How to Start a Planet Fitness Beginner Workout (3-Day Plan)

December 27, 2025

A man working out in the gym

You joined Planet Fitness because you want to build muscle and get stronger. But when you walk through those doors, you freeze. Rows of machines stare back at you. You have no idea which ones to use, how many sets to do, or what order makes sense. Other people seem to know exactly what they’re doing, and you feel lost.

A structured 3-day beginner workout plan fixes this problem. You’ll use basic machines available at every Planet Fitness location. Each workout hits your full body with clear sets and reps. The plan fits into a realistic weekly schedule that gives your muscles time to recover between sessions.

This guide walks you through eight steps to start your Planet Fitness beginner workout. You’ll learn how to set up your weekly schedule, navigate the gym floor, warm up properly, and follow three complete machine workouts. You’ll also get practical advice on tracking progress, managing soreness, and supporting your training with basic nutrition. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to walk into Planet Fitness with confidence and start building the strength you want.

Bestseller No. 1
Bellabooty Premium Hip Thrust Belt – Adjustable Exercise Belt for Glutes & Squats, Hip Thrust Pad for Comfort, Versatile Gym Equipment for Home – Weightlifting Belt Support for Women – Gray
  • Thrust Like A Pro – Turn any space into your gym with the original Bellabooty hip thrust belt! Should you be at home or the gym, our weight lifting belt handles weights up to 400 lbs and works with dumbbells, kettlebells, and plates, making hip thrusts effortless.
  • Say Hello To Comfort – Designed for performance and style, the Gray OG Bellabooty belt includes plush padding and a non-slip fit. It’s perfect for any booty trainer routine and a smart upgrade to your at home gym equipment.
  • Stability Magic – The patented design offers unmatched balance. This original bella booty belt for hip thrust outperforms a barbell, offering next-level control and support. Feel secure during every hip thrust rep—home or gym.
  • Fast & Fierce Setup – Workout Ready In 20 Seconds: Get ready to thrust with zero fuss! The dip belt-style wrap system sets up in under 20 seconds. Simply loop the straps, secure your weights, fasten the gym belt, and jump into an incredible workout. The quick setup means more time for the burn!
  • Weight Your Way – From Thrusts To Lunges & Beyond: Elevate your fitness game with the original Bella booty gym belt! Perfect for hip thrusts, squats, lunges, and more, this versatile booty belt for hip thrust is your all-in-one workout partner. Enhance every exercise and maximize your results with unmatched support and comfort!
SaleBestseller No. 2
VELOMIX -2 Pack- 28 oz Protein Shaker Bottles for Protein Mixes – 2x Wire Whisk | Leak Proof Shaker Cups for Protein Shakes | Protein Shaker Bottle Pack (Black/Transparent)
  • 100% LEAK-PROOF GUARANTEE – Say goodbye to messy spills with our meticulously designed protein shaker bottle. Ensure every drop stays in. The ideal gym bottle for men and women.
  • PREMIUM QUALITY, SMART PRICE – Experience unmatched craftsmanship with our shaker bottle pack. Top-tier shaker bottles and shaker cups for protein mixes without the hefty price tag!
  • CLEAN IN A JIFFY – Our bottle shaker protein design is for the on-the-move individual. A swift rinse and you’re set for another round! More time savoring, less time scrubbing.
  • BUILT TO LAST – Crafted for the active souls and everyday hustlers. From workouts to daily routines, our shakers for protein shakes stand undefeated. Reliability you can trust.
