Belt squat vs berbell squat

[Riyadh86]

Good day,

If my goal is to develop lower body strength and chose only to perform belt squat will it be equally as berbell squat in terms of lower body strength.

Thanks.

[Heisman2]

If you are able to use a full range of motion then I think that could work. I've never done them myself so I can't say that with full confidence. It may be even better as it'll remove your back from the equation and in my mind the technique should be easier.

[PurmaBulker1984]

If you have a legit setup then they are a good substitute. But if you're trying to use a dip belt and some boxes then you'll have trouble overloading. One obvious difference you didn't ask about was differences in your upperbody activation. There will be less spinal erector engagement and almost no comparable thoracic engagement. So crossover is limited if you were to jump back and forth.

[DCSpartan]

Usually after you have done a good cycle of barbell squats I have seen people switch to belt squats for a few weeks to give their upper body a break from the load. If all you ever do is belt squats you will still develop strength, but not as fast as doing a more difficult exercise.

[ncsuLuke]

Usually after you have done a good cycle of barbell squats I have seen people switch to belt squats for a few weeks to give their upper body a break from the load. If all you ever do is belt squats you will still develop strength, but not as fast as doing a more difficult exercise.

Why would you not build strength as fast doing belt squats compared to back squats? Strength in what regard? If you are training with intensity and progressively overloading it doesn't really matter.

[Garage Rat]

Two different strengths for legs so comparing them is difficult.
Sure both will get legs stronger but leverages are different because of placement of the loads and stresses on other areas also.
So you can't really compare strengths you will either be belt squat strong or squat strong.
What will eventually happen is if your doing belt squats with free weight plates you'll get to where you can't load up anymore weight.
This is not true of the barbell squat.

[ncsuLuke]

Two different strengths for legs so comparing them is difficult.
Sure both will get legs stronger but leverages are different because of placement of the loads and stresses on other areas also.
So you can't really compare strengths you will either be belt squat strong or squat strong.
What will eventually happen is if your doing belt squats with free weight plates you'll get to where you can't load up anymore weight.
This is not true of the barbell squat.

Exactly my point. There are ways to do belt squats that you don't run into the issue of maxing out the equipment (realistically speaking, everything has a limit). Unless you are competing it doesn't matter if your legs get strong from belt squats or back squats.

[LactoseTolerant]

Unless you are competing it doesn't matter if your legs get strong from belt squats or back squats.

Also if you apply that strength exclusive of the upper body.

[DCSpartan]

Why would you not build strength as fast doing belt squats compared to back squats? Strength in what regard? If you are training with intensity and progressively overloading it doesn't really matter.

I dont think belt squats hit my legs as well as barbell squats. The leverages makes it a lot easier and I dont get a as much ham and glute activation as when I do barbells. YMMV.