planet fitness hand cycle

Planet Fitness Hand Cycle: Accessible Workouts for All

By Christopher GarciaJanuary 11, 2026

Discovering a new workout routine can be an exciting journey, and if you're looking for a low-impact, full-body exercise, you might want to consider the Planet Fitness Hand Cycle. This unique piece of gym equipment offers a range of benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to strengthening and toning various muscle groups. Let's dive into the world of hand cycles and explore how they can enhance your fitness journey.

Understanding the Planet Fitness Hand Cycle

The Planet Fitness Hand Cycle is a stationary exercise machine designed to simulate the motion of cycling using your arms instead of your legs. It's an excellent option for individuals seeking a low-impact workout, those recovering from lower body injuries, or anyone looking to add variety to their fitness routine.

At first glance, the hand cycle might resemble a traditional recumbent bike, but instead of pedals, it features two hand cranks connected to a flywheel. This flywheel provides resistance, allowing you to adjust the intensity of your workout. The hand cycle also typically includes a comfortable seat, backrest, and footplates to support your feet while you exercise.

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a woman in a wheel chair holding onto the handle bars on a spinning exercise machine

Benefits of Incorporating a Hand Cycle into Your Workout

Low-Impact Exercise: Hand cycling is gentle on the joints, making it an ideal choice for individuals with knee, hip, or ankle issues, as well as those recovering from injuries.
Full-Body Workout: While hand cycling primarily targets the upper body, it also engages your core and lower body muscles, providing a comprehensive workout.
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Like any cardiovascular exercise, hand cycling can help strengthen your heart, improve circulation, and enhance overall cardiovascular health.
Enhanced Arm and Upper Body Strength: Regular hand cycling can help build and tone your arm, shoulder, and back muscles, leading to improved upper body strength and endurance.
Low Risk of Injury: Due to its low-impact nature and controlled motion, hand cycling poses a low risk of injury compared to other high-impact exercises.

Upper Body Muscle Groups Targeted by Hand Cycling

Hand cycling engages several upper body muscle groups, including:

Muscle Group	Primary Action
Biceps	Flexion (pulling the hand towards the shoulder)
Triceps	Extension (straightening the arm)
Deltoids (shoulders)	Abduction (moving the arm away from the body) and rotation
Back (latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius)	Extension and rotation

Tips for Using the Planet Fitness Hand Cycle

To make the most of your hand cycle workout, consider the following tips:

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A Woman Squatting Down Holding A Medicine Ball In Her Right Hand And Looking Up

Start with a comfortable resistance level and gradually increase it as your strength and endurance improve.
Maintain proper form by keeping your back straight, engaging your core, and using smooth, controlled motions.
Vary your workout by incorporating intervals, changing resistance levels, or performing hand cycle exercises in combination with other gym activities.
Stay hydrated and listen to your body, adjusting the intensity or duration of your workout as needed.

Planet Fitness Hand Cycle: A Versatile Addition to Your Workout Routine

The Planet Fitness Hand Cycle offers a unique, low-impact workout that can benefit individuals of all fitness levels. By incorporating hand cycling into your routine, you can improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen and tone your upper body, and add variety to your workouts. So why not give it a try and experience the benefits of this innovative piece of gym equipment for yourself?