  • VARIETY IN EVERY PACK – Dive into our spectrum of colors and sizes. Whether hitting the gym or the office, our shaker bottles for protein mixes have you covered. Tailored for every style!
Bestseller No. 3
EOC Evolution of Cotton Sports Towel – Double Pack (2 Pieces), 12″x51″, Lime Green, 100% Cotton – Oeko-Tex Certified, Very Absorbent and Quick-Drying, for Fitness, Gym and Yoga
  • Perfect for training and everyday use – ideal companion for gym workouts, yoga sessions, outdoor sports, travel, or home use
  • 100% cotton construction – naturally soft, comfortable on the skin, and designed for everyday durability
  • Lightweight and easy to carry – folds compactly to fit into any sports bag or backpack
  • Simple, modern design – neutral color and clean look suitable for fitness studios and daily activities
  • Made in Türkiye / Turkey. Produced with environmentally friendly processes and packaged without unnecessary plastic waste – ideal for those who pay attention to sustainability during sports.
SaleBestseller No. 4
Sneaker Balls Odor-Fighting Shoe Fresheners, Eliminates Unpleasant Smells, Perfect For Sneakers, Gym Bags, Gear Bags, Drawers, Lockers, And More!, Radial Tie Dye, 6 Pack
  • POWERFUL ODOR ELIMINATION: These sneaker balls deodorizer effectively eliminate bad odors; Our shoe odor remover tackles tough smelly shoes, ensuring your footwear and gear always smell fresh. Enjoy a clean, pleasant scent in any situation.
  • VERSATILE FIT & USE: Compact sneaker ball design fits most places. Perfect shoe smell remover for all footwear, gym bags, lockers, and closets. Ideal for combating gym odor and keeping athletic gear fresh. Use anywhere odors linger.
  • ADJUSTABLE SCENT CONTROL: Easily manage fragrance release. Twist to activate sneaker deodorizer balls and adjust intensity. Increase for strong odors or decrease for subtle freshness-you’re in control. Customize the scent level to your preference.
  • MULTI-PURPOSE FRESHNESS: Use sneaker balls for shoes, gym equipment, sports bags, and more. This all-in-one shoe smell remover tackles odors in various environments. One product, versatile applications. Keep your gear smelling great.
  • DURABLE & LONG-LASTING: These deodorizers are built to last. Toss them in your gym bag or locker without worrying about damage, offering continuous odor elimination, ensuring reliable freshness wherever you need it.
SaleBestseller No. 5
EVMT Brands Liquid Chalk, Mess Free Gym Chalk for Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Rock Climbing. Sweat Resistant and Long Lasting for Stronger Grip. Package May Vary.
  • Strong and Long Lasting – Engineered to outperform traditional powder chalk, our formula stays on longer, resists wear, and provides the strongest grip, even during intense weight lifting sessions.
  • Superior Moisture Absorption – Our workout chalk for weightlifting absorbs sweat and keeps hands dry, ensuring a firm liquid grip on weights, bars, and equipment for peak performance.
  • Mess-Free and Gym Approved – Unlike gymnastics chalk or traditional powder chalk, our superior formula leaves no mess, making it the perfect gym accessory for men and women. Many gyms allow liquid chalk but ban loose chalk.
  • Easy Application and Quick-Drying – Our hand chalk comes in a convenient squeeze bottle, spreads evenly with a thick consistency, and dries within 10-15 seconds, providing reliable sports chalk for all activities.
  • Versatile for All Grip-Intensive Sports – Whether you’re using rock climbing liquid chalk, weightlifting chalk, or sports chalk, our formula enhances grip for gymnastics, weight lifting, rock climbing, baseball, tennis, and more.

