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.

In this guide, we’ll explore 7 different types of squat machines — from the classic hack squat machine to newer designs like the pendulum squat machine and belt squat machines. You’ll learn the benefits, key differences, and the best squat machines available for home gyms and commercial facilities.

Why Use Squat Machines?

Free weight squats are effective, but they require balance, mobility, and good form. Machines take some of the guesswork out of training by:

• Providing a fixed path of motion, making squats safer for beginners.

• Allowing users to lift heavier with less risk of injury.

• Offering targeted variations like front squats, hack squats, and belt squats.

• Serving as excellent alternatives for those with back or joint issues.

When shopping, you’ll come across different squat machines like leverage squat machines, belt squat machines, or leg press hack squat machines — each with its own unique purpose.

1. Hack Squat Machines

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.

Recommended Machines:

• BodyKore Elite Series CF2175 Hack Squat – $3,740 (Black or Silver).

• TAG Fitness Elite Hack Squat – $5,600 (Premium, commercial-grade).

• Body-Solid GLPH1100B Leg Press & Hack Squat – $1,735 (Best budget 2-in-1 option).

2. Belt Squat Machines

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.

Recommended Machines:

• BodyKore Belt Squat FL1834 – $2,640.

• Body-Solid Belt Squat Attachment SPRBSA – $370 (affordable attachment for racks).

3. Sissy Squat Machines (or Alternatives)

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 benefits:

  • Burns quads directly, teaches control.

• Sissy squat muscles worked:

  • Quads only.

• 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.

Recommended Machine:

• BodyKore Pendulum Squat CF8137 – $3,520 (Available in Black or Silver).

5. Front Squat Machines

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.

Recommended Machine:

• York STS Power Combination Front/Hack Squat – $2,099.

6. Leverage Squat Machines

Leverage squat machines use a pivoting arm system with weight plates. These are compact, durable, and perfect for gyms with limited space.

• Leverage squat benefits:

  • Strong mechanical leverage, smooth movement, compact footprint.

• Leverage squat muscles worked:

  • Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves (when used with calf raises).

Recommended Machines:

• Body-Solid SLS500B Pro ClubLine Leverage Squat – $1,735.

• Body-Solid GSCL360B Leverage Squat & Calf Machine – $1,155 (great for calf training too).

7. Leg Press Hack Squat Machines

The leg press hack squat machine is a versatile 2-in-1 that lets you perform both leg presses and hack squats.

• Leg press hack squat benefits:

  • Space-saving, multiple leg exercises on one machine.

• Leg press hack squat muscles worked:

  • Quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves.

Recommended Machines:

• TAG Fitness COMBO-LP/HS Combo Leg Press & Hack Squat – $2,362 (⭐ Recommended).

• Body-Solid GLPH1100B Leg Press & Hack Squat – $1,735 (Budget-friendly combo).

If you’ve searched for hack squat leg press machine or best leg press hack squat machine, this combo is the most practical.

Comparison Table: 7 Types of Squat Machines

Buying Considerations

When choosing between different squat machines, consider:

• Space: A pendulum squat machine takes more room than a leverage squat machine.

• Budget: Plate-loaded machines like the Body-Solid GSCL360B are affordable; combos like the TAG Fitness run higher.

• Training Goals: For quad focus, hack or front squat machines are ideal. For back-friendly training, go with a belt squat.

• Versatility: A leg press hack squat machine covers multiple movements in one unit.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Squat Machine

The types of squat machines available today give lifters endless ways to train safely and effectively.

• For home gyms → the Body-Solid GLPH1100B Leg Press & Hack Squat is compact and versatile.

• For back-friendly squatting → the BodyKore Belt Squat FL1834 is unmatched.

• For premium quad focus → the TAG Fitness Hack Squat or BodyKore Pendulum Squat are top-tier.

Each machine provides unique benefits, from sissy squat alternatives for quad isolation to leverage squat machines for compact setups.

👉 You can also shop our full squat machine collection to explore more options and find the perfect fit for your training goals.