Don’t go to failure on it. Especially when there’s no spotters. It’s embarrassing and no one will help you when the weight pulls you to the ground. Ask me how I know 😭
@@LaymensLameManI go to failure all the time on it. It just pulls me into a very deep squat position as it hits the floor, then I unhook the belt and stand up no problem
@@natenate4525 the one I was using didn’t use a pully system. The weight couldn’t even touch the ground. I couldn’t sat on the platform and it still would’ve kept tension 😭
its amazing, it completely reliefs the pressure off your joints/back/shoulders/neck. I just tried it today, i usually hate doing squats because it puts so much pressure on my shoulders and knees. I ended up doing 500lbs for 5-6 reps and multiple sets, legs feel amazing.
I've been to 5 out of 8 gyms in my town and I've yet to see this machine Edit: now I've been to 7 out of 10 gyms here, turns out there was a new gym and one I didn't know about. Still no belt squat though
Many chain gyms are not going to have because they consider themselves ‘health clubs’. Had a big exec for one of these chains tell me that there is no real $$ in “iron heads”. The more casual customer is the most profitable. Moving more toward the Planet Fitness model because they are so profitable. My gym recently had a complete makeover and the first thing to go was the power racks. Much more casual place now.
You need to check the gyms that are locally owned because the equipment will be whatever the owner would like to put in there and they're more open to bringing in recommended equipment
@@1997saps Yeah, it was one of the last hardcore gyms in the area. I mean everyone threw the dumbbells, nobody cleaned anything, I loved it. I paid like 350 cash for the whole year. The old equipment is wayyyyyy better especially for tall people. I love the flex leg extension and lying leg curl. You just don’t see those anymore.
I switched to belt squats after years of repeatedly injuring myself with barbell squats, and I can't see myself going back. No more lower back issues, and I can go super low, even allowing a butt wink, because there's no downward force on my spine. It sets my quads on fire.
@@Tusitustarit's not just that, barbell squats are inherently more dangerous because like mike said they stress your back and improper form or undeveloped back muscles will cause excessive strain. even if you don't ego lift you can hyperextend on accident like cbum did in the first clip of this vid and now you're in trouble. better to avoid it all
Belt squats FUCK my quads up better than anything, especially the VMO right by the knee. Great exercise to include in any program that needs quad development.
The first time I ever got to use a belt squat machine was during Corona in May 2021. All the commercial gyms were closed here in Germany, but a mate of mine was part of a powerlifting club. He took me along to this home made style of powerlifting gym that was in the basement in the middle of an industrial complex that the guy who was running that powerlifting gym worked at. I’d seen a belt squat machine before online, but it was the first time I ever got to try one myself. The way that machine completely trashed my quads was something I had never experienced during any quad exercises I had done before up to that point. It was just UNREAL. And despite the fact that the belt squat is one of the best, if not the best pure quad exercise in existence, 99% of commercial gyms do not possess this amazing piece of equipment!
Love this exercise if the setup allows for proper depth. I’ve used some that only allow for me to get like barely to parallel before bottoming out. Glad to see it gets Mike stamp of approval
Stand on a pair of 45 lb bumpers plates. Regular 45s will work too but bumpers are better. The best option for this is if your gym has the 12”x12” rubber tiles used for adjusting box squat heights.
Absolutely. I am on the tall and lighter frame side and barbell squats are very fatiguing. I set up belt squats using my half rack and what an amazing difference. I get a huge pump and wobbly legs without the crushing fatigue if the barbell on my shoulders. An A++ exercise. You can DIY this at home in many ways . Using a landmine or half-rack and a dip belp
train your traps, they will benefit with stability on squat. and tighten your core on all excercises as you control your breathing, it will train your core stability (i dont train abs 😂)
same! i’m a tall woman with long femurs and belt squats have been a lifesaver for building my legs bc any other squat variation including leg press would just completely obliterate me with systemic fatigue way before my legs feel anything at all. i do a slightly different belt squat variation with a chain belt, platforms and kettlebells which targets my glutes wonderfully
Belt squats are great to pair with deadlifts to give your low back a break, rather than doing squats and deadlifts in the same workout. Works well to trade off posterior/anterior focused leg days.