Why Planet Fitness works well for beginners

A teenager doing a Planet Fitness beginner workout

Planet Fitness removes the barriers that stop most beginners from working out consistently. Every location follows the same Judgement Free Zone policy, which means no one judges your fitness level or experience. You walk in, use the machines you need, and leave without pressure or criticism. The environment prioritizes comfort over competition, making it easier to focus on learning proper form and building your routine without distractions.

Low intimidation environment

The gym floor at Planet Fitness feels different from traditional gyms. You won’t find bodybuilders dropping heavy weights or grunting loudly during their sets. The staff enforces rules that keep the space welcoming for people at every fitness level. Members work out in normal gym clothes, not expensive athletic gear, which removes another layer of comparison and anxiety. Your planet fitness beginner workout happens in a space designed specifically for people who want to build strength without the intimidation factor.

The Judgement Free Zone policy creates an atmosphere where you can focus on your own progress instead of comparing yourself to others.

Simple equipment and layout

Planet Fitness stocks its locations with user-friendly machines that guide your movement patterns. Each machine includes clear instructions with pictures showing proper positioning and muscle groups targeted. You don’t need a personal trainer to understand how to adjust the seat or set the weight on these machines. Color-coded equipment zones help you navigate the floor quickly, and the consistent layout across locations means you can visit any Planet Fitness and find the same machines in similar positions.

Supportive policies and resources

Your membership includes access to PE@PF orientation sessions, where staff members walk you through the equipment and answer your questions. Black Card members receive guest privileges, allowing you to bring a workout partner for accountability and support. The affordable membership structure removes financial pressure, letting you commit to a workout routine without worrying about expensive monthly fees or hidden costs.

What you need before you start

Starting your planet fitness beginner workout requires minimal preparation, but a few essential items make your experience smoother and more productive. You don’t need expensive equipment or advanced fitness knowledge to begin this program. Your focus should be on securing basic access and understanding your current fitness level before you step onto the gym floor.

Essential gear and clothing

Comfortable athletic shoes with good support form the foundation of your workout gear. Running shoes or cross-trainers work well for machine-based training, providing the stability you need when pushing weight. Breathable clothing that allows full range of motion keeps you comfortable during your workout without restricting movements on machines like the leg press or lat pulldown.

Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated between exercises. Most Planet Fitness locations provide water fountains, but having your own bottle saves time and keeps you focused on your training. Pack a small towel to wipe down equipment after use, though the gym also supplies cleaning stations throughout the floor.

Membership and access requirements

You need an active Planet Fitness membership to access the equipment and facility. The standard membership gives you access to your home location with all the machines required for this program. Black Card membership adds benefits like guest privileges and access to any Planet Fitness location, which helps maintain consistency when you travel or want to work out with a friend.

Schedule your PE@PF orientation session when you join. This free service connects you with staff members who demonstrate proper machine use and answer questions about gym policies. Taking advantage of this resource before starting your workout plan prevents confusion and builds confidence.

Completing the PE@PF orientation removes guesswork and helps you feel comfortable using the equipment from day one.

Basic fitness baseline

You should be able to walk continuously for 10 minutes and climb a flight of stairs without stopping. This baseline indicates your body can handle the workout intensity in this program. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have existing health conditions, recent injuries, or haven’t exercised in several months. Your physician can confirm you’re ready for strength training and provide specific guidance based on your medical history.

Step 1. Set up your 3 day weekly schedule

Your planet fitness beginner workout succeeds when you commit to three specific days each week. This schedule gives your muscles 48 hours to recover between sessions, which is when actual strength building happens. You’ll train Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or any three non-consecutive days that fit your personal schedule. Consistency matters more than perfection, so picking days you can realistically maintain beats choosing ideal days you might skip.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday framework

The classic Monday/Wednesday/Friday pattern works for most schedules because it alternates workout days with rest days throughout the week. Your weekends remain free for activities, family time, or additional light movement like walking. Each workout takes 45 to 60 minutes from warm-up through cool-down, making it manageable even with a busy work schedule.

Here’s how your week looks:

DayActivityDuration
MondayFull Body Workout (Day 1)45-60 min
TuesdayRest
WednesdayFull Body Workout (Day 2)45-60 min
ThursdayRest
FridayFull Body Workout (Day 3)45-60 min
SaturdayRest or light activity
SundayRest or light activity

Rest day strategy

Your muscles grow stronger during rest days, not during workouts. Training breaks down muscle fibers, and recovery rebuilds them thicker and more resilient. Avoid working out on consecutive days during your first month as your body adapts to the new stress. Light activities like walking, stretching, or easy swimming on rest days support recovery without interfering with muscle repair.

Rest days are when your body builds the strength you’re working toward, making them as important as your training days.

Adjusting for your life

Switch your workout days when life demands it, maintaining the pattern of one day on, one day off. If you can’t make Monday, train Tuesday instead and shift the entire week forward. Missing a single workout doesn’t ruin your progress, but missing two consecutive weeks does. Get back to your schedule as soon as possible when interruptions happen, starting with lighter weights if you’ve taken more than a week off.

