When exercising, the whole body is usually worked on. A squat is typically done by most fitness enthusiasts as it is an effective exercise for the body. Squats are good for lower body training but, there are several ways to do a squat to include the upper body.
For people who like to do strength training, a regular squat is not enough. Weighted squats are effective in adding resistance to the movement to strengthen the muscles.
A belt squat attachment is equipment that can be attached to a squat rack to be able to perform a belt squat without a belt squat machine. It is compact and can handle weight plates up to 440 lbs or 200 kg. A belt squat attachment works the lower body without putting too much strain on the back.
If you like doing barbell squats but would like to take it easy because of a back injury, a belt squat attachment is for you. Read on to find out what a belt squat attachment is and what benefits it can add to your fitness journey!
What Is A Belt Squat Machine?
For gym goers who only want to work the lower body, a belt squat machine is a popular gym equipment that can be used. A belt squat machine, also known as a hip belt squat, is a strength training equipment designed to perform weighted squats without holding a barbell on your shoulders. Instead, the weight plate is anchored to the hips to lessen the stress on the upper body.
This equipment is also used by people who have upper-body injuries and can only be able to perform lower-body exercises. The belt squat machine was actually invented for this very reason. Louie Simmons invented the belt squat machine because he was unable to squat due to a back injury.
For people who can’t do regular barbell squats, performing a squat on a belt squat machine can allow you to perform a squat safely. While the upper body is not explicitly targeted, using this gym equipment will improve your leg muscles.
To use a squat belt machine, you need to put on a lifting belt and then attach the belt to the machine. Some belt squat machines have a platform where you stand to perform your squats. Belt squat machines can handle up to 1000 lbs and you can definitely stack weights depending on your needed weight load. Once everything is set up, you can now perform a squat by holding on to the support frames built into the machine.
For some people, going to the gym might not be possible for some reason. The good thing is that you can perform a belt squat without access to a belt squat machine.
What Is A Belt Squat Attachment?
A belt squat machine is commonly seen in local gyms or fitness centers. There are people who have invested in a belt squat machine for their home gym. However, if you do not have enough floor space for one, you can invest in a belt squat attachment if you already have a squat rack.
A belt squat attachment works like a regular belt squat machine. It is very compact and you can take it anywhere. If you do not have a squat rack, a belt squat attachment may not work because you need something upright, solid, and stable to attach most belt squat attachments.
Since it is a piece of compact gym equipment, a belt squat attachment has a weight capacity of up to 440 lbs (200 kg). A quality belt squat machine, on the other hand, can handle 700 up to 1000 lbs because of its frame. If you are planning on buying a belt squat attachment, make sure you already own a belt as some belt squat attachments, like the Revolt belt squat attachment, do not include a dip belt. Most belt squat attachment has a black powder coat finish to prevent rust from forming.
A belt squat attachment is a great alternative to a regular belt squat machine. It is cheaper and takes up less space which is perfect if you already have a squat rack at home.
What Muscles Do Belt Squats Work?
Performing belt squats primarily targets the lower body and works the hips, calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes. While a belt squat works the upper body less, the core can also be strengthened if a belt squat is done properly. Since a belt squat attachment can handle up to 440 lbs (200 kg), it can tone up your body and you can expect to see strength and muscle gains without adding stress to your upper body.
Benefits Of A Belt Squat Machine And A Belt Squat Attachment
As we said earlier, a belt squat attachment is a compact version of a belt squat machine. If you want to gain muscle and strength in your lower body, using a belt squat machine or attachment can benefit your fitness journey.
For lifters who want to take the load off of their back, performing belt squats can reduce spinal compression that can be caused by doing heavily weighted squats with poor squat technique. If you have an injured back, this can really take a toll on it and further cause damage. Using a belt squat machine or attachment can help lessen the stress on the spine as you are not going to be lifting something heavy on your back when doing a squat.
Using a belt squat machine can also be a safer alternative for barbell squats. A belt squat machine has a plate or pulley system which provides resistance when performing belt squats. This makes it safer to get out of a failed rep.
Doing belt squats in either a machine or an attachment can help in refining your squatting technique before moving on to doing a barbell squat. When performing a belt squat, you can focus on your squatting technique without having to worry about the barbell.
A belt squat attachment is more compact and space-saving but it can still offer the same benefits as a belt squat machine. Both a belt squat machine and attachment are good pieces of equipment for all fitness levels.
Belt Squat Vs Back Squat
For a back squat, the back muscles and abdominals are recruited and strengthened. When performing a back squat, the weight is rested on the body, specifically on the shoulders. This can put a lot of strain on the back, especially if done incorrectly. Since the back squat works the upper and lower body, it is a great full-body workout. With a back squat, all you need is a barbell loaded with weights
A belt squat, on the other hand, has the weight attached to the hips. This targets the lower body specifically which is great for people who have upper-body injuries or want to work more on their leg muscles. Performing a belt squat also lowers the risk of injury as you can overload the lower body without putting the back at risk. Since the weight is attached to the hip, it may be uncomfortable for some, especially for those who are not used to using weighted dip belts. Unlike a back squat, you will need a belt squat machine or a belt squat attachment to perform a belt squat. A belt squat attachment also needs to be attached to a stable and upright frame like squat racks.
Wrap Up
If you already have a squat rack, a belt squat attachment can be a great addition to your home gym equipment. You might think that a belt squat attachment is just another fitness gimmick but, it can still give you a good workout, especially if you have a bad back or recovering from a back injury.
A belt squat attachment can handle up to 440 lbs (200 kg) and is effective in having muscle gains in your lower body. If you are looking for good lower body equipment, give a belt squat attachment a go! If you have any questions, let us know and we’ll get back to you!