@@legionerer I'll do them on the same day if I'm going lighter on one of the two or both. Plenty of powerlifters train them on the same day too. If you're leaning toward a body building style training, there's just no need.
@@legionerer All the time. I see it in the gyms very often. I use to myself when I was strength training but now I'm training for hypertrophy so I have separated the two for different workout days.
I've been to 10 gyms in my local area, 4 different chains (24, Gold's, Crunch, Fitness 19), as well as a few gyms out of my state (Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada), and have NEVER seen this machine in person. As someone with mild scoliosis and ankle problems, I'm always looking for ways to train the quads without traditional barbell squats, as the axial fatigue plus foot stability issues hinder my squat. I would try this in a heartbeat if I had access to it, but it's a mythical creature as far as I'm concerned.
I'm a loooong femur lifter and I had been struggling to figure out how to recover from my workouts week to week for a long time. I include both deads and squats on different days but my fatigue buildup was just too high no matter how I structured my workouts (reps/weight/sets/alternating days etc - including altering my accessory lifts). I switched from Squats to Belt Squats and my SFR has vastly improved instantly (almost) but not only that I have never felt my quads eXPLODe like this on any other exercise like I have on Belt Squats. My quads and my fatigue management are better than ever and I'm progressing like I should have been. Legit S-Tier exercise.
Actually was able to use the belt squat today for the first time and the amount of tension in your legs during the workout is insane. Definitely a new favorite
Belt squat is great. I like to try to get as upright as possible when I do the belt squat so I can really hammer the quads. I recommend putting a wedge under your feet, really helps you sink down deep and push your knees forward. This made it better for the quads and harder then a back squat for me which is usually not the case if I do a normal belt squat without the wedge.
Well stated Dr. It eliminates long axial compression of the 4th and 5th lumbar discs (2 most surgically fixed) and possibly even creates somewhat of decompression effect!! Booyah!!!
For you home gym folk, a decent substitute for the belt squat is the somersault squat. I do it with a kettlebell, but I think it would work with a db or potentially barbell. Makes the quads quiver
Dr Mike you are so damn smart. Thanks for this breakdown! My gym just got this machine. I used it today, it felt great, and I am going to work into my program now!
For every home gymer/DIY person - get a landmine attachment for your bar and a dip belt. Put a platform with a gap or even two bricks to stand on and belt squat away
this can be done in commercial gyms that just don’t have this machine as well. i do find it targets the glutes more which is what i’m looking for but maybe you could tweak the technique
I was so happy when one magically appeared in my gym 6 months ago! I love it. I have tennis elbow so getting my arms tight for a squat can get trigger the tennis elbow.
I started lifting about 5 months ago and I was liking the barbell squat but when i hit around 200 pounds the next day my low back would be twinging when everr i leaned forward or stood up im sure its my technique but i haven't been able to fix it but i made a belt squat machine and no more back pain! Im liking it so far
I never even knew that the belt squat was a thing. 😮 Thank you Dr. Mike. Also, thank you Dr. Mike for fixing the captions of your video to be below your thumbnail, channel name, and the subscribe button. Now what you say can actually be read! However though, and yes, I mean though spelled all the way, not tho, I think Scott the video guy had more to do with that than you Dr. Mike, but still, thanks. Also, I have one more thing to thank you for, and I’ll try to thank you concisely so that I don’t come across as annoying, even though I am. Anyhow, the thanks is this. Thank you Dr. Mike for the helpful information that you dispatch to the general public in an atypical way. I love you, your content, your channel, heck… I even love Scott the video guy. Peace and joy to you.
I started belt squatting after having open heart surgery.. my sternum was still healing , so wasnt allowed to load a bar on my shoulders. Takes a bit of getting used to but i get a much better burn than regular squats 🔥
I badgered the gym for 2yrs and they finally got one. 😂 With my sciatic problems i haven't squated outside sissy squats and goblet squats in decades. This is freaking awesome piece of equipment.
