What is the massage chair at Planet Fitness?
The massage chair is a machine that simulates a massage. The massage chair is a reclining chair that has mechanized balls and rollers built inside the back, seat, and legrest. The rollers move in circles to knead the muscles along your neck, shoulders, back, rear, and legs. This is meant to replicate the hand techniques of a massage therapist. The massage chair is thought to have the same benefits as getting a massage, such as reducing muscle stiffness and relieving stress.
How to Use the Massage Chair at Planet Fitness
Ask an employee at the front desk to use a massage chair. Talk to a Planet Fitness employee at the front desk to book a massage chair. If the chairs are all currently in use, the employee will schedule an appointment for you when one is free. Just check in with the front desk when your massage is scheduled. Some locations have a self-service kiosk or computer to book a massage chair, which the employee will direct you to. Note: You have to be a Black Card member to use the massage chairs at Planet Fitness. The Black Card membership costs $24.99 per month. You do not have to pay to use the massage chairs if you have a Black Card membership. They are included with your card and you can use them an unlimited amount of times.
Go to your assigned chair and sit in the seat to start the massage. Make your way to the Black Card Spa to find the massage chairs—they may be in a separate, labeled room or in an open area. The chairs are typically numbered, so simply sit in the one that the Planet Fitness employee assigned to you. Some massage chairs automatically start after 1 minute. At other locations, you press a button on the wall to activate the chair and tap “Start” on the remote or armrest. If you’re not sure where to find the massage chairs or how to start them, ask an employee for help at the front desk.
Use the remote or armrest panel to customize your massage. Most newer massage chairs have a phone-like remote that you use to control the chair, while older chairs typically have a control panel built into the armrest. Both devices have several options to control the intensity of your massage: Back intensity: Use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust the kneading along your back. Airbag/Leg intensity: Use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust the kneading and pressure along your calves. Massage mode/program: On newer chairs, you have options for a Normal, Back Only, or Heavy massage. On older chairs, you have options for Kneading/Light Tapping (gentle), Kneading/Tapping (moderate), or Kneading/Knocking (intense). On newer chairs, you may have the option to adjust how far the chair reclines.
Wipe down the chair when your massage is over. Most massage chairs run for 5 to 10 minutes. Once the massage is complete, use the provided sanitizing spray to spray down the chair. Then, wipe the spray onto the chair with a cloth or paper towel. If you want to use the massage chair for longer, simply go to the front desk and schedule another appointment. If the gym isn’t busy, the employee might let you book several appointments back-to-back.
Benefits of Using the Massage Chair
The massage chair has similar benefits to massage therapy. Massage therapy is an ancient and well-researched healing procedure that has many benefits. For instance, it can: Reduce muscle pain and tightness. The kneading motion helps loosen knots in your muscles, which relieves tension, stiffness, and pain. Promote relaxation and relieve stress. Massages release endorphins, which calm you and make you feel good. They also reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Stimulate blood circulation. Applying pressure to your muscles increases blood flow, which can help reduce inflammation, soreness, and pain. Increase flexibility. Massages help relieve muscle tightness and tension, which can improve your range of motion. Improve recovery between workouts. Because a massage can reduce muscle soreness, improve blood circulation, and increase flexibility, it is a great post-workout activity. Boost your immune system. Getting regular massages can increase your white blood cells, which help fight off viruses, diseases, and infections. Improve sleep quality. The serotonin and dopamine you release when you get a massage can also help you sleep better. Increase lymphatic fluid flow. Massages can move lymphatic fluid through your body to reduce swelling and inflammation. Relieves symptoms for some diseases. Getting regular massages can reduce pain and increase general well-being for people with cancer. It can also relieve symptoms for people who have chronic diseases like fibromyalgia, heart disease, and arthritis.
When to Use the Massage Chair
Use the massage chair after or before your workout. Most gym goers like to use the massage chair after they exercise to soothe their muscles, promote recovery, and unwind after an intense workout session. Other people like to use the massage chair before their workout to warm up, strengthen, and stretch their muscles. There’s no wrong time to use the massage chair! It’s also perfectly okay to go to the gym just for some R&R time.
Massage Chair vs HydroMassage
The HydroMassage uses water to simulate a massage, instead of rollers. The Black Card membership at Planet Fitness also gives you access to the HydroMassage beds. The beds have water jets built inside the fabric that shoot jets of water along your back and legs. The water pressure mimics the movements of a traditional massage to help release muscle tension and improve relaxation. Because the water jets are inside the HydroMassage bed, you stay dry during the massage! To use the HydroMassage, simply ask an employee at the front desk to set up an appointment. Most massages last 10 minutes.
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