Step 2. Learn the gym layout, machines, and etiquette

Your first visit to Planet Fitness should focus on orientation, not training. Walk the gym floor during a less busy time, typically mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays. Locate the machines you’ll use in your planet fitness beginner workout and read the instruction placards on each one. This reconnaissance mission removes uncertainty and speeds up your actual workout sessions.

Finding your essential machines

Planet Fitness organizes equipment into distinct zones with clear signage. The cardio machines occupy one area, usually near the entrance with treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes lined up in rows. The strength training machines fill the center and back sections, arranged so multiple people can work different muscle groups simultaneously without crowding.

You need to locate these six machines for your program:

  • Chest press machine: Targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps
  • Lat pulldown machine: Works your back and biceps
  • Leg press machine: Strengthens your quads, hamstrings, and glutes
  • Shoulder press machine: Builds your shoulders and triceps
  • Leg curl machine: Isolates your hamstrings
  • Seated row machine: Develops your back muscles

Walk to each machine and sit in it. Adjust the seat height and backrest position while the machine is unloaded so you understand the adjustment mechanism before adding weight. Most machines use a pull-pin system where you lift a lever, slide the seat, and release to lock it in place.

Basic gym etiquette rules

Planet Fitness expects members to maintain a respectful workout environment. Wipe down each machine after use with the provided cleaning spray and paper towels stationed throughout the floor. Return dumbbells to their proper spots on the rack if you use them for accessory work later in your training.

Follow these fundamental rules:

  • Allow people to work in between your sets if they ask
  • Keep your phone on silent and limit screen time
  • Avoid monopolizing machines during peak hours (5-7 PM weekdays)
  • Don’t drop weights or slam machines
  • Stay clear of others’ workout space

Cleaning equipment after use protects both your health and shows respect for other members who share the gym.

Ask staff members questions when you need help. They expect beginners to request assistance with machine adjustments or form checks. Waiting for the perfect moment to ask wastes your time, and the staff would rather help you start correctly than watch you struggle.

Machine weight selection

Start with the lightest weight pin setting on every machine during your first workout. This approach lets you practice the movement pattern without fighting heavy resistance. You’ll increase weight quickly once your nervous system adapts to the exercises, typically adding 5-10 pounds per session during your first two weeks. Most Planet Fitness machines use weight stacks with pins, making adjustments simple between sets.

Step 3. Warm up, cool down, and track effort

Your planet fitness beginner workout needs three components beyond the actual exercises: a proper warm-up, an effective cool-down, and a simple tracking system. These elements prevent injury, improve performance, and help you measure progress over time. Skipping warm-ups increases injury risk by forcing cold muscles to work under load, while neglecting cool-downs leaves metabolic waste in your muscles and increases soreness.

Your 5 minute warm-up routine

Start every workout with 5 minutes of light cardio on any machine you prefer. The treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike all work equally well for warming up your muscles and elevating your heart rate. Keep your intensity low enough that you could hold a conversation comfortably throughout the entire 5 minutes.

Set the treadmill to 2.5 to 3.0 mph with zero incline, or choose level 3 to 5 on the elliptical. Your goal is movement and blood flow, not calorie burning or cardiovascular training. After cardio, perform 10 slow arm circles forward and backward, 10 bodyweight squats, and 10 standing leg swings per leg to activate the specific muscles you’ll train.

Cool-down stretching sequence

Spend 5 minutes stretching after your last exercise while your muscles remain warm and pliable. Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds without bouncing, breathing steadily throughout. Focus on the major muscle groups you worked during that session, which means all major muscles in a full body routine.

Perform these stretches in order:

  • Chest stretch: Place your forearm against a wall and gently turn your body away
  • Lat stretch: Reach one arm overhead and lean to the opposite side
  • Hamstring stretch: Sit on the floor with legs extended and reach toward your toes
  • Quad stretch: Stand on one leg and pull your other foot toward your glutes
  • Lower back stretch: Lie on your back and pull both knees to your chest

Stretching warm muscles after training improves flexibility more effectively than stretching cold muscles before exercise.

