Belt squat machine

[Dont Want None]

Well, here is my DIY belt squat solution for FREE (if you own a Powertec)! I tore apart the Powertec leg extension and used it to hold an extra York pulley I had lying around. I then ran an extra pulldown cable from the top pulley down to the new bottom pulley, and to my surprise things were fantastic! All I need to do now is build a more permanent platform to the right height and BOOM you have a plate loaded belt squat setup.

Step #1: Drilled a hole through the leg extension (1" step bit) and attached to the 2x2 post (wing nut for quick removal)



Step #2: Attached the York pulley to the leg extension, smooth as butter!



Step #3: Stood back and laughed at how easy that was to make....



Quick video on how it worked

https://youtu.be/0BMOg2D-KGQ

Looks like our general set-up is the same, the difference is I think I have a 2016 or 2014 model Levergym, so the piece you run the pulley through doesn't look the same.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Beeag3Ih...matter_lifting That is my slapped together one for right now. I need to figure out how to keep the pulley down.

[urbanlifter]

Hey man! Yeah, the version I have has a metal post sticking up to attach the bench, so I just needed to drill a 1" hole through the 2X2 post and cannibalize the leg extension to hold my pulley. The cable is easy to attach to my belt as is, I just need to add maybe 2-3" to the platform height and it should be perfection (ATG squats). But even as it sits I can hit parallel, pretty cool!

[MGM711]

Hey man! Yeah, the version I have has a metal post sticking up to attach the bench, so I just needed to drill a 1" hole through the 2X2 post and cannibalize the leg extension to hold my pulley. The cable is easy to attach to my belt as is, I just need to add maybe 2-3" to the platform height and it should be perfection (ATG squats). But even as it sits I can hit parallel, pretty cool!

Do you go feet to the floor or are you standing on boxes? I basically run my Pro Magnum Lat Pull/Seated Row combo the same way except I stand on a couple of bumpers.

[urbanlifter]

I'm on boxes in that video, I could shorten up the low cable 2-3" but I fear that would make the setup more difficult to get started. With building a higher platform it should help eliviate that issue, while providing a deeper squat. I'm excited to make this work, ordered the Spud dip belt tonight to replace the LPG.

[vristang]

Not sure how much weight you plan on putting into that pulley, but you may want to consider a second bolt to fasten the pulley square tube, to the red square tube. As close to under the pulley as you can get while maintaining edge margin.
I can see some bending being a likely with the single fastener location, and possibly even bolt failure.

If that pulley comes loose, it will move rather quickly toward parts of your body you generally don't want things accelerating toward...

[urbanlifter]

Not sure how much weight you plan on putting into that pulley, but you may want to consider a second bolt to fasten the pulley square tube, to the red square tube. As close to under the pulley as you can get while maintaining edge margin.
I can see some bending being a likely with the single fastener location, and possibly even bolt failure.

If that pulley comes loose, it will move rather quickly toward parts of your body you generally don't want things accelerating toward...

Additional photo's were in another thread, the pulley is secured with a metal bar that slides directly through the platform supports pushing it down. All using the existing parts from the leg extension, I was worried about it potentially flying up at me, but it's not going anywhere

[Cleveland33]

Not sure how much weight you plan on putting into that pulley, but you may want to consider a second bolt to fasten the pulley square tube, to the red square tube. As close to under the pulley as you can get while maintaining edge margin.
I can see some bending being a likely with the single fastener location, and possibly even bolt failure.

If that pulley comes loose, it will move rather quickly toward parts of your body you generally don't want things accelerating toward...

The shear strength on fasteners is crazy high - and it doesn't look like a grade 8, so it will bend not break anyway.

[urbanlifter]

The shear strength on fasteners is crazy high - and it doesn't look like a grade 8, so it will bend not break anyway.

Glad you confirmed that, I also thought that it would be inconceivable that the bolt would sheer off but wasn't 100% sure. It's the extra bolt that came with the York pulldown, so I assumed at the very least they trusted it with the 300lb stack it can hold. Either way I'll probably never try to exceed 300-400lbs on the belt squat, I'm using it for higher volume stuff like I did with the leg press after squats.

[Cleveland33]

Glad you confirmed that, I also thought that it would be inconceivable that the bolt would sheer off but wasn't 100% sure. It's the extra bolt that came with the York pulldown, so I assumed at the very least they trusted it with the 300lb stack it can hold. Either way I'll probably never try to exceed 300-400lbs on the belt squat, I'm using it for higher volume stuff like I did with the leg press after squats.

A 1/4" gr5 bolt has a shear strength of close to 4,000lbs, tensile is around 170k

That's why that whole 1" hardware on some racks is utter nonsense.

[jormone]

ATX recently put out a relatively compact belt squat/dip machine

[urbanlifter]

They have some really compact ones already out there, just doesn't seem like they have hit the states yet. Someone should email Titan, would only be a matter of time before we saw a knockoff on their site. Wonder how many people here (haters included) would buy one if they could get the design right for $250-$350. That's about as compact as it get's right here!!!

