How to Use the Massage Chair at Planet Fitness (2025 Guide to HydroMassage)

If you’ve ever walked past the massage chair at Planet Fitness and wondered what it’s all about, you’re not alone. Many new members are curious about the Planet Fitness HydroMassage chair but aren’t sure how it works, whether it’s worth trying, or how to get the best results.

This complete 2025 guide will walk you through everything: what the HydroMassage chair is, how to use it step-by-step, benefits and drawbacks, comparisons with other massage options, and even what real members say.

🪑 What is the HydroMassage Chair at Planet Fitness?

The HydroMassage chair at Planet Fitness is a relaxation perk that comes with the Black Card membership. Unlike traditional massage chairs that use rollers, vibration, or kneading mechanisms, this chair delivers massage using pressurized water jets beneath a waterproof barrier.

Because you stay fully clothed, it’s sometimes called a dry water massage. You recline in the chair, select your settings, and let targeted streams of water work along your body. Depending on the model, you can focus on specific muscle groups (back, legs, calves) or enjoy a full-body wave massage.

Many gyms offer both HydroMassage chairs and HydroMassage beds. The chair allows for an upright, reclined position, while the bed provides a fully horizontal, spa-like experience.

📜 A Brief History of HydroMassage at Planet Fitness

HydroMassage technology has been around since the late 1980s, but it was mostly used in spas, hotels, and physical therapy clinics. Planet Fitness started rolling out HydroMassage chairs in the 2010s as part of its Black Card perks package, giving members a luxury experience at a budget-friendly price.

The addition of HydroMassage was part of a broader trend — gyms began offering recovery and wellness services to keep members engaged and add value beyond just cardio and weights. Today, many Planet Fitness locations have 2–4 HydroMassage stations, and for many members, it’s one of the biggest selling points of upgrading from the basic membership.

🌟 Benefits of Using the Planet Fitness Massage Chair

Using the massage chair at Planet Fitness goes beyond just feeling good — it can support both fitness recovery and overall wellness.

✅ Key Benefits

• Stress relief – The rhythmic water pressure helps release physical and mental tension.
• Muscle recovery – Helps reduce post-workout soreness (DOMS) and stiffness.
• Improved circulation – Promotes blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles.
• Flexibility support – Loosens tight muscles before stretching.
• Convenience – No need to undress, shower, or book an appointment.

For busy people who don’t always have time for a professional massage, the HydroMassage chair offers a quick and effective solution.

🧪 The Science Behind HydroMassage

HydroMassage works through a combination of water pressure, heat, and rhythmic motion. Here’s what happens in your body:

• Mechanical stimulation: The jets of water mimic kneading and rolling, activating pressure receptors in your skin and muscles.
• Improved blood flow: Increased circulation helps flush out metabolic waste like lactic acid.
• Endorphin release: The relaxing effect can trigger your body’s natural “feel-good” hormones.
• Muscle relaxation: Warmth and pressure reduce muscle tightness and increase flexibility.

Studies on hydrotherapy and massage support these benefits, making HydroMassage more than just a “nice-to-have” perk.

📝 Step-by-Step: How to Use the Massage Chair at Planet Fitness

If it’s your first time, here’s exactly what to do:

1. Check Your Membership

HydroMassage chairs are typically available only to Black Card members. Standard members don’t have access.

2. Reserve a Spot (if needed)

Some clubs require you to check in or reserve time; others allow walk-up use if a chair is free.

3. Get Comfortable

• Sit or recline in the chair.
• You’ll remain fully clothed.
• Remove bulky items from pockets for comfort.

4. Adjust the Settings

On the touchscreen:

• Select your massage zone (back, legs, or full body).
• Adjust intensity (gentle to strong).
• Choose duration (usually 10–15 minutes).

5. Relax and Enjoy

Close your eyes, listen to music or a podcast, and let the water jets do the work.

6. Finish Your Session

The chair will stop automatically. Stand slowly, stretch lightly, and drink water afterward.

How to Use the Massage Beds at Planet Fitness

The massage beds at Planet Fitness work on the same principle as the chairs, but instead of reclining upright, you’ll lie flat on a cushioned surface. This makes the HydroMassage bed feel more like a spa experience, with water jets gliding across your entire body from head to toe.

