How to Crush Glute Workouts Without a Hip Thrust Machine at Planet Fitness

You have walked the purple-and-yellow floor twice. You have checked the free weight area and the 30-minute circuit room. Now you are wondering: where is the hip thrust machine planet fitness is supposed to have?

Here is the honest truth: most Planet Fitness locations do not carry standalone, plate-loaded hip thrust units (often called Glute Drives). Because the gym franchise markets itself to general fitness enthusiasts rather than powerlifters, specialized equipment like the Nautilus Glute Drive is rarely part of the inventory.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t build strong glutes there. You just have to be smarter about your setup. This guide explains exactly how to replicate the movement using the equipment available at every Planet Fitness location.

Key Takeaways: Quick Summary

• Availability: 99% of Planet Fitness gyms do not have a dedicated hip thrust machine.
• The Fix: You must use the Smith Machine to perform heavy hip thrusts safely.
• Padding: Planet Fitness rarely provides barbell pads. You will likely need to bring your own or fold a yoga mat.
• Alternatives: The Smith Machine is superior to pre-loaded barbells because it allows for higher weight capacity and stability.

Does Planet Fitness Have a Hip Thrust Machine?

If you are looking for a specific piece of hardware where you strap a belt across your hips and load plates on the side, the answer is generally no. While inventory varies slightly by franchise owner, the standard Planet Fitness equipment package focuses on selectorized machines and cardio equipment.

Many members confuse the glute bridge machine planet fitness options with the leg press or extension machines. However, the lack of a dedicated machine is not a workout killer. The Smith Machine is actually one of the most stable ways to perform this movement, provided you know how to set it up without drawing the "Lunk Alarm" attention.

How to Master the Smith Machine Hip Thrust at Planet Fitness

Since you cannot find a dedicated station, the hip thrust on smith machine planet fitness setup is your best friend. The Smith Machine offers a fixed vertical path, which actually helps isolate the glutes by removing the need to balance the bar.

1. The Bench Setup

First, locate a flat bench in the free weight area. You will need to drag this over to the Smith Machine. Note: Check the bench height. Some Planet Fitness benches are quite tall. Ideally, the bench should hit you just below the shoulder blades when you are sitting on the floor.

2. The Bar Height

Set the bar stops (the safety catches) low enough so that when the bar rests on them, you can slide your legs under it, but high enough that you can achieve a full range of motion. Lie on the floor with your upper back against the bench and roll the bar over your hips.

3. Foot Placement

Position your feet shoulder-width apart. When you thrust up, your shins should be vertical (perpendicular to the floor). If your feet are too far forward, you will feel it in your hamstrings. Too close, and it becomes a quad exercise.

Dealing with the Padding Problem

One common question is: does planet fitness have bar pads? Usually, no. They sometimes have them, but they are often worn out or missing.

Doing a heavy planet fitness hip thrust with a bare metal bar digging into your hip bones is painful and can leave bruising. You have two options:

1. The Yoga Mat Hack: Go to the stretching area, grab a purple mat, fold it in thirds, and place it between your hips and the bar.
2. Bring Your Own: Buy a high-density squat sponge (barbell pad) and keep it in your gym bag. This is the pro move.

Alternative: Dumbbell and Pre-Loaded Bar Glute Bridges

If the Smith Machines are all taken, you can perform a glute bridge planet fitness style using the pre-loaded barbells or heavy dumbbells.

However, the pre-loaded bars typically max out at 60 or 70 lbs. For serious glute growth, this is often too light. If you must use these, focus on single-leg hip thrusts to increase the intensity without needing more weight.

My Training Log: Real Talk

I have trained at three different Planet Fitness locations over the years, and the "Smith Machine Shuffle" is a ritual I know well. The biggest annoyance isn't the lack of a machine—it's the benches.

At my local club, the benches have wheels on one end that don't lock. The first time I tried a heavy hip thrust smith machine planet fitness setup, the bench slid backward every time I reached the top of the rep. It was sketchy.

My fix: I learned to wedge two 45lb plates behind the legs of the bench to anchor it in place. Also, the Smith Machine bars at PF often have a counter-balance system, making the bar feel lighter than a standard 45lb Olympic bar. I always have to add about 20lbs more plate weight to get the same "feel" as I do at a hardcore gym. And yes, I am the person walking across the gym carrying my own barbell pad because folding those purple yoga mats never quite provides enough cushion once you go over 135lbs.

Conclusion

You do not need a specialized hip thrust machine at planet fitness to build an impressive posterior chain. While a dedicated Glute Drive is a luxury, the Smith Machine is a highly effective tool that offers stability and safety. Just remember to secure your bench, protect your hips with a pad, and focus on that vertical shin angle. Don't let the lack of equipment become an excuse to skip leg day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Planet Fitness have a hip thrust machine?

Most locations do not have a standalone hip thrust machine. Members typically perform hip thrusts using the Smith Machine or by doing glute bridges with pre-loaded barbells or dumbbells.

Does Planet Fitness have hip thrust pads?

Planet Fitness generally does not provide specific hip thrust pads or barbell pads. It is highly recommended to bring your own squat sponge or fold a yoga mat to cushion your hips during the movement.

How do you do hip thrusts at Planet Fitness without a machine?

Drag a flat bench to the Smith Machine. Place your upper back against the bench, roll the bar over your hips (using a pad), and perform the thrust movement. Ensure the safety stops are set low enough to allow full range of motion.