physical activity, sleep, and other lifestyle factors.
How to Use Cardio Equipment at Planet Fitness
If you are new to cardio equipment at Planet Fitness, start with a machine whose movement and controls you can understand comfortably.
Before beginning, adjust any relevant seat position, pedals, foot platforms, handles, or other settings so the machine fits your body and allows controlled movement.
Next, identify the main console controls. Depending on the machine, these may include Start, Stop or Pause, speed, incline, resistance, and workout-program buttons. Begin at a manageable pace or resistance instead of immediately selecting a demanding setting.
Once you feel stable and comfortable, increase the intensity gradually if it suits your workout.
While exercising, maintain controlled movement and avoid changing settings so quickly that your form becomes difficult to manage. When you finish, reduce the speed or resistance where appropriate and use the machine’s designated stop or pause control rather than stepping off suddenly.
Because treadmills, ellipticals, upright bikes, and recumbent bikes use different controls and setup procedures, it is worth learning each machine individually.
For detailed instructions, see our Planet Fitness treadmill, elliptical, exercise bike, and recumbent bike guides.
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How to Use a Cardio Bike at Planet Fitness
Using a cardio bike at Planet Fitness starts with proper setup. On an upright exercise bike, adjust the seat so you can pedal comfortably without locking your knees at the bottom of the stroke.
On a recumbent bike, adjust the seat position so your back remains supported and your legs can reach the pedals without overextending.
Sit securely, place your feet correctly on the pedals, and use any available straps if the bike provides them.
Begin pedaling at an easy pace before selecting resistance. Increase resistance gradually until the effort matches your workout without disrupting your cadence or control.
The console may show information such as time, distance, speed, resistance level, or other workout data, depending on the bike model. Maintain a smooth, controlled pedal stroke rather than focusing only on speed.
For detailed setup and controls, read our Planet Fitness Exercise Bike Guide and Planet Fitness Recumbent Bike Guide.
What Brand of Cardio Equipment Does Planet Fitness Use
Planet Fitness does not publicly identify one universal manufacturer for every cardio machine across all clubs. Its 2025 annual filing describes its clubs as having Planet Fitness-branded cardio equipment, while current company marketing refers more generally to access to “brand-name cardio equipment.”
This distinction matters because the treadmill, elliptical, bike, rower, or stepmill at one location should not automatically be assumed to be the same model—or even from the same underlying manufacturer—as equipment at another club.
Planet Fitness’s current equipment page lists cardio categories such as treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, upright bikes, stepmills, recumbent steppers, recumbent bikes, Arc trainers, and upper-body ergometers, but it does not name a manufacturer for each category.
Club age, equipment replacement cycles, remodels, and location-specific configurations can also affect which machines are installed.
Planet Fitness continues to sell equipment to both new and existing franchise clubs, confirming that equipment is replaced and added over time.
If you want the exact brand and model of cardio equipment at your Planet Fitness, check the manufacturer label on the machine or contact that specific club rather than relying on a nationwide brand assumption.
How Many Cardio Machines Does Planet Fitness Have
There is no single published number of cardio machines that applies to every Planet Fitness club.
Planet Fitness currently lists numerous cardio categories—including treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, upright and recumbent bikes, stepmills, recumbent steppers, Arc trainers, and upper-body ergometers—but its national equipment page does not assign a fixed quantity of each machine to every location.
The number can vary because Planet Fitness clubs differ in size, floor layout, equipment configuration, and stage of their equipment replacement cycle. The company describes its clubs as typically being around 20,000 square feet, but that does not establish a standard number of treadmills, bikes, or other cardio machines per gym.
Planet Fitness also continues placing and selling equipment to new and existing franchise locations, meaning club inventories can change as equipment is added or replaced.
For that reason, claims such as “every Planet Fitness has a specific number of treadmills” should be treated cautiously.
If machine quantity matters—particularly during busy hours—check your individual club page, contact the location, or visit the gym to see its current cardio setup.
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Does Every Planet Fitness Have the Same Cardio Equipment
No. You should not assume that every Planet Fitness has an identical cardio equipment inventory. Planet Fitness’s current national equipment page lists common options such as treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, upright bikes, stepmills, recumbent steppers, recumbent bikes, Arc trainers, and upper-body ergometers. However, the exact mix at an individual club can differ.