I just found a way to do belt squats with my ankles closer together! It is activating a whole lot more of my legs . I’ve noticed in a lot of videos the other guys have their heels elevated, and their toes pointed outward almost like a square angle 📐, I did this last go-round and got an amazing upper leg workout Low and slow with a pause or two all the way down for the first couple reps immediate activation and the rest just a bit slow but making sure you go all the way down is what controlled my tempo and forced me to do them right. It makes you do them right going all the way down. It gives you no choice but to get the perfect leg work, from what I’ve found. I’ll be applying this aim to my wide squats from now on as well. I’m in love with the close stance squat right now ( new discovery) im already hooked. ….. my nervous system is getting to wear I don’t have to deload so frequently 👏🏼 I’d argue that roid-rage actually happens to naturals like me, it’s a mental game pushing your body for prolonged periods if you’re not paying attention and not making yourself chill for a good 6-7 days. I haven’t felt like postal lately, so I’ve been debating on if I need a de-load or not, plus my hair starts to fall out it grows back, but damn.
I had a though question what happens to your body when you mis a day ore 2 of ashawaganda ore any supplement like magnesium zinc ore omega 3 would it cause any muscle breakdown i hope you respond🎉
I’ve recently started using this after getting a disc bulge. The machine is at least 2 years old but still looks brand new because hard anyone uses it.
I’m literally here because in my little leisure center gym (the kind of gym that has a swimming pool) just got one in. And I tried it today and absolutely loved the feel. As I never liked the feel of weight on my back. But through my hips it just felt nicer and more comfortable with a lot more tension (for me) through my quads. Happy days.
Fyi, if you dont have this machine in your gym, you can replicate it by using like a dipping belt, put weights on it, then stand on two boxes or chair or bench. You just squat down and it works fine. It takes some time to prepare but I think it's worth.
My gym just got this machine, and I didn’t know how to use it. I have seen people doing rows on it but finally saw someone using it with the belt for squatting. I got to try it now
I believe this is exponentially more beneficial for advanced lifters who cannot manage to add more weight on to their already stacked BB/Smith squat and instead really need for a better FSR exercise. In contrast, beginners can already benefit greatly from normal squats, not a big deal if you can find this machine.
Love the belt squat. It allows me to truly train heavy duty style on squats. Take it to true failure and add negatives. You can’t do that with regular BB squats. Butt wink is not a concern. You can squat rock bottom.
These work great, my Quads have gotten bigger and just doing 6 x 15 - 20 slow with a pause at bottom..my back and knees feel better and CNS isn't taxed as much..
One tip. Hug a moderate heavy kb or dumbel and then flex with the ass up and go down again. Google sumersault squad. Its a.brutal finisher for the quads and follows almost the same principle
Ive only ever encountered a hack squat once in my life, nevermind this machine! The same place had a leverage squat machine which felt awesome. Wish i could train there every leg day!
my gym just got one of these.. i can’t barbell squat do to pain and the very high chance of injury, which has left me on the ground for hours with nobody around. i will give it a try and hopefully i wont look like i skip legs!
I’m doing compound movements only, so for me the standard squat will give me more overall gains, which is better for me. So it’s different for everyone.
@@limitisillusion7 Well, yeah it’s about the same as a hack squat. I’m just saying a squat involves your core alot more and makes it develop more overall muscle
For people checking for a belt squat machine you can also use a weight belt and some plyo boxes or a platform I usually find all gyms either have one or the other
I couldn’t find a gym near me that had one so I bought one from rogue. Key thing I learned was to wear the belt insanely low. Otherwise my low back would hurt
The problem with the belt squat is that while it might minimise axial fatigue, the position of the belt around your lower back and hips can damage the hip joints. This is especially true if you have a slightly wider stance. I've seen many people present with hip bursitis following belt squats so beware.
