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Derek's Planet Fitness Machine Only Workout
BeginnerFree

Derek's Planet Fitness Machine Only Workout

Planet Fitness Machine only based workout for beginners and higher.

Derek Wolfe
Derek Wolfe· Sep 2025
35athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
18 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Beginner
Goal
Muscle, Women's
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
40 min
A simple program for Planet Fitness members to follow using machines only for consistent workouts. *18-Week Workout Progression Plan Program Philosophy* This plan is built on the principle of progressive overload, the most effective way to build strength and muscle. The rules are simple but crucial: you must challenge your muscles consistently and intelligently. Your progress is dictated by your performance. Listen to your body, focus on form, and be consistent. The Core Rules of Progression Follow these two rules for every single exercise in your program. 1. The Success Rule: Add 5 lbs If you successfully complete all the assigned sets and repetitions for an exercise with proper form, you have earned the right to increase the weight. Action: The next time you perform that same exercise, increase the weight by 5 lbs. Example: Workout A - Week 1: Bench Press - 3 sets of 8 reps at 135 lbs. Result: You successfully complete all 3 sets of 8 reps. Workout A - Week 2: Your new working weight for Bench Press is 140 lbs. 2. The Failure Protocol: Deload by 10% If you fail to complete all the assigned repetitions for any given set of an exercise, you have not yet adapted to the current weight. Do not get discouraged; this is a normal and necessary part of training. Action: The next time you perform that same exercise, reduce the weight by 10% and work your way back up. How to Calculate the 10% Deload: Take your current weight and multiply it by 0.10. Subtract that number from your current weight. Round the result to the nearest 5 lb increment (as most gyms use 2.5 lb and 5 lb plates). Example 1: Clear Calculation Workout B - Week 3: Leg Press - 4 sets of 10 reps at 250 lbs. Result: On your last set, you only manage 7 reps. You have failed the protocol. Calculation: 250 lbs * 0.10 = 25 lbs. New Weight: 250 lbs - 25 lbs = 225 lbs. Workout B - Week 4: Your new working weight for Leg Press is 225 lbs. You will attempt to complete all 4 sets of 10 at this new, lighter weight. Once successful, you will begin adding 5 lbs at a time again. Example 2: Rounding Needed Workout C - Week 5: Seated Cable Row - 3 sets of 12 reps at 120 lbs. Result: You fail to complete 12 reps on your second and third sets. Calculation: 120 lbs * 0.10 = 12 lbs. New Weight Calculation: 120 lbs - 12 lbs = 108 lbs. Rounding: The closest standard weight is 110 lbs (or 105 lbs depending on the machine). Round to the nearest logical weight. Workout C - Week 6: Your new working weight for Seated Cable Row is 110 lbs.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on building muscle size
Athletes who can train 3 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Quadriceps
13.2%
Hamstrings
13.2%
Biceps
9.6%
Glutes
9.1%
Triceps
8.2%
Front Delts
8.2%
Lats
8.2%
Upper Back
8.2%
Abs
6.6%
Chest
4.1%
Middle Delts
4.1%
Forearms
2.7%
Lower Back
2.5%
Abductors
2.1%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Chest Press (Machine)310 reps@8
2Hack Squat45 reps@10
3Abs Crunch (Machine)310 reps@6.5
4Lat Pulldown315 reps@6
5Leg Curl315 reps@6
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bicep Curl (Machine)45 reps@10
2Seated Row (Machine)310 reps@8
3Leg Press315 reps@6.5
4Shoulder Press (Machine)315 reps@6.5
5Leg Extension315 reps@7
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Hack Squat310 reps@10
2Chest Press (Machine)310 reps@8
3Abs Crunch (Machine)310 reps@6.5
4Lat Pulldown315 reps@6
5Leg Curl315 reps@6

Weeks 2–18 are in the app

Download Boostcamp to follow the full program with auto-progression and built-in coaching notes.

Common questions

Yes, Derek's Planet Fitness Machine Only Workout is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 18 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a full gym. Make sure you have consistent access before starting, since the progression model assumes you can perform the same movements week over week.

Each session typically takes around 40 minutes to complete. That estimate covers your working sets but doesn't account for warm-up or rest between sets, so budget a little extra time when you're first learning the movements.

Derek's Planet Fitness Machine Only Workout is structured around 3 training days per week, with rest days built in to allow for recovery. The Boostcamp app lets you reschedule sessions if your week doesn't go to plan.

The program runs for 18 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Derek's Planet Fitness Machine Only Workout is available inside the Boostcamp app, free on iOS and Android. Once you download the app, you can search for the program by name. The app tracks all your sets and weights automatically, so you always know exactly what to do next session.

Get started

Boostcamp app
1,000+ free programsStrength, hypertrophy, powerlifting and more, from elite coaches. All free.
Auto-progressionWeights and targets update automatically based on how you perform.
Coaching notesBuilt-in cues from the creator inside every workout session.
Progress trackingLog every set and see your strength gains over weeks and months.
Advanced analyticsTrack volume, intensity, and 1RM trends to see exactly how your training is evolving.
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