Differences may include the number of each machine, specific models, console generations, and availability of less-common cardio equipment. Current individual club pages, for example, may list equipment such as upper-body ergometers alongside the more familiar cardio options.
Newer or remodeled clubs may also have different machines from locations using an older equipment package.
Therefore, seeing a particular treadmill, rower, bike, or specialty cardio machine at one Planet Fitness does not guarantee that another location has the same setup. If a specific machine or console feature matters to you, check the individual club page or contact that location before visiting.
Is Planet Fitness Good for Cardio
For many people, Planet Fitness can be a practical gym for cardio because its current equipment lineup covers several major forms of indoor aerobic exercise.
Depending on the location, members may have access to treadmills for walking or running, upright and recumbent bikes for cycling, ellipticals, rowing machines, stepmills, recumbent steppers, and other cardio equipment.
Whether Planet Fitness is good for your cardio training depends on more than the length of its equipment list.
Consider whether your preferred machine is available, how many units the club has during the hours you normally train, and whether the installed machines provide the controls or features you actually use.
Your preferred training style also matters: someone who primarily walks on a treadmill may have different requirements from someone who regularly rows or uses a stepmill.
Location convenience is worth considering as well, since a well-equipped gym is only useful if it fits realistically into your routine. Planet Fitness promotes a broad cardio selection, and its virtual club tour specifically highlights treadmills, ellipticals, and additional cardio options.
If you need a specialized cardio machine, particular model, or specific console feature, verify it with your local club first rather than assuming it is part of every Planet Fitness setup.
How to Choose the Right Planet Fitness Cardio Machine
Choosing the right cardio machine at Planet Fitness depends on the type of movement you prefer, your experience, and the kind of workout you want to perform. There is no single machine that produces faster results for everyone, so focus on an option you can use comfortably and consistently.
Choose a Treadmill If…
Choose a treadmill if you want to walk, jog, or run indoors while controlling your speed and, on applicable machines, incline.
Choose an Elliptical If…
An elliptical may suit you if you prefer a continuous gliding movement. Models with moving handles can involve both the upper and lower body during the exercise.
Choose an Exercise Bike If…
An upright exercise bike is a practical option if you prefer seated cycling and want to adjust resistance while maintaining a steady pedaling rhythm.
Choose a Recumbent Bike If…
Choose a recumbent bike if you prefer cycling from a more reclined position with a larger seat, back support, and pedals positioned farther in front of you.
Choose a Stepmill If…
A stepmill is suitable if you prefer repeated stair-climbing movement and want to control your workout by adjusting the stepping pace.
Choose a Rower If…
A rowing machine may be a good fit if you prefer a coordinated movement involving the legs, torso, and arms.
Whichever machine you choose, prioritize controlled movement, appropriate intensity, and correct setup rather than selecting equipment based on claims that one machine will deliver faster results than another.
How to Check Cardio Equipment at Your Local Planet Fitness
Because cardio equipment can differ by location, check the specific Planet Fitness club you plan to visit rather than relying only on a general equipment list.
Start with the Planet Fitness club finder, select your location, and review its individual club page for available equipment and other details.
Planet Fitness’s national equipment page confirms a broad cardio lineup, but individual clubs may have different machine combinations.
Recent club photos can provide additional context, but they may not reflect the latest equipment changes.
If you need a particular rower, treadmill model, stair machine, exercise bike, or specialty cardio machine, contact the club directly and ask whether it is currently available. Planet Fitness provides location-specific contact options through its website.
If the brand, model, console features, or machine quantity matters to you, ask about those details specifically. When possible, touring the club before joining is the most direct way to confirm that its cardio setup matches your training preferences.
Conclusion
Planet Fitness offers a broad cardio lineup that can support walking, running, cycling, rowing, stair climbing, and other indoor training styles.
Common options include treadmills, ellipticals, upright and recumbent bikes, rowers, stepmills, and recumbent steppers, with additional machines available at selected clubs.
The right choice depends on your preferred movement, experience, comfort, and training goal rather than any claim that one machine is universally best.
Because equipment brands, models, quantities, and console features can vary by location, check your specific club when a particular machine matters to you.
Use the detailed guides linked throughout this article for deeper information on individual Planet Fitness cardio machines before planning your next workout.