Can You Deadlift at Planet Fitness? (Try this one!)
We all know that having a healthy weight and maintaining it is critical to your overall physical health. So it’s no surprise that joining a gym is an enticing space to enter.
While there are different exercises you can do in the gym, the one worth mentioning in this article is the deadlift. Deadlifts are one of the most beneficial exercises you can do if you want to increase strength or muscle mass. The deadlift is also one of the exercises that works the full posterior chain and various auxiliary and support muscles. Given the popularity of the deadlift, you might want it to be the starting point of your workout routine.
If you don’t deadlift with proper technique, some people may avoid deadlifting due to possible injury, while others may not be able to do it because their gym doesn’t allow it. Given how beneficial deadlifts are, it’s surprising that some gyms don’t allow them.
This article addresses the question of whether or not the deadlift is allowed at Planet Fitness, and also discusses possible alternatives to the deadlift.
Can You Deadlift at Planet Fitness?
Deadlifts are strictly prohibited at Planet Fitness. However, you can try deadlifting on a Smith machine, but Planet Fitness does not allow regular barbell deadlifts. Planet Fitness believes that deadlifts contribute to a “clumsy” gym style, and they want to provide a non-intimidating workout.
While Planet Fitness offers a variety of weights to choose from, it should only be used for any workout other than deadlifts.
Planet Fitness has all the key equipment needed for most workouts. However, when it comes to the equipment you need for deadlifts, you may find that they lack the right gear.
Does Planet Fitness ban deadlifts?
Yes, Planet Fitness bans deadlifts. Deadlifts are not allowed, and this policy has been in place for some time.
Even though Planet Fitness’ company policy states that deadlifts are not allowed, some gyms may still allow people to do it despite the rules.
At least some members shared similar stories. But seriously, the answer is yes: Deadlifts are not allowed at Planet Fitness. If that’s the kind of workout you want to do, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Due to Planet Fitness’s non-judgmental philosophy, it does not provide its members with bars or platforms on which to practice deadlifts.
However, members are allowed to perform any type of exercise, including deadlifts, but dumbbell throws, grunts, and other awkward movements are not permitted.
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Planet Fitness’ Deadlift Alternative
If building muscle mass isn’t your top priority, you don’t have to deadlift every day. While you can’t get free barbells or plates at Planet Fitness, there are still plenty of ways to build your strength and muscle mass.
Here are some exercises that have some of the same benefits as the deadlift. All you need is simple, easy-to-find equipment.
- hip dip
If you want to activate your glutes but aren’t comfortable with deadlifts, the hip thrust is a good option. This is especially helpful for people who don’t exercise much. Not that bad, right?
When deadlifting, your quadriceps and lower back need to be fully mobile, and someone who spends most of their time sitting in front of a computer may lack the flexibility needed to deadlift properly – which is a problem for people with limited mobility. A great choice.
- Romanian deadlift
The Romanian deadlift is known by its Romanian name, Nicu Vlad. It starts in an upright position, as opposed to the deadlift, which starts in a supine position.
While standing, lower the barbell down until it is about knee height. Your hamstrings will be stretched to their fullest without causing your back to round. Then, return to a straight standing position. It’s that simple.
- straight leg deadlift
The straight-leg deadlift, commonly called the straight-leg deadlift, is a version of the traditional deadlift used for strength training. The straight-leg deadlift targets the glutes, calves, and hamstrings, which are all located in the back of the body.
- sumo wrestling
To perform this deadlift, you should approach the barbell with your feet shoulder-width apart and grab the barbell with your inner legs. The sumo deadlift is a variation of the traditional deadlift that emphasizes using the glutes and hamstrings to lift instead of the spine and posterior chain.
- American deadlift
You need to release your knees, throw your hips back, and lean forward until the barbell is just below your kneecaps. Use your entire foot off the floor. Squeeze your glutes and tilt your pelvis back to complete the move.
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Can You Deadlift on Planet Fitness’ Smith Machine?
You can deadlift on a Smith machine from Planet Fitness.
Smith machines are an excellent tool for building lean muscle and building strength. Deadlifts are great for your back, but you need to do a lot of leg work to look balanced. At Planet Fitness, the Smith machine is the best choice for deadlifts. However, the range of motion is limited; therefore, the stabilizers are not used.
However, unlike barbells, it carries far fewer risks and is easier on the joints. Also, unlike dumbbells, you can lift more weight with a Smith machine.
Smith machines are preferable to dumbbells. For deadlifts, you can use dumbbells from the Smith Machine or Planet Fitness, which can weigh up to 80 pounds, and the smith machine can be loaded with seven plates (675 pounds) on each side.
To perform a deadlift properly, the barbell should be positioned approximately at the height of the lifter’s mid-shin bone. If you want to cater to most people, you should use a few 45-pound plates. However, with the Smith machine, the bar is at the typical height, just below the knees.
In this case, you’ll only be doing the first three quarters of the deadlift. Deadlifts and rack pulls have several similarities. So for a Smith machine to work like a deadlift, you have to stand on a slightly elevated platform.
Versatile cardio will also do the trick. The mechanical bar in the middle of the calf needs to be placed on a raised platform so you can meet all your exercise deadlines. Your body position and technique remain the same inside the Smith machine.
You can also perform strength exercises using a Smith machine with your feet flat on the floor. This will allow you to deadlift more weight than usual.
Barbell pulls are another very effective way to develop upper chest and thigh strength and muscle mass. You can break through traditional deadlift plateaus with rack pulls.
Once you get used to adding weight to reps on the Smith machine, you may find that you can deadlift more weight.
Read: Does Planet Fitness have a sauna?
Can you deadlift with dumbbells at Planet Fitness?
Dumbbells allow for a greater range of motion and put more stress on the targeted muscles during deadlift repetitions. You can do more reps and still challenge your muscles, but you won’t be able to lift as much weight as you can with a barbell.
- dumbbell deadlift
Dumbbells from Planet Fitness are a great alternative to using barbells for strength training. The classic deadlift and its less complex and more accessible counterpart, the dumbbell deadlift, target the same muscle groups in the body.
The only downside is that it only has a few options, such as a limited range of dumbbell sizes. To successfully perform dumbbell deadlifts, you must maintain proper form and posture throughout the movement.
- one-handed dumbbell
Use one arm instead of two in this dumbbell deadlift. While basic, these moves effectively target specific muscle groups.
To maximize its effect, you can supplement dumbbells with resistance bands. But to do that, you should first become proficient in the dumbbell deadlift.
- barbell rowing
If this exercise is performed correctly, it can be just as useful as a standard deadlift.
You can use dumbbells of different weights for the exercise, depending on the level of difficulty that suits you.
As long as your technique and form are correct, the exercise shouldn’t pose too much of a challenge.
- russian kettlebell
You can use kettlebells to build muscle and build strength. Because kettlebells are fun and easy to use, they work the same core muscles as traditional deadlifts.
Swinging a kettlebell for a few minutes may help you get the most out of your workout, even though the effects may take longer to show.
in conclusion…
You can perform a variety of weight exercises on Planet Fitness’ Smith machines, including squats, deadlifts, bench press and rows.
However, Planet Fitness does not allow barbell deadlifts as it is against their “no bullying” policy.
The gym also has several dumbbells available so members can do whatever type of strength training they like as an alternative to deadlifts.