[Mech6]

A 1/4" gr5 bolt has a shear strength of close to 4,000lbs, tensile is around 170k

That's why that whole 1" hardware on some racks is utter nonsense.

A little high. Tensile is 120,000, and shear is 60-70% roughly. 1" is still nonsense.

[Mech6]

Glad you confirmed that, I also thought that it would be inconceivable that the bolt would sheer off but wasn't 100% sure. It's the extra bolt that came with the York pulldown, so I assumed at the very least they trusted it with the 300lb stack it can hold. Either way I'll probably never try to exceed 300-400lbs on the belt squat, I'm using it for higher volume stuff like I did with the leg press after squats.

The only real "risk" with small bolts (1/4" and such) is yahoos installing them with the wrong impact drivers. They can overstress the head which means it will pop off sometime in the future. If it was tightened by hand, no issues.

[urbanlifter]

The only real "risk" with small bolts (1/4" and such) is yahoos installing them with the wrong impact drivers. They can overstress the head which means it will pop off sometime in the future. If it was tightened by hand, no issues.

Awesome, thanks alot guys! Really puts my mind to ease, I have done everything possible to ensure it's safe to use then. Thankfully after a couple weeks my hips finally got used to the abuse, that's the only downside I have experienced with belt squats. Kinda similar to when I first started barbell squatting without a pad, my hips were freaking sore for a while and I had to stuff extra padding into my belt LOL

Mech: You notice I picked up a Pro-Elite similar to Dom's recently. Know anyone who has specs for a custom mono?

(wink wink)

[jormone]

Which compact design should Titan copy to keep the cost low? Using a landmine is cheap but awkward: can't easily start in the high position or add/remove weight quickly.

A sturdy raised platform that lets the attachment point drop below the feet would cost a lot more to ship and take up more floor space, but most models must have one for a reason (pit shark, latest wenning design).

This one with a platform is compact, but doesn't let the attachment drop below the feet, and it is still a lot of metal to ship. Wonder if it would work without the platform or tip over.



The Edge Basic is compact, no platform, and looks like it can be broken down and shipped easily, but the weight is placed further back than on the Edge Standard creating a leverage advantage:

"because the weight loads more towards the back on the Basic unit, leverage factor will come into play. This means that the same weight on the Basic unit will feel lighter than it does with the Standard unit."



The Edge Standard



Can anything be more compact than that? Maybe Titan will come up with a belt squat rack attachment.

[Cleveland33]

I just saw the squatmax md...that one looks nice and simple

[C123C]

They have some really compact ones already out there, just doesn't seem like they have hit the states yet. Someone should email Titan, would only be a matter of time before we saw a knockoff on their site. Wonder how many people here (haters included) would buy one if they could get the design right for $250-$350. That's about as compact as it get's right here!!!

If someone can come up with a good compact design I'm in. I'd rather it not be Titan but as long as others test it first...so be it. Risk on this machine is that it breaks downward when I'm pushing up. Nothing to fall on me.

[urbanlifter]

Well, looks like Rogue put this out there on Instagram today. Westside approved Belt squat for Monster racks....





https://www.instagram.com/p/Bim-xlJF...y=roguefitness

[MGM711]

Well, looks like Rogue put this out there on Instagram today. Westside approved Belt squat for Monster racks....





https://www.instagram.com/p/Bim-xlJF...y=roguefitness

All this Belt Squat madness needs to end...in a few years there's going to be such a glut of these on the market that nobody will know what to do with them! I'm calling my shot, in a couple years, someone will be begging me to come get one out of their garage.

[jormone]

Rogue is obviously copying from Titan's R&D department.

And how do you do weighted dips on that Rogue belt squat?

Another $$ attachment opportunity...

[Cleveland33]

It's a Spud belt, not Rogue

[urbanlifter]

All this Belt Squat madness needs to end...in a few years there's going to be such a glut of these on the market that nobody will know what to do with them!

God I hope you are right, all those incredibly effective leg developmemt tools lying around dirt cheap, would be an equipment sluts dream! Sadly though that probably won't be the case, probably no more often than GHD's or Reverse Hypers.

[MGM711]

God I hope you are right, all those incredibly effective leg developmemt tools lying around dirt cheap, would be an equipment sluts dream! Sadly though that probably won't be the case, probably no more often than GHD's or Reverse Hypers.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Belt Squat is great, it's just not a "need" piece by any means unless you can't axial load. If you can axial load, it's nothing more than accessory piece that takes a quarter of your garage. The Reverse Hyper is a fair comparison...far from a need piece unless you have a specific need for one with a back condition as an example in a garage. The way a lot of companies are hurrying to the market trying to release their version of the BS to me is sort of crazy. I can see in a training facility, but it's not a realistic garage piece unless someone has quite a bit of space. Personally, I don't see the need for a dedicated machine to BS in a garage, I can make do with a loading pin and a Spud Belt or rig a BS off my Lat Pull/Row combo with a Spud Belt and standing on some bumper plates and I get to save a lot of money and gain garage space.