Tracking intensity and progress

Use the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale to measure how hard each exercise feels. This 1 to 10 scale helps you gauge effort without complicated heart rate monitors or fitness trackers. Aim for RPE 6 to 7 on your working sets, which means the weight challenges you but you could complete 2 to 3 more reps if necessary.

Record each workout in a simple notebook or phone app using this format:

Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Exercise | Weight | Sets x Reps | RPE
Chest Press | 40 lbs | 3 x 10 | 6
Lat Pulldown | 50 lbs | 3 x 10 | 7
Leg Press | 90 lbs | 3 x 10 | 7

Write down your numbers immediately after finishing each exercise before moving to the next machine. This data shows when to increase weight and reveals patterns in your strength development over weeks.

Step 4. Day 1 full body machine workout

Your first workout targets every major muscle group using six machines in a specific order. This sequence starts with larger muscle groups and compound movements, then progresses to smaller muscles and isolation exercises. You’ll complete 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions for each exercise, resting 60 to 90 seconds between sets to allow partial recovery without losing momentum.

The entire workout takes 45 to 50 minutes including warm-up and cool-down. You’ll use the same six machines every Monday throughout your first month, which helps your nervous system master the movement patterns before adding variation. Each machine provides back support and guided movement paths that keep you safe while learning proper form.

Exercise selection and order

Day 1 prioritizes your pushing muscles in the upper body and your entire lower body. You’ll work your chest, shoulders, and triceps through pressing movements, then train your legs with both compound and isolation exercises. This combination builds balanced strength across your body without overloading any single muscle group.

Your workout follows this sequence to maximize energy efficiency:

  1. Leg Press: Uses the most muscle mass and requires the most energy
  2. Chest Press: Trains multiple upper body muscles when you’re still fresh
  3. Lat Pulldown: Balances the pushing movement with a pulling exercise
  4. Shoulder Press: Targets shoulders after chest work has pre-fatigued them
  5. Leg Curl: Isolates hamstrings without taxing your full body
  6. Seated Calf Raise: Finishes with a small muscle group that needs minimal recovery

Complete Day 1 workout template

Record your weights and completed reps for each exercise in this format. Start with light weights that feel easy for your first set, then add 5 to 10 pounds if you can complete 12 reps with good form. Your goal is to find a weight that makes reps 10 through 12 challenging but achievable without sacrificing proper technique.

ExerciseSetsRepsWeightRest
Leg Press310-12Start: 70-90 lbs90 sec
Chest Press310-12Start: 30-40 lbs60 sec
Lat Pulldown310-12Start: 40-50 lbs60 sec
Shoulder Press310-12Start: 20-30 lbs60 sec
Leg Curl310-12Start: 30-40 lbs60 sec
Seated Calf Raise312-15Start: 40-50 lbs60 sec

Starting with conservative weights lets you focus on learning proper form, which prevents injury and builds a foundation for adding weight quickly in subsequent weeks.

Form cues for each exercise

Master these key points for each machine in your planet fitness beginner workout. The machines guide your movement, but you still need to focus on proper body positioning and breathing patterns. Exhale during the pushing or pulling phase of each rep, and inhale as you return to the starting position.

Leg Press: Place your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform. Push through your heels and extend your legs without locking your knees at the top. Lower the weight until your knees reach 90 degrees, keeping your lower back pressed against the pad throughout the movement.

Chest Press: Grip the handles with your wrists straight and elbows at chest height. Press forward until your arms are nearly straight, then control the weight back to the starting position. Keep your shoulder blades squeezed together against the back pad.

Lat Pulldown: Grab the bar slightly wider than shoulder width with palms facing away. Pull the bar down to your upper chest while keeping your torso upright. Control the weight back up without letting it slam.

Shoulder Press: Position the handles at shoulder height. Press straight up until your arms are nearly extended, then lower back down with control. Avoid arching your lower back by keeping your core tight.

Leg Curl: Align your knees with the machine’s pivot point. Curl your heels toward your glutes, squeezing your hamstrings at the top. Lower the weight slowly without letting it drop.

