Types of Squat Machines: Complete Guide + Best Options for Home & Commercial Gyms
Squats are one of the best exercises for building leg strength, power, and size. But not everyone is comfortable doing barbell squats — and that’s where squat machines come in. There are many types of squat machines, each designed to provide stability, reduce injury risk, and emphasize different muscles.
A hack squat machine is one of the most popular squat variations. It locks you into a 45-degree sled, allowing you to target your quads without needing to balance a barbell.
Hack squat benefits: Great for quad isolation, safer than barbell back squats, easy to progress.
Hack squat muscles worked: Primarily quadriceps, with glutes and hamstrings assisting.
Belt squat machines are becoming more popular for their unique ability to load the legs without stressing the spine. Instead of a barbell on your back, the load is attached to a belt at your hips.
Belt squat benefits: No spinal compression, great for athletes and lifters with back issues.
Belt squat muscles worked: Quads, glutes, and hamstrings.
Although you don’t carry sissy squat machines in your store, many lifters look for them as an alternative way to isolate quads. The sissy squat is a bodyweight-style squat variation that challenges balance and quad strength.
Sissy squat alternative: Bodyweight sissy squats, Smith machine sissy squats, or leg extension machines.
4. Pendulum Squat Machines
The pendulum squat machine is a favorite in many commercial gyms. The pendulum-style arm allows a more natural squat movement while maintaining support.
Pendulum squat benefits: Large range of motion, smooth resistance curve, quad-dominant but hits glutes too.
Pendulum squat muscles worked: Quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
The front squat machine mimics the barbell front squat while offering stability and support. Great for lifters who want the benefits of front squats without the wrist and core strain.
Front squat benefits: Quad-focused, upright torso, less spinal load.
Front squat muscles worked: Quads, core, and upper back stabilizers.
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