Squat Machines

A squat machine guides the load along a fixed path, so you can train heavy squats with your back braced against a pad or with the weight hung from a hip belt. This collection covers pendulum, hack, belt, drop and sissy squat designs, mostly from Muscle D Fitness with Body Solid options, plus a few squat racks and power cages for barbell lifting. It suits home lifters who train without a spotter and facilities adding a dedicated quad station.

How to choose a squat machine

Pendulum squats. On a pendulum squat machine the carriage swings through an arc instead of riding a straight rail. The Muscle D Excel Counterbalanced Pendulum Squat is plate loaded with a counterbalanced design, and the Power Leverage V2 Pendulum Squat adds an 11-gauge steel frame, heavy-duty bearings, integrated plate storage and an adjustable foot plate.

Hack squats. You lean back into shoulder pads on an angled sled. The Muscle D 30-Degree Linear Hack Squat runs a shallower 30-degree sled on linear bearing rails with an adjustable foot plate. For heavy loading, the Pro Strength Power Hack Squat is rated for up to 1,200 lb of plates and adds five-position adjustable safety catches and adjustable-width shoulder pads.

Belt and drop squats. The Excel Glute Line Belt Squat is band compatible and built with a compact footprint. The Pro Strength Drop Squat brings a counter-balanced system, adjustable starting height, an adjustable safety catch and an adjustable-angle foot plate.

Bodyweight and barbell options. The Body Solid Sissy Squat (GSS50B) fits a 43.5" x 24" space, carries a 300 lb weight capacity and has resistance band attachment points. If you would rather squat a free bar, the Muscle D Compact Power Cage adjusts its safety bars and Olympic bar hooks in 3.5" steps and includes chin bars with five hand positions.

Trainer's take: programming machine squats

I use machine squats to keep the legs working hard on days when a loaded barbell isn't the right tool, not as a replacement for learning the pattern. Check both the footprint and the loading side, since plate-loaded sleds need clearance to walk plates on and off. Adjust the foot plate so your knees track in line with your toes and your heels stay down at the bottom. A higher, wider stance tends to bring in more glutes and hamstrings, while a lower, narrower one biases the quads. Progress with reps first, then plates, and set the safety catches every session.

Squat machine FAQ

What is the squat machine called?

There isn't just one. Gyms commonly have hack squats, pendulum squats and belt squats, and this collection carries all three plus drop squat and sissy squat stations.

Pendulum squat vs. hack squat: what's the difference?

A hack squat moves the sled in a straight line along an angled rail, while a pendulum squat swings the carriage through an arc. Both load your legs with your back supported against a pad.

What is a belt squat machine?

It loads the weight through a belt around your hips instead of a bar on your shoulders. The Excel Glute Line version is plate loaded and band compatible.

Do I still need a squat rack?

Only if you also want free-barbell squats, presses and pull-ups. The Muscle D compact squat stand, compact power cage, power cage and commercial squat rack in this collection cover that side.

Pair this page with our leg press machines for heavy pressing, step up to power racks if barbell lifting is the priority, or check glute machines for hip-focused stations. Our strength equipment buying guide compares racks, guided bars and leg presses side by side.