Seated Calf Raise: Place the balls of your feet on the platform with heels hanging off. Push through your toes to raise your heels as high as possible, then lower below the platform level for a full stretch.

Step 5. Day 2 full body machine workout

A teenager using a low roe machine in the gym

Day 2 shifts your focus to pulling movements and different lower body angles. This workout balances the pushing emphasis from Monday by targeting your back muscles more heavily while still training your legs from new directions. You’ll use different machines than Day 1, which prevents overuse patterns and stimulates your muscles through varied movement paths. The exercise order follows the same logic of training larger muscle groups first when your energy runs highest.

Your Wednesday session takes the same 45 to 50 minutes as Day 1. The weight selections start conservatively again as you learn new machine patterns, even though your overall strength has increased slightly from Monday’s workout. Each exercise still follows the 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps structure with 60 to 90 seconds of rest between sets.

Exercise selection and variation strategy

Day 2 emphasizes your back and biceps through multiple pulling angles. You’ll train your upper body with two different pulling movements that target your back from vertical and horizontal planes. This approach builds balanced muscle development and prevents the rounded shoulder posture that develops when pushing muscles dominate your training.

The lower body work introduces different movement patterns than Monday’s leg press. You’ll use the leg extension machine to isolate your quadriceps and add the hip abduction machine to strengthen your outer hip muscles. These variations ensure complete leg development while giving the muscle fibers worked on Day 1 additional recovery time.

Alternating between different machines throughout the week prevents overuse injuries while still training each muscle group multiple times.

Complete Day 2 workout template

Record your performance using this workout structure. Start each exercise with the suggested weight range, then adjust based on how the first set feels. Add 5 to 10 pounds if you complete 12 reps easily, or reduce the weight if you can’t reach 10 reps with proper form.

ExerciseSetsRepsWeightRest
Seated Row310-12Start: 40-50 lbs90 sec
Leg Extension310-12Start: 40-50 lbs60 sec
Chest Press310-12Start: 30-40 lbs60 sec
Leg Press310-12Start: 70-90 lbs90 sec
Lat Pulldown310-12Start: 40-50 lbs60 sec
Hip Abduction312-15Start: 40-50 lbs60 sec

Form cues for each exercise

Focus on these technique points to execute each movement correctly in your planet fitness beginner workout. Machine-based training provides stability, but your body position and breathing pattern still determine exercise effectiveness. Pull or push the weight with controlled speed, taking 2 seconds for the working phase and 3 seconds for the return phase.

Seated Row: Grab the handles with a neutral grip and sit upright with your chest out. Pull the handles to your lower ribs while squeezing your shoulder blades together. Keep your torso stationary without rocking back and forth.

Leg Extension: Position your ankles behind the padded roller with your knees aligned to the machine’s pivot point. Extend your legs until nearly straight without locking your knees. Lower the weight with control rather than letting it drop.

Chest Press: Same form as Day 1, maintaining shoulder blade contact with the pad throughout.

Leg Press: Same technique as Day 1, pushing through your heels with your lower back pressed against the pad.

Lat Pulldown: Same mechanics as Day 1, pulling to your upper chest with an upright torso position.

Hip Abduction: Sit with your outer thighs against the pads. Push your legs apart against the resistance, then control the weight back to the starting position. Keep your back pressed firmly against the pad throughout.

Step 6. Day 3 full body machine workout

Day 3 completes your weekly training cycle by hitting all major muscle groups one final time with slight variations in intensity and volume. This Friday workout combines elements from both previous sessions while introducing slightly higher rep ranges on some exercises to increase muscular endurance. You’ll finish the week with a balanced training stimulus that prepares your body for the weekend recovery period. The workout maintains the same 45 to 50 minute duration and follows the established pattern of 3 sets per exercise.

Your final session of the week provides one more growth stimulus before your weekend rest. The exercise order again prioritizes larger muscle groups and compound movements, ensuring you train with maximum energy when tackling the most demanding exercises. Day 3 includes dedicated core training that previous workouts touched on indirectly through stabilization demands.