@@footba11fan41ife I definitely agree I had a herniated disk , so barbell squats agrivated it , but belt squats had like traction effect and actually made my back feel better
I'd love to try this but I haven't seen this in any gym I've gone to. This could be a game changer for my squats and deadlifts as I could go heavy on these without my low back taking such a beating
Hey Dr. Mike and Team! Please do a video with/about BeardMeatsFood. That guy is only about 160 lbs but he can eat 3kg of burgers in like 20 minutes. Can your fancy science explain that!?! I mean, I know it can, but I want to hear you explain it. Cheers
Crazy that this fucking machine is not at my gym. I'm dying to try it.
Don’t go to failure on it. Especially when there’s no spotters. It’s embarrassing and no one will help you when the weight pulls you to the ground. Ask me how I know 😭
Missing out, it's one of my favourites. Plus you can use it as a HIIT machine too to finish off your legs and work out your cardio system
@@LaymensLameManI go to failure all the time on it. It just pulls me into a very deep squat position as it hits the floor, then I unhook the belt and stand up no problem
@@natenate4525 the one I was using didn’t use a pully system. The weight couldn’t even touch the ground. I couldn’t sat on the platform and it still would’ve kept tension 😭
its amazing, it completely reliefs the pressure off your joints/back/shoulders/neck. I just tried it today, i usually hate doing squats because it puts so much pressure on my shoulders and knees. I ended up doing 500lbs for 5-6 reps and multiple sets, legs feel amazing.
I've been to 5 out of 8 gyms in my town and I've yet to see this machine
Edit: now I've been to 7 out of 10 gyms here, turns out there was a new gym and one I didn't know about. Still no belt squat though
Your town has 8 gyms??? Ngl that rules
@@SeymourDisapprovesI live in small city of 50k people. We have 7 gyms. I would expect a city of 200k people to have +15 gyms.
You need to find a powerlifting gym
Many chain gyms are not going to have because they consider themselves ‘health clubs’. Had a big exec for one of these chains tell me that there is no real $$ in “iron heads”. The more casual customer is the most profitable. Moving more toward the Planet Fitness model because they are so profitable. My gym recently had a complete makeover and the first thing to go was the power racks. Much more casual place now.
You need to check the gyms that are locally owned because the equipment will be whatever the owner would like to put in there and they're more open to bringing in recommended equipment
I’ve only seen this machine once in my life, at a world gym near me. Amazing piece of equipment, totally agree.
Being the best quad exercises while not existing:
Pendulum Squat 🤝 Belt Squat
A world gym not being overpriced with extremely old equipment is a new one for me
@@1997saps Yeah, it was one of the last hardcore gyms in the area. I mean everyone threw the dumbbells, nobody cleaned anything, I loved it. I paid like 350 cash for the whole year. The old equipment is wayyyyyy better especially for tall people. I love the flex leg extension and lying leg curl. You just don’t see those anymore.
Cincinnati world gym?
I switched to belt squats after years of repeatedly injuring myself with barbell squats, and I can't see myself going back. No more lower back issues, and I can go super low, even allowing a butt wink, because there's no downward force on my spine. It sets my quads on fire.
My experience is exactly the same, belt squat for life 💪
Mbfn to have one at your job. I feel like this is isolating your quads and hamstrings more in comparison to a barbell squat.
Then don’t ego lift, no need for these fancy machines
@@Tusitustarit's not just that, barbell squats are inherently more dangerous because like mike said they stress your back and improper form or undeveloped back muscles will cause excessive strain. even if you don't ego lift you can hyperextend on accident like cbum did in the first clip of this vid and now you're in trouble. better to avoid it all
@@Tusitustarshut up
Belt squats FUCK my quads up better than anything, especially the VMO right by the knee. Great exercise to include in any program that needs quad development.
Hey man. What does VMO stands for?
@@arian_s_collection Vastus Medialis Oblique
@@martvllm appreciate it
@@arian_s_collection vastus medialis oblique
Vmo by the knee? Where would it be otherwise? 😂
The first time I ever got to use a belt squat machine was during Corona in May 2021. All the commercial gyms were closed here in Germany, but a mate of mine was part of a powerlifting club. He took me along to this home made style of powerlifting gym that was in the basement in the middle of an industrial complex that the guy who was running that powerlifting gym worked at.