Here’s how to use them:

1. Check Availability – HydroMassage beds are usually in the same recovery area as the chairs. You’ll need a Black Card membership to access them.
2. Lie Down Comfortably – Position yourself on the bed and relax. Shoes can stay on, and you remain fully clothed.
3. Choose Your Settings – Use the touchscreen to select your massage zones, intensity, and session time. The bed allows for broader, full-body coverage than the chair.
4. Enjoy the Session – The pressurized water jets will move underneath you, creating a wave-like sensation. Many people find the bed more immersive and soothing than the upright chair.
5. Wrap Up – Sessions usually last 10–15 minutes. When finished, take a moment to stretch before heading out.

Benefits of the HydroMassage Bed

• Full-body relaxation in a lying-down position.
• Even distribution of pressure across your back and legs.
• More spa-like feel compared to the chair.

Some members prefer the HydroMassage bed at Planet Fitness because it feels more immersive, while others like the chair for its upright comfort. If your club has both, try each to see which suits you best.

⚖️ Massage Chair vs. HydroMassage Bed

Not sure which to choose? Here’s a quick comparison:

Both use the same water jet technology, so it really comes down to preference.

💺 HydroMassage vs. Other Recovery Options

You might wonder how the Planet Fitness HydroMassage chair compares to other recovery tools.

• HydroMassage vs. Massage Guns: Massage guns provide deeper percussion on small muscle groups, while HydroMassage offers a broad, relaxing experience.
• HydroMassage vs. Home Massage Chairs: Home chairs often use rollers and vibration. HydroMassage’s water pressure feels smoother and less mechanical.
• HydroMassage vs. Professional Massage: A real therapist can target problem areas more precisely, but HydroMassage is more convenient and cost-effective.

Compared to a home massage chair or massage gun, the Planet Fitness hydro chair offers a broader, water-based massage that feels smoother and more relaxing.

Think of HydroMassage as a great everyday recovery tool, while professional massages and massage guns are more specialized.

➕ Pros and ➖ Cons of the Planet Fitness Massage Chair

✅ Pros

• Quick, easy relaxation after workouts.
• Helps reduce soreness and stiffness.
• Available in most clubs with Black Card.
• Customizable pressure and duration.
• No special clothing required.

❌ Cons

• Limited session length (10–15 minutes).
• Not as deep as a hands-on massage.
• May not be available during peak gym hours.
• Only for Black Card members.

💳 Is the Black Card Worth It for HydroMassage?

The Black Card membership typically costs around $24.99/month compared to the $10 basic plan. Standalone HydroMassage sessions at spas can cost $15–$20 each, so if you use the chair regularly, the upgrade often pays for itself.

Black Card members also get other perks like tanning, guest privileges, and access to all Planet Fitness locations — making HydroMassage just one part of the value package.

💬 Real Member Experiences

Planet Fitness members often share positive reviews of the HydroMassage chair:

• “I use it after leg day — it helps me recover faster.”
• “It feels like a wave moving up and down your back. Relaxing but not too intense.”
• “It’s my favorite perk of the Black Card. Sometimes I go to the gym just for the massage chair.”

However, some also note the drawbacks:

• “It doesn’t replace a real deep-tissue massage, but it’s great for daily recovery.”
• “If the gym is busy, you might have to wait.”

🧘 A Day-in-the-Life Recovery Example

Imagine this routine:

1. Workout: You hit leg day hard with squats and lunges.
2. Cool-down: After stretching, you spend 10 minutes in the HydroMassage chair.
3. Recovery: The next morning, your soreness is noticeably lighter, and you feel more mobile.

Using the massage chair at Planet Fitness consistently can help you bounce back faster and keep training on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

🔗Related Links

👉 How to Pick the Best Massage Chair for Ultimate Comfort
👉 How to Massage Your Own Back: 7 DIY Techniques That Work
👉 Best Massage Gun Under $50

📚References

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Physical Activity Benefits
• NCBI: The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Health Purposes
• Texas Health and Human Services: Massage Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author

John Winter

I am a licensed massage therapist and rehabilitation specialist with over 10 years of clinical experience — and a passionate self-taught website builder. I’ve created MassageForBody.com to help people feel better, both in body and in life. Through years of hands-on work and plenty of late-night tech learning sessions, I strive to bring helpful, trustworthy content to readers around the world.

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