Mastering the Rowing Machine at Planet Fitness: The Complete Guide

Walking into the "Judgement Free Zone," you are immediately greeted by a sea of purple and yellow cardio equipment. While the treadmills and ellipticals get the most traffic, the rowing machine planet fitness offers is often the most underutilized tool in the gym. Whether you are looking to torch calories on a cardio rower or build a thick, wide back using the seated row stations, Planet Fitness actually has everything you need—if you know where to look and how to use it.

Key Takeaways: Quick Summary

• Availability: Yes, almost all Planet Fitness locations have rowing machines. They typically feature cardio rowers (ergometers) and selectorized strength machines (seated rows).
• Cardio vs. Strength: Distinguish between the rower (cardio/endurance) and the seated row machine (back muscle isolation).
• Equipment Brand: Most locations use Life Fitness or Matrix rowers, which use magnetic or air resistance, differing slightly from the standard Concept2 found in CrossFit gyms.
• Activation: To turn on the cardio rower screen, simply start pulling the handle or press the green "Go" button; most are self-powered.

Does Planet Fitness Have Rowing Machines?

The short answer is yes. However, confusion often arises because the term "rowing machine" applies to two very different pieces of equipment found in the gym. To get the best workout, you need to know the difference.

First, there is the planet fitness rower designed for cardio. These are usually located in the 30-minute circuit area or lined up alongside the ellipticals. Second, there are the strength-based machines, specifically the seated row planet fitness stations and cable row machine planet fitness setups, which are located in the strength training section.

Part 1: How to Use the Planet Fitness Rowing Machine (Cardio)

If your goal is endurance and full-body conditioning, you want the cardio rower. Here is the breakdown of how to operate it effectively.

The Setup and Screen

Many beginners ask how to turn on rowing machine at planet fitness. Because these machines are often self-powered generators, the screen will likely be blank when you sit down. You do not need to look for a power switch. Simply strap your feet in and take one or two hard pulls on the handle; the planet fitness rowing machine screen will light up automatically.

Adjusting the Settings

Unlike a water rower, the planet fitness rowing machine settings usually rely on magnetic or air resistance. You will see a dial or a button on the handle to adjust the level (usually 1-10).

• Levels 1-4: Best for long-distance endurance.
• Levels 5-7: Ideal for general fitness and HIIT intervals.
• Levels 8-10: Heavy resistance for power sprints (anaerobic).

Proper Form

To avoid lower back pain, follow this sequence: Legs, Body, Arms. Push with your legs first, lean back slightly with your core, and finally pull the handle to your lower chest. Reverse the motion to return.

Part 2: Building Muscle with the Seated Row Machine

If you are looking to build muscle thickness, you should head to the weight stack machines. The chest supported row planet fitness machine is excellent for isolating the lats and rhomboids without stressing your lower back.

How to Use the Seated Row Machine

1. Seat Height: Adjust the seat so the chest pad sits comfortably against your sternum. If it's too high, you'll pull with your neck (traps). If it's too low, you'll lose leverage.
2. Grip Selection: Most machine row planet fitness units offer multiple handles. Use the vertical handles to target the lats (width), or the horizontal handles to target the upper back (thickness).
3. The Pull: Retract your shoulder blades before you bend your elbows. Pull the handles toward you until your elbows pass your torso.

Part 3: The Cable Row (Low Row)

For a more advanced variation, look for the cable towers. The seated cable row planet fitness station (often called the low row machine planet fitness) allows for a greater range of motion.

Sit on the floor or the provided bench, place your feet on the platforms, and use a V-bar attachment. Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight. This variation requires more core stability than the chest-supported machine, making it superior for functional strength.

My Training Log: Real Talk

I’ve spent plenty of time training at Planet Fitness while traveling, and I need to be honest about the nuances of their equipment. If you are used to a Concept2 rower (the gold standard in most gyms), the rower planet fitness uses—usually a Matrix or Life Fitness model—feels significantly different.

The first thing I always notice is the "lag" at the catch. On the Matrix rowers specifically, the nylon strap feels a bit smoother but less responsive than a chain drive. There’s a split-second of slip before the magnetic resistance bites. Also, the foot stirrups at PF are often wider than standard. I have to tie the straps tighter than I normally would because the heel cups are massive and don't grip the back of my shoe well during high-intensity sprints. If you don't crank those straps down tight, your feet will lift out of the heel cup every time you drive back.

Regarding the seated row machine, the friction on the guide rods can sometimes be "sticky" if the machine hasn't been lubricated recently. I usually do a warmup set just to gauge if the weight stack moves smoothly or if it catches halfway through the rep.

Conclusion

Whether you are using the back row machine planet fitness provides for muscle growth or the cardio rower for burning calories, the equipment is effective if used with the right intent. Don't let the different brand names or digital screens intimidate you. Set your resistance, keep your spine neutral, and drive through the movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Planet Fitness have water rowing machines?

Generally, no. Most Planet Fitness locations utilize air or magnetic resistance rowers manufactured by Matrix or Life Fitness. You will rarely find a planet fitness water rowing machine as they require more maintenance.

What muscles does the seated row at Planet Fitness work?

The seated rows planet fitness machines primarily target the Latissimus Dorsi (lats), Rhomboids (middle back), and Trapezius (upper back), along with the Biceps and rear Deltoids as secondary muscles.

Where is the rowing machine located in Planet Fitness?

The cardio rowers are typically found in the main cardio area, often near the recumbent bikes or at the end of a row of treadmills. The high row machine planet fitness and seated row stations are located in the selectorized strength machine area.