I’d seen a belt squat machine before online, but it was the first time I ever got to try one myself. The way that machine completely trashed my quads was something I had never experienced during any quad exercises I had done before up to that point. It was just UNREAL.
And despite the fact that the belt squat is one of the best, if not the best pure quad exercise in existence, 99% of commercial gyms do not possess this amazing piece of equipment!
Love this exercise if the setup allows for proper depth. I’ve used some that only allow for me to get like barely to parallel before bottoming out. Glad to see it gets Mike stamp of approval
Stand on a pair of 45 lb bumpers plates. Regular 45s will work too but bumpers are better. The best option for this is if your gym has the 12”x12” rubber tiles used for adjusting box squat heights.
My gym has platforms for tall people to stand on that help w that.
Absolutely. I am on the tall and lighter frame side and barbell squats are very fatiguing. I set up belt squats using my half rack and what an amazing difference. I get a huge pump and wobbly legs without the crushing fatigue if the barbell on my shoulders. An A++ exercise. You can DIY this at home in many ways . Using a landmine or half-rack and a dip belp
train your traps, they will benefit with stability on squat. and tighten your core on all excercises as you control your breathing, it will train your core stability (i dont train abs 😂)
same! i’m a tall woman with long femurs and belt squats have been a lifesaver for building my legs bc any other squat variation including leg press would just completely obliterate me with systemic fatigue way before my legs feel anything at all. i do a slightly different belt squat variation with a chain belt, platforms and kettlebells which targets my glutes wonderfully
Absolutely love the belt squat. By far my fav leg move ever. Nothing else seems to fry my quads as well. And zero sore back.
I just started doing belt squats and I agree with this soo much, belt squat gets me a crazy leg pump and growth without any back pain
It is great for people who suffer from an old injury like herniated disc & degenerative disc disease
That's what I came here to see. I've got slight herniation in 3 of my lumbar. May just pony up the cash and buy my own.
Belt squats are great to pair with deadlifts to give your low back a break, rather than doing squats and deadlifts in the same workout. Works well to trade off posterior/anterior focused leg days.
Are there many people, who casually train, who do squats and deadlifts in one day?😅
@@legionerer I'll do them on the same day if I'm going lighter on one of the two or both. Plenty of powerlifters train them on the same day too. If you're leaning toward a body building style training, there's just no need.
@@legionerer All the time. I see it in the gyms very often. I use to myself when I was strength training but now I'm training for hypertrophy so I have separated the two for different workout days.
Belt squats are great. Last night, belt squats, seated leg curls, sled drag. Awesome leg workout.
I've been to 10 gyms in my local area, 4 different chains (24, Gold's, Crunch, Fitness 19), as well as a few gyms out of my state (Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada), and have NEVER seen this machine in person. As someone with mild scoliosis and ankle problems, I'm always looking for ways to train the quads without traditional barbell squats, as the axial fatigue plus foot stability issues hinder my squat. I would try this in a heartbeat if I had access to it, but it's a mythical creature as far as I'm concerned.
does the scoliosis affect your deadlift as well?
you could try pistol squats too, if you're not too strong for them already
use a dip belt, platforms and kettlebells
I'm a loooong femur lifter and I had been struggling to figure out how to recover from my workouts week to week for a long time. I include both deads and squats on different days but my fatigue buildup was just too high no matter how I structured my workouts (reps/weight/sets/alternating days etc - including altering my accessory lifts). I switched from Squats to Belt Squats and my SFR has vastly improved instantly (almost) but not only that I have never felt my quads eXPLODe like this on any other exercise like I have on Belt Squats. My quads and my fatigue management are better than ever and I'm progressing like I should have been. Legit S-Tier exercise.
Id love to watch every video where he breaks down terms like Axial fatigue, and SFR. Thank you for helping me better understand my body!
This belt squat and pendulum squat are the way to go.
My gym got one today. I am so happy. Doing my usual weight was easy, 100kg 6 reps as fast up as possible, for power and speed.