[C123C]

Don't get me wrong, I think the Belt Squat is great, it's just not a "need" piece by any means unless you can't axial load. If you can axial load, it's nothing more than accessory piece that takes a quarter of your garage. The Reverse Hyper is a fair comparison...far from a need piece unless you have a specific need for one with a back condition as an example in a garage. The way a lot of companies are hurrying to the market trying to release their version of the BS to me is sort of crazy. I can see in a training facility, but it's not a realistic garage piece unless someone has quite a bit of space. Personally, I don't see the need for a dedicated machine to BS in a garage, I can make do with a loading pin and a Spud Belt or rig a BS off my Lat Pull/Row combo with a Spud Belt and standing on some bumper plates and I get to save a lot of money and gain garage space.

Already have the loading pin. Just need the belt and was going to get BW Rack Platforms. I have rack handles so that should help some starting in the bottom with heavier weight. Maybe when Dean comes back. No real hurry because, as you note, it's just another accessory piece. That said, compound leg variants are nice to have especially if they don't take too much room.

[jimbuick]

Don't get me wrong, I think the Belt Squat is great, it's just not a "need" piece by any means unless you can't axial load. If you can axial load, it's nothing more than accessory piece that takes a quarter of your garage. The Reverse Hyper is a fair comparison...far from a need piece unless you have a specific need for one with a back condition as an example in a garage. The way a lot of companies are hurrying to the market trying to release their version of the BS to me is sort of crazy. I can see in a training facility, but it's not a realistic garage piece unless someone has quite a bit of space. Personally, I don't see the need for a dedicated machine to BS in a garage, I can make do with a loading pin and a Spud Belt or rig a BS off my Lat Pull/Row combo with a Spud Belt and standing on some bumper plates and I get to save a lot of money and gain garage space.

I agree. I only got my RH and BS because of a disc injury. The RH helps me feel better, and possibly have fewer flareups, and the BS lets me get some solid work in when my back is acting up.

[Afo3]

Can you talk a little more about your experience with the RH and your disc injury? Which disc(s)?

I've listened to all the various arguments about RH for backs with existing injury and it seems like there isn't clear evidence yet so really would like to hear your experience. Did/ do you have sciatica symptoms when you talk about flare ups or do you mean something else?

I agree. I only got my RH and BS because of a disc injury. The RH helps me feel better, and possibly have fewer flareups, and the BS lets me get some solid work in when my back is acting up.

[MGM711]

Can you talk a little more about your experience with the RH and your disc injury? Which disc(s)?

I've listened to all the various arguments about RH for backs with existing injury and it seems like there isn't clear evidence yet so really would like to hear your experience. Did/ do you have sciatica symptoms when you talk about flare ups or do you mean something else?

I've had two severe back injuries, both fixed by the RH on two separate times. For me and my particular issues, the RH helped my affected areas not only push my disc back into place, but also created more disc space and I have xrays and MRIs to prove it both times. I think it all depends on where the impingement is if the RH will work or not.

[MGM711]

I agree. I only got my RH and BS because of a disc injury. The RH helps me feel better, and possibly have fewer flareups, and the BS lets me get some solid work in when my back is acting up.

Same here...my RH is a must have! Keeps my back in check, and while it only does one exercise movement well and occupies a big chunk of my garage, I'll likely give up the space trade off for still being able to train.

[urbanlifter]

It's amazing how just an extra 1-2" can make or break depth, swapped out the previous hook with one of these and it's about 1/2 the size. Complete ATG now, hard to even bottom out during belt squats.

[jimbuick]

Can you talk a little more about your experience with the RH and your disc injury? Which disc(s)?

I've listened to all the various arguments about RH for backs with existing injury and it seems like there isn't clear evidence yet so really would like to hear your experience. Did/ do you have sciatica symptoms when you talk about flare ups or do you mean something else?

Mine was a herniation of the L5-S1 with direct impingement of both nerve roots. No sciatic pain. When mine flares up, it is localized pain in my lower back and complete loss of ROM.

I use my RH as a rehab tool during those times, with no weight, and I use it 1-2x a week for maintenance outside of that with approximately 50% of my competition squat. Since getting the machine, I have only had 1 flare up when I got folded in half by a SSB squat before a SM show, and, instead of being out of commission for months, I was back at it in a little over a week.

All anecdotal, I know, but since I got it I have been back at damn near 100% year round without having any noticeable pain from the injury at all. I never had surgery to repair the disc, and just rehabbed on my own without professional guidance. I have not yet had a follow-up MRI, and may never have one.