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Learn how to get the most out of Planet Fitness massage chairs
Many Planet Fitness locations offer massage chairs exclusively for Black Card members. These chairs simulate real massage motions to reduce muscle aches and leave you feeling refreshed. Curious about trying them? We’ll walk you through how to use the chairs, what benefits they offer, and the ideal times to enjoy a session.
Overview of Planet Fitness Massage Chairs
Planet Fitness massage chairs feature mechanical rollers and balls designed to ease tension and speed up muscle recovery before or after your gym session. To access the chairs, sign up for a Black Card membership and check in at the front desk. Each massage session typically lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.
How-To Steps
What exactly is the massage chair at Planet Fitness?
The massage chair is designed to mimic a real massage. It’s a reclining seat equipped with mechanical rollers and balls throughout the backrest, seat, and leg area. These components rotate and move to knead your neck, shoulders, back, glutes, and legs—simulating a massage therapist’s hand techniques.
- Massage chairs offer similar benefits to traditional massages, including easing muscle tension and lowering stress levels.
How to Access and Use the Massage Chair at Planet Fitness
Speak with the front desk staff to reserve a massage chair. Visit the Planet Fitness front desk to request access. If all chairs are currently occupied, a staff member will schedule your session for the next available time.
- Some clubs also offer a self-serve kiosk where you can make your own reservation. The staff will point you in the right direction.
- Note: You must hold a Black Card membership, which is priced at $24.99 per month, to use the massage chairs.
Find your assigned chair and sit down to begin your massage. Head to the Black Card Spa section, where the massage chairs are located. These might be inside a separate room or out in an open space. Look for the chair number you’ve been assigned and take a seat.
- At some locations, the chair will start automatically after a minute. In others, you may need to press a wall button or use a remote to activate it.
- You may need to scan your key tag to enter the massage area.
- If you’re unsure about the location or how to start the chair, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member for help.
Control your massage using the remote or armrest panel. Most modern massage chairs include a smartphone-style remote, while older models feature built-in controls on the armrest. Both options let you tailor the massage to your preference:
- Back intensity: Use the “+” and “-” buttons to increase or decrease pressure along your back.
- Airbag/Leg intensity: Adjust pressure on your calves with the same buttons.
- Massage mode/program: Newer chairs offer Normal, Back Only, or Heavy massage settings. Older models provide Kneading/Light Tapping (gentle), Kneading/Tapping (moderate), and Kneading/Knocking (deep tissue).
- You may also be able to change the recline angle on newer models.
Sanitize the chair after your session. Most massage sessions last between 5 and 10 minutes. Once finished, spray the chair with the provided disinfectant and wipe it down using a cloth or paper towel.
- If you'd like a longer massage, head to the front desk and request another session. During slower hours, staff may allow back-to-back bookings.
Health Benefits of Using the Massage Chair
Massage chairs offer many of the same benefits as traditional massage therapy. Massage has long been recognized for its therapeutic value. Using a massage chair can:
- Alleviate muscle pain and stiffness. The kneading action works out knots and reduces tension and soreness.
- Encourage relaxation and reduce stress. Massage boosts endorphins while lowering stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
- Enhance blood circulation. Improved circulation helps reduce inflammation and aids in muscle recovery.
- Improve flexibility. Loosening tight muscles can lead to better mobility.
- Accelerate post-workout recovery. By reducing soreness and improving blood flow, massages support muscle recovery.
- Support immune function. Regular massages may boost white blood cell levels, helping fight off illness.
- Promote better sleep. The release of serotonin and dopamine can enhance sleep quality.
- Stimulate lymphatic flow. This helps decrease swelling and inflammation in the body.
- Ease chronic condition symptoms. People with conditions like cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and heart disease may find relief and improved well-being with regular massage use.
Best Times to Use the Massage Chair
Enjoy the massage chair either before or after your workout. Many gym members prefer relaxing in the massage chair after a tough session to ease muscle tension and support recovery. Others find it helpful as a pre-workout warm-up to prep and stretch their muscles.
- There's no wrong time to use it! Even if you're just there to unwind, the massage chair is a great way to relax.
What is the purpose of the HydroMassage at Planet Fitness?
The HydroMassage delivers a water-powered massage experience. With a Black Card membership, you can also use the HydroMassage beds. Unlike traditional massage chairs, these beds feature internal water jets that glide across your back and legs, mimicking massage techniques to ease soreness and promote relaxation.
- You’ll stay completely dry since the water jets are enclosed inside the bed.
- To book a HydroMassage session, just speak with a team member at the front desk. Sessions typically last around 10 minutes.
- The HydroMassage offers benefits similar to the massage chairs, such as boosting circulation, easing muscle pain, and increasing flexibility.
FAQs
Is there an extra fee to use the massage chairs at Planet Fitness? No, the massage chairs are complimentary for Black Card members. Your membership covers full access.
How often can you use the massage chairs at Planet Fitness? With a Black Card membership, you have unlimited access to the massage chairs. Use them as many times as you like—daily, weekly, monthly, or even multiple times in one day.
What’s the duration of a massage chair session at Planet Fitness? Most sessions last between 5 to 10 minutes. If the gym isn’t crowded, staff may allow you to book back-to-back sessions for extended relaxation time.
Are guests allowed to use the massage chairs at Planet Fitness? According to Planet Fitness rules, guests do not have access to the Black Card Spa amenities, which include massage chairs. Guest privileges are limited to standard gym equipment only.