Exercise selection and training emphasis

Friday’s workout balances pushing and pulling movements equally while adding direct abdominal work. You’ll train your shoulders with overhead pressing, your back with horizontal pulling, and your legs through both compound and isolation movements. This final session of your planet fitness beginner workout ensures no muscle group gets neglected across your weekly training split.

The leg work continues building strength through the leg press while adding leg extension to directly target your quadriceps from a different angle than Monday’s workout. Including the abdominal crunch machine develops core strength that supports all other exercises and improves your daily functional movement. These exercise selections create muscular balance and prevent the development strength imbalances that lead to poor posture.

Training your core directly once per week builds the foundation for heavier weights and better form on all other exercises.

Complete Day 3 workout template

Use this workout structure to guide your final training session each week. The starting weights reflect what most beginners can handle with proper form, but your actual loads may vary based on your individual strength level. Increase weight by 5 to 10 pounds when you can complete 12 reps on all 3 sets with good technique and RPE below 8.

ExerciseSetsRepsWeightRest
Leg Press310-12Start: 70-90 lbs90 sec
Shoulder Press310-12Start: 20-30 lbs60 sec
Seated Row310-12Start: 40-50 lbs60 sec
Leg Extension312-15Start: 40-50 lbs60 sec
Chest Press310-12Start: 30-40 lbs60 sec
Abdominal Crunch315-20Start: 20-30 lbs45 sec

Form cues for each exercise

Execute each movement with these technique points to maximize safety and effectiveness. The machines provide stability and guided movement paths, but your body positioning and breathing rhythm determine how well you engage the target muscles. Control both the lifting and lowering phases, avoiding the temptation to let gravity drop the weight stack between reps.

Leg Press: Same form as previous sessions, maintaining lower back contact with the pad and pushing through your heels. Stop when your knees reach 90 degrees to protect your lower back and knees.

Shoulder Press: Position handles at shoulder height with your back flat against the pad. Press straight overhead without arching your lower back. Keep your core braced throughout the movement.

Seated Row: Pull the handles to your lower ribs while keeping your torso upright and chest out. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of each rep. Avoid rocking your body to generate momentum.

Leg Extension: Align your knees with the machine’s pivot point and extend your legs until nearly straight. Focus on squeezing your quadriceps at the top position before lowering with control.

Chest Press: Maintain the same technique used in previous workouts, keeping your shoulder blades squeezed together against the back pad throughout the entire range of motion.

Abdominal Crunch: Sit in the machine with your feet secured under the pads. Curl your torso forward by contracting your abs, not by pulling with your arms. Exhale completely as you crunch, then inhale as you return to the starting position.

Step 7. Progress, rest, and soreness management

Your planet fitness beginner workout builds strength through progressive overload, which means gradually increasing the demands on your muscles. You can’t use the same weights forever and expect continuous improvement. The key is knowing when to add weight, how to manage post-workout soreness, and what to do on rest days to support your recovery without interfering with your gains.

When and how to add weight

Add 5 pounds to an exercise when you complete all 3 sets of 12 reps with good form and RPE below 7. This progression rule applies to every machine in your program. Don’t increase weight on multiple exercises in the same workout, as jumping too many loads at once creates excessive soreness and recovery demands. Instead, progress one or two exercises per session.

Track your progress using this simple decision tree:

  • Completed 3 x 12 at RPE 6-7: Add 5 pounds next session
  • Completed 3 x 10-11 at RPE 7-8: Maintain current weight
  • Struggled to reach 3 x 10 at RPE 8+: Reduce weight by 5 pounds

Some exercises progress faster than others due to muscle size and movement complexity. Your leg press weight will increase more rapidly than your shoulder press because your legs contain more muscle mass. Expect to add 10 to 20 pounds per week to leg exercises and 5 to 10 pounds per week to upper body movements during your first month.

Progressive overload drives strength gains, but adding weight too quickly leads to poor form and increased injury risk.