Actually was able to use the belt squat today for the first time and the amount of tension in your legs during the workout is insane. Definitely a new favorite
Belt squat is great. I like to try to get as upright as possible when I do the belt squat so I can really hammer the quads. I recommend putting a wedge under your feet, really helps you sink down deep and push your knees forward. This made it better for the quads and harder then a back squat for me which is usually not the case if I do a normal belt squat without the wedge.
I built a belt squat for my my home gym using a couple 2x4s attached to the wall. It's fantastic.
What’s a 2x4?
@@Ben10_0its American for the thickness measurement of a wood plank i believe
Well stated Dr. It eliminates long axial compression of the 4th and 5th lumbar discs (2 most surgically fixed) and possibly even creates somewhat of decompression effect!! Booyah!!!
Belt Squat is the goat it enables deeper squat and knee angle for those with not so beneficial structure for barbell squat.
My back doesn't like compression, i tried the belt squat machine today finally and loved it.
For you home gym folk, a decent substitute for the belt squat is the somersault squat. I do it with a kettlebell, but I think it would work with a db or potentially barbell. Makes the quads quiver
Thank you so much for this knowledge! I just started incorporating belt squats into my training so great to know. You’re the best RP!
Dr Mike you are so damn smart. Thanks for this breakdown!
My gym just got this machine. I used it today, it felt great, and I am going to work into my program now!
For every home gymer/DIY person - get a landmine attachment for your bar and a dip belt. Put a platform with a gap or even two bricks to stand on and belt squat away
this can be done in commercial gyms that just don’t have this machine as well. i do find it targets the glutes more which is what i’m looking for but maybe you could tweak the technique
I was so happy when one magically appeared in my gym 6 months ago! I love it. I have tennis elbow so getting my arms tight for a squat can get trigger the tennis elbow.
Never noticed this machine at my Gym, saw this and immediately tried it out. Absolutely incredible!
I started lifting about 5 months ago and I was liking the barbell squat but when i hit around 200 pounds the next day my low back would be twinging when everr i leaned forward or stood up im sure its my technique but i haven't been able to fix it but i made a belt squat machine and no more back pain! Im liking it so far
I never even knew that the belt squat was a thing. 😮
Thank you Dr. Mike.
Also, thank you Dr. Mike for fixing the captions of your video to be below your thumbnail, channel name, and the subscribe button. Now what you say can actually be read! However though, and yes, I mean though spelled all the way, not tho, I think Scott the video guy had more to do with that than you Dr. Mike, but still, thanks.
Also, I have one more thing to thank you for, and I’ll try to thank you concisely so that I don’t come across as annoying, even though I am. Anyhow, the thanks is this. Thank you Dr. Mike for the helpful information that you dispatch to the general public in an atypical way. I love you, your content, your channel, heck… I even love Scott the video guy. Peace and joy to you.
Squats also cause shrinkage in height. (One legged squats don't. Those are allowed, height-wise)
I started belt squatting after having open heart surgery.. my sternum was still healing , so wasnt allowed to load a bar on my shoulders. Takes a bit of getting used to but i get a much better burn than regular squats 🔥
Tried this for the first time today in a new gym (first time I've seen one at my gym) and it is fantastic!
Of allllll the machines my old school gym could’ve brought, and they do this very rarely, I’m so glad it was the belt squat machine 😍
I badgered the gym for 2yrs and they finally got one. 😂 With my sciatic problems i haven't squated outside sissy squats and goblet squats in decades. This is freaking awesome piece of equipment.
I go to planet so.. they don’t even know what a belt squat is
The Venn Diagram of the gyms I've been to and the gyms with a belt squat are two separate circles
I just found a way to do belt squats with my ankles closer together!
It is activating a whole lot more of my legs .
I’ve noticed in a lot of videos the other guys have their heels elevated, and their toes pointed outward almost like a square angle 📐, I did this last go-round and got an amazing upper leg workout Low and slow with a pause or two all the way down for the first couple reps immediate activation and the rest just a bit slow but making sure you go all the way down is what controlled my tempo and forced me to do them right.
