What is a Belt Squat Machine?

We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.

The Belt Squat Machine is a versatile piece of equipment designed to mimick the barbell back squat without spinal loading.

What is a Belt Squat Machine

Belt squat machines have risen in popularity in the past couple of years due to social media. Before that, a belt squat machine was seen as a luxury, only for those with the money to spend on such things. You might be able to find one in a few college weight rooms purchased by a wise strength and conditioning coach, or in top black iron gyms that knew what they were doing. Besides that, for most gym goers only had a picture in their head for what a belt squat might be or do.

But as of now, many people are coming into what a belt squat machine can do for them by experience. Once you’ve squatted with a belt squat, you will immediately realize the value of having a vastly different way of loading the squatting motion.

What a belt squat geniously allows you to do is load a squat without the weight having to be up across your shoulders. Rather, the load is pulling down on your hips via the heavy-duty dip belt you must wear. The benefits of squatting this way are that they give your back a break the load of a heavy squat, but still allow you to load your hips as heavy as you want to go.

There are many belt squat machines on the market as of now, with a majority either using leverage or cable system. First up are the cable-based machines. Westside Barbell has what is called their Athletic Training Platform (ATP) which is basically the brother to the Sorinex version. The main difference is that the ATP has adjustable safety pins for the purpose of adding barbell work to belt squat movements and drilled holes for band pegs as well as a lower platform height.

Next up are the leverage-based belt squats that we have yet to try. The first of this kind I believe is the pit shark machine which is popular in a few college weight rooms. The newer versions of the leverage style belt squats are slightly more compact but are very sharp-looking. Wenningstrength.com and Edgefitnesssystems.com are some of the most popular versions. Each version maintains their own pros and cons.

Cooper Mitchell

Cooper is a graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in Finance. He found his love for fitness while training for hockey, a sport he played with various teams throughout his career, including Lindenwood University, St. Louis AAA Blues, and the St. Louis Jr. Blues. At IFP, Cooper focuses on the training layout and client experience. In addition to co-owning Intentional Fitness & Performance, Cooper runs the website and associated channels for Garage Gym Reviews. When not eating tacos or staring at a screen, Cooper can be found with his Wife Mollie, son Ezra, and dog ‘famous’ Amos.

What is a Belt Squat Machine

Further reading