Managing muscle soreness

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) peaks 24 to 48 hours after your workout and fades within 3 to 5 days. This soreness signals muscle adaptation, not damage, and decreases significantly after your first two weeks of training. Light activity on rest days reduces soreness more effectively than complete rest by increasing blood flow to recovering muscles.

Walk for 15 to 20 minutes, stretch gently, or use the foam rollers available at Planet Fitness on your rest days. Avoid taking ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications unless soreness prevents normal daily activities, as these drugs may interfere with muscle adaptation. Soreness that worsens after 48 hours or causes sharp pain indicates potential injury and requires medical evaluation.

Step 8. Nutrition and recovery basics

Your planet fitness beginner workout creates the stimulus for muscle growth, but nutrition provides the raw materials your body needs to build new tissue. You don’t need a complicated meal plan or expensive supplements to support your training. Focus on hitting basic protein targets, staying hydrated, and sleeping enough to recover from your workouts. These fundamental nutrition habits amplify your gym effort and accelerate your strength gains.

Protein and calorie targets

Consume 0.7 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight daily to support muscle repair and growth. A 150-pound person needs 105 to 150 grams of protein spread across their meals. Track your protein intake for one week using any free food logging app to understand your current consumption patterns, then adjust your portions to meet your target range.

Focus on these protein-rich foods at each meal:

  • Breakfast: Eggs, Greek yogurt, protein powder
  • Lunch: Chicken breast, turkey, tuna, lean beef
  • Dinner: Fish, pork loin, cottage cheese, tofu
  • Snacks: String cheese, protein bars, nuts

Eat in a slight calorie surplus of 200 to 300 calories above your maintenance level if building muscle is your primary goal. Calculate your maintenance calories by multiplying your bodyweight by 15, then add 250 calories to that number. A 150-pound person needs approximately 2,500 calories per day (150 x 15 + 250) to support muscle growth while minimizing fat gain.

Protein intake matters more than meal timing for beginners, so prioritize hitting your daily target before worrying about pre-workout or post-workout nutrition windows.

Hydration and timing

Drink 8 to 10 cups of water daily, plus an additional 16 to 20 ounces during your workout. Proper hydration maintains workout performance and speeds recovery by helping your body flush metabolic waste from trained muscles. Your urine color provides a simple hydration check: pale yellow indicates good hydration, while dark yellow signals you need more water.

Eat a meal containing both protein and carbohydrates within two hours after finishing your workout. This post-workout meal doesn’t need special timing or supplements, but it should include 20 to 40 grams of protein and 40 to 80 grams of carbohydrates. A chicken breast with rice and vegetables covers these requirements without expensive recovery shakes.

Sleep requirements

Sleep 7 to 9 hours per night to maximize recovery and strength gains. Your body releases growth hormone during deep sleep stages, which repairs trained muscles and builds new tissue. Insufficient sleep impairs workout performance, slows recovery, and increases injury risk by affecting coordination and decision-making during training.

Maintain consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s recovery rhythm. Keep your bedroom dark and cool, avoiding screens for 30 minutes before bed to improve sleep quality.

Conclusion

A woman lifting dumbbells in the gym

Your planet fitness beginner workout plan removes the guesswork from starting your strength training journey. You have a complete 3-day schedule using basic machines available at every location. Each workout targets your full body with clear sets, reps, and progression guidelines that take you from uncertain beginner to confident gym member. The machines guide your movements while you focus on proper form and consistent effort.

Start your first workout this Monday using the Day 1 template provided. Track your weights and reps in a notebook or phone app so you can measure progress across weeks. Add weight when you complete all sets with good form, rest on your scheduled days, and fuel your recovery with adequate protein and sleep.

Building muscle and strength happens one workout at a time through consistent effort. For more practical advice on muscle building, training techniques, and fitness fundamentals that support your gym routine, visit Body Muscle Matters where you’ll find additional guides written for people starting their strength journey.

Article by Callum

Hey, I’m Callum. I started Body Muscle Matters to share my journey and passion for fitness. What began as a personal mission to build muscle and feel stronger has grown into a space where I share tips, workouts, and honest advice to help others do the same.