It makes you do them right going all the way down. It gives you no choice but to get the perfect leg work, from what I’ve found.
I’ll be applying this aim to my wide squats from now on as well.
I’m in love with the close stance squat right now ( new discovery) im already hooked.
….. my nervous system is getting to wear I don’t have to deload so frequently 👏🏼
I’d argue that roid-rage actually happens to naturals like me, it’s a mental game pushing your body for prolonged periods if you’re not paying attention and not making yourself chill for a good 6-7 days.
I haven’t felt like postal lately, so I’ve been debating on if I need a de-load or not, plus my hair starts to fall out it grows back, but damn.
I had a though question what happens to your body when you mis a day ore 2 of ashawaganda ore any supplement like magnesium zinc ore omega 3 would it cause any muscle breakdown i hope you respond🎉
I love doing these over any other squat. You really do walk away feeling better then other squat options
How does it compare to hack squats ?
I’ve recently started using this after getting a disc bulge. The machine is at least 2 years old but still looks brand new because hard anyone uses it.
I’m literally here because in my little leisure center gym (the kind of gym that has a swimming pool) just got one in. And I tried it today and absolutely loved the feel. As I never liked the feel of weight on my back. But through my hips it just felt nicer and more comfortable with a lot more tension (for me) through my quads. Happy days.
Fyi, if you dont have this machine in your gym, you can replicate it by using like a dipping belt, put weights on it, then stand on two boxes or chair or bench. You just squat down and it works fine. It takes some time to prepare but I think it's worth.
My gym just got this machine, and I didn’t know how to use it. I have seen people doing rows on it but finally saw someone using it with the belt for squatting. I got to try it now
I believe this is exponentially more beneficial for advanced lifters who cannot manage to add more weight on to their already stacked BB/Smith squat and instead really need for a better FSR exercise. In contrast, beginners can already benefit greatly from normal squats, not a big deal if you can find this machine.
Love the belt squat. It allows me to truly train heavy duty style on squats. Take it to true failure and add negatives. You can’t do that with regular BB squats. Butt wink is not a concern. You can squat rock bottom.
I miss having a belt squat machine. I have spondylolysthesis, so that machine is a godsend for lower body workouts
These work great, my Quads have gotten bigger and just doing 6 x 15 - 20 slow with a pause at bottom..my back and knees feel better and CNS isn't taxed as much..
Having suffered a fully herniated c6-7 in my spine back squats aren't an option anymore. The belt squat has been a godsend.
Yep. Matt Wenning makes a NICE belt squat. Probably the best on the market.
Just bought one of these for my home gym & it’s the best burn/pump
I have one at my gym with a spud inc belt, pendulum squat machine, reverse vsquat, AND a sled hack squat 🙂
Amazing that Dr.Mike moved all of his spine to his neck to avoid axial fatigue.
Dang the belly squat RARELY gets love at my gym, I’ve been going 2 years and never used it. Will try next leg day
I got this at my gym. Adding it to my next leg day
I'd still never ditch squats completely. The core strength you build with conventional squats is definitely worth it, in my opinion.
One tip. Hug a moderate heavy kb or dumbel and then flex with the ass up and go down again. Google sumersault squad. Its a.brutal finisher for the quads and follows almost the same principle
Ive only ever encountered a hack squat once in my life, nevermind this machine! The same place had a leverage squat machine which felt awesome. Wish i could train there every leg day!
my gym just got one of these.. i can’t barbell squat do to pain and the very high chance of injury, which has left me on the ground for hours with nobody around. i will give it a try and hopefully i wont look like i skip legs!
It is my number 1 squat machine. Very safe & Great for lower body
you just reminded me that i had this machine in my gym. just did some belt squats, they are amazing!
Nice to know. I often watch Will Tennison doing them and was wondering...
This is one of those examples round back isn't always bad, it's natural
They just added one to my gym a month ago and wooowee it’s a lovely piece of equipment.
