Barbell back squats are a beloved and trusted method of building muscle in the lower body, especially in the legs, and for good reasons.
Consistent training using this method can create explosive development in the legs and thighs, something many weightlifters, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts alike aspire to achieve for themselves!
The technique itself may be older, but new additions to the world of squats and the invention of more modern technology have made achieving this goal far simpler, more effective, and, most importantly, safer than ever before!
Discover; the Belt Squat Machine!
The Belt Squat Machine has a far lower risk of injury than other forms of gym equipment
While everyone gets eager when they hear of the potential gains and major benefits that the barbell squat can give them, many do not stop and think of the risks and issues that might arise from their new training regiment.
I’m sure anyone can agree that gungho and enthusiasm are a very welcomed thing, especially when starting new routines that are supposed to improve your health and wellness, although, the complacency and the injuries that can accompany it are not so much a good thing.
This exact situation is a common problem for many, but the belt squat machine is a real game-changer for everyone because novice and expert alike can benefit from the lessened strain, pain, soreness, and potential injuries to the muscles from doing such intensive heavy lifting as the barbell squat, all while still having access to its vast array of benefits!
The machine does this by allowing you to bear more of the weight on your body itself, and less of it on your spine, shoulders, and lower back, essentially redistributing the weight and force that your body has to endure.
The reason is because of the weight-bearing belt placed on the user, helping keep you in the proper squatting formation and taking a bunch of the load off.
It concentrates the weight on the hips and legs instead of the spine and upper and lower back, making this great news for athletes with back problems or those who cannot bear weight on their spines for any reason.
It also means that you can squat with more weight than you ordinarily would be able to than if that pressure was concentrated on your spine, but remember not to overdo this and start building up the weight you’re squatting with gradually!
The belt squat machine offers incredible muscle building and toning, especially for the legs and lower body
I’m sure everyone has seen memes about never skipping “leg day” and it’s easy to understand why considering the legs and glutes are some of the most outwardly visible muscle groups, so anyone can tell when you’ve been slacking!
Bodybuilders and athletes of all kinds pride themselves on both the look and functional ability of the legs, and that’s because they’re one of the key ingredients to the success of the individual athlete.
But what if you’re just an average joe who wants impressive leg gains, but cannot do squats that require heavy spinal loading, such as the barbell squat?
Are you just doomed to forever skip leg day and neglect your lower legs and glutes?
Luckily, there are a few solutions for this problem, and one of the best being the belt squat machine, as anyone from expert or novice alike can reap the benefits from this amazing machine, all without destroying your back or worsening your existing issues in the process!
One of the other major benefits of the machine is the safety of it, especially relative to other types of fitness equipment or other squats that regularly make use of heavy weights such as large barbells.
There is always a risk of injury when it comes to lifting, and while that can be scary and potentially off putting, it’s also just flat out dangerous at times, especially if you have any form of weakness in your shoulders, arms or, back that could result in the weight slipping out of your grasp!
This issue is thankfully is a thing of the past when it comes to technology like the belt squat machine, as it enables you to lift and secure weights of all sizes and heft without the risk of injuries related to them!
Many designs also come with handrails for better grip when squatting and offer more stability, so remember to shop around and find one with all the features you want, and none of the ones you don’t to keep costs down, which brings me to my next point.
Costs and other considerations
Of course, all the proposed benefits of the belt squat machine are rather enticing, but a major sticking point for many is its prohibitively expensive price tag.
Generally, these machines can run anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 dollars easily, but, in recent times, cheaper options are becoming more readily available, such as some models going for about 600 to 1,500 or so, making this a stiff purchase, but not something that entirely prices out the average person if they set aside some money to budget for the machine.
Another important fact to consider is the belt squat’s size, as they tend to be very heavy and bulky, so, definitely not easy to move around or shove in a corner somewhere, so foreplanning with where you intend to keep the equipment and where it might fit is best to do before you bring home your machine.
There are options though if either the above issues prevent you from getting ahold of a belt squat, which is to try purchasing a dipping belt, have access to a solid platform, and use a kettlebell, and do hip belt squats yourself.
The downside is that when squatting freely with a kettlebell, you’re limited with the amount of weight you are able to tack on, and it can be awkward finding a sufficient platform to stand on, but in general, it is considered to be the best alternative to the machine.
Techniques like the above can achieve similar results and are fairly affordable for the average person, plus you can get a good feel for how much use you might get out of a machine by how preferable the belt squat itself feels to you, which is a great idea considering the costs and space usage.
It’s also essential to perfect proper squatting patterns before investing in a belt squat machine, as improper form can lead to risks of injuries and your squats not being as targeted or effective as they could be!
Wrapping up
Be it hip belt squats with the use of a dipping belt and kettlebell, or taking the plunge to purchase a belt squat machine and up your squatting to the next level, both are highly effective and trusted ways of building explosive muscle development in the glutes, legs, and thighs, which is beneficial for anyone who wishes to enhance their sports performance, or just the average person looking to grow their leg strength and reap the benefits.
And best of all, both are highly safe and effective for those with back problems or other issues that prohibit typical barbell squats, and without the risk of injury from dropping the weight.
I hope this post has offered insight into your decision, and what might be the best fit for your individual circumstances!