You will see everyone occupying the belt squat racks from now on, good stuff
You can also buy a SSB and do Hatfield squats. Nearly the same exercise.
Hoping to hear more about axial fatigue, if you can link papers or make a video on it ❤
can you try doing belt squats facing the other direction, weight behind you, i think its more effective
I’m doing compound movements only, so for me the standard squat will give me more overall gains, which is better for me. So it’s different for everyone.
It is a compound movement.
@@limitisillusion7 Well, yeah it’s about the same as a hack squat. I’m just saying a squat involves your core alot more and makes it develop more overall muscle
@@SmeekPeeky they're two different exercises with unique advantages.
Had this on base in San Diego, it’s nice
I'm curious about the comparison between belt and sissy squat. Want to get something for my home gym, but space is the limiting factor.
For people checking for a belt squat machine you can also use a weight belt and some plyo boxes or a platform I usually find all gyms either have one or the other
Holy shit Dr Mike is the hugest short king👑
Blessed to have this machine at my gym 😅
Used HipBelt squat belt by IronMind in the past. Easy set up and works the same.
I love the Belt squat
Best machine that my gym recently added. Still doesn’t get the love it deserves
I have to agree. I’d choose the belt squat over anything else💯
First time I'm ever seeing this machine
I couldn’t find a gym near me that had one so I bought one from rogue. Key thing I learned was to wear the belt insanely low. Otherwise my low back would hurt
The problem with the belt squat is that while it might minimise axial fatigue, the position of the belt around your lower back and hips can damage the hip joints. This is especially true if you have a slightly wider stance. I've seen many people present with hip bursitis following belt squats so beware.
I would argue that the position of the belt is good for the hips and lower back because it provides traction for the spine.
@@footba11fan41ife I definitely agree I had a herniated disk , so barbell squats agrivated it , but belt squats had like traction effect and actually made my back feel better
Many people? I've been doing the a couple years now, never had a bit of discomfort.
@@markcalleja8463 yeah man I love the belt squat
That's why I no longer do barbell squats, I just do smith machine squats and leg presses
Just got one of these at my gym, haven't tried it out yet!
Also I’m just terrified for my life every time I have to bring a bar anywhere above my torso 😂
My gym got one about 1 month ago. Been wanting to try it. Guess I'll make a point to use it then.
Tried belt squat for the first time ever. Just put on 2 plates on each side and my goodness that was life changing
I'd love to try this but I haven't seen this in any gym I've gone to. This could be a game changer for my squats and deadlifts as I could go heavy on these without my low back taking such a beating
I do no more Back Squat.
Belt Squat , Front Squat and Zercher Squats works great for me.
And I can do this in my Homegym
Got this machine at my gym and nobody ever touches it, it humbles everyone 😂
Touch it. Better yet, use it.
@@joeschmo2693 it’s replacing squats on my program for the next 5-6 weeks 😤💪🏼
I love these
Yeah I can't do barbell squats bcos it hurts my back, I'd love a machine like this. Unfortunately I only have a barbell and dumbbells
I gave up on traditional squats for hypertrophy a while ago and it’s been the best decision i’ve made for my leg development. Do what’s best for you!
I no longer do barbell squats, I just do smith machine squats and leg presses
@@tonyadams8812People need to stop relying on these fucking machines. Barbell squats force you to develop stability
This and the reverse hyper are at no gyms around
These are amongst the 4 best machines, and they are no where 😢
I love the belt squat. I wish I had one in my home gym setup, that’ll be my next piece of equipment I get.
you can use platforms, a dip belt and attach weights like kettlebells to it
Hey Dr. Mike and Team! Please do a video with/about BeardMeatsFood. That guy is only about 160 lbs but he can eat 3kg of burgers in like 20 minutes. Can your fancy science explain that!?! I mean, I know it can, but I want to hear you explain it. Cheers
Need this machine. After a few work injuries loading weight on my shoulders is not possible these days
Is this why people used the zercher squat and sometimes did not do the regular squat because of the fatigue of the lower back soreness?.
Can you do a video on proper form for these please?