7 Best Squat Machines For Building Bigger Muscles (2023)
Squats should be a staple in everyone’s workout routine and there is a clear reason why this is.
If done correctly it will target all of your juicy lower half muscles such as the glutes, hamstrings, and quads. But what’s great about squatting is it also incorporates your upper body muscles, which makes it a whole-body exercise.
However, they are one of the most difficult exercises in terms of perfecting the form. Needing a combination of both strength and flexibility makes it hard to correctly stabilize your body and get dept with the movement.
This is where the squat machines come to play. The machines support the balance and stabilization of your body, taking away the main difficulty factor associated with squats.
It puts you in a more upright position reducing the chance of injury. Even though it makes the movement easier, it allows for muscle isolation~ getting you to work muscles that are meant to be working.
Below I have listed the 7 best squat machines based on their specs and reviews.
List Of The Best Squat Machines
Below I have listed the best squat machines
- Sunny Heath & Fitness Upright Row-N-Ride
- The DB Method Squat Machine
- leikefitness Deep Sissy Squat Bench
- Dskeuzeew Squat Trainer
- Belt Squat Machine 2.0 With Belt
- Hack Squat Machine
- Vertical Leg Press
Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Row-N-Ride
Specification:
- Weight- 27.3lbs (12.3kg)
- Weight Capacity- 200lbs (99.7kg)
- Dimension- 45.3 inch (L) X 19.3 inch (W) X 50 inch (H)
- Folded Dimensions- 11.4 inch (L) X 19.3 inch (W) X 55.7 inch (H)
- Resistance levels- 3 resistant bands
If you are looking to get a multifunctional machine then this would be a great choice.
You don’t just get to work on your lower half~ with a design where there are handles for pulling, you get to strengthen your arms, back, and shoulder at the same time.
The mechanism is to push yourself up from the bottom of the squat and pull the handlebar toward your body. There are 3 adjustable levels of resistance bands provided, where each band has a resistance of 22lbs (9.9kg).
It also includes an LCD monitor that displays time, calories burnt, count, and total count.
The seat can be adjusted 4 spaces altogether, which is easy as twisting and sliding it either backward or forwards. For convenience the pedals are self-leveled, making it easy to get on and off. With the handles being soft and easy to hold, this prevents causing any pain while gripping.
Product Pros
Product Cons
The DB Method Squat Machine
Specification:
- Weight- 29.5lbs (13.3kg)
- Weight Capacity- 250lbs (113.3kg)
- Dimensions 45.5 inch (L) x 20 inch (W) x 39.5 inch (H)
- Folded Dimensions- Na
- Resistance- Hydraulic
This is probably one of the more famous squat machines. You might even have seen this in your social media feed as celebrities like Khloe Kardashian have been seen using it.
The machine is designed perfectly for an effective yet safe squat session. It drives your center of gravity backward to allow the activation of your glutes and take the stress off your spine.
Features include a handrail, foot ramp, an adjustable seat (accommodate the height of 5ft-6ft 3inch), tension rod to provide resistance, and wheels for easy access when storing. The features work all together to achieve a safer squat path.
Assembling it is a piece of cake, there are hardly any steps. The process is just snapping things in place, no tools are required.
There are options to invest in their app at $10/month to access their workout videos. However, there are some free ones available on their website and on YouTube.
A drawback would be that the resistance is fixed, you are unable to change it. They say that the resistance is enough for most people, but some people might find that it’s too easy for them.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Leukefitness Deep Sissy Squat Bench
Specification:
- Weight- 35.7lbs (16.2kg)
- Weight Capacity- 330.6lbs (150kg)
- Dimension- 46.3 inch (L) x 21.6 inch (W) x 31.6 inch (H)
- Folded Dimension- Na
- Resistance- None
It might be called a sissy squat however, don’t get fooled by the name~ It is still effective as your normal squat.
Unlike the previous products this one has no resistance, you will be using your full body weight making it a bit harder to use. The movement is a quad-dominant, so if you are looking for more of a glute activation then this might not be the machine for you.
Sissy Squats are a great option even without any back support, due to how your body will be positioned, it will put less strain on your knees and lower back.
The product grants you to execute other exercises such as lunges, push-ups, and back extensions. Letting you fit in a whole-body workout session with it.
The frame is made out of heavy-duty steel~ being able to accommodate up to 330.6 lbs (150 kg). So you can be assured that nothing will break while you are working out.
Another great factor is you can adjust the height, angle, and length, so people of different sizes and heights can fit comfortably.
Product Pros
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Dskeuzeew Squat Trainer
Specification:
- Weight- 28.2lbs (12.8kg)
- Weight Capacity- 242.5lbs (110kg)
- Dimensions- 35.4 inch (L) x 17.7 inch (W) x 45.2 inch (H)
- Folded Dimensions- 3.5 inch (L) x 18 inch (W) x 58 inch (H)
- Resistant- 3 level resistant band
Same as the Sunny Heath, this squat machine has a handlebar that you can pull towards you, working the arms, shoulders, and back muscles.
If you find Sunny Health to be a bit pricey, this can be a great alternative. However, with a cheaper price, it has some inferior qualities such as no LCD monitor, no self-leveled pedal, and it’s a bit harder to assemble.
If those things don’t bother you, it still makes a great squat machine.
The handlebar is wide, giving you easy access to change hand position for different muscle stimulation. It’s made out of soft foam, making it comfortable to grip
Without having a self-leveled pedal, they are still made out of non-slip material. There are three resistant bands that can be easily taken off and put on for different resistance.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Belt Squat Machine 2.0 With Belt
Specification:
- Weight-264lbs (119.7kg)
- Weight Capacity- 700lbs (317.5kg)
- Dimensions- 75.4 inch (L) x 34.4 inch (W) x 41.7 inch (H)
- Folded Dimensions- non foldable
- Resistant- steel weights
With a belt squat, the weight is attached to your waist. This puts the demand on your lower half, unlike the barbell squat. This is a great squat machine to include weights safely without stressing your lower back and spine
The squat machine comes with a heavy-duty belt, 2 feet chain, 2 carabiners, adjustable j cups, a handlebar, and a band peg for added versatility in your routine. Its initial resistance is 45lbs (20.4 kg), but if you want more load you would need to purchase some weighted plate.
It is fortified by 11-gauge steel, to give a whopping 700lbs (317.5kg) weight capacity ensuring the longevity of the machine.
There is a stable platform for you to stand on and a handlebar In front of you~ which is used both as a lever and as a support for balance. For a smooth movement throughout the motion, there are commercial bushings present.
Multiple exercises are also able to perform in this such as a back row, Romanian deadlift, and triceps extensions.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Hack Squat Machine
Specification:
- Weight- 325lbs (147.4kg)
- Weight Capacity- 1000lbs (453.5kg)
- Dimensions: 84 inch (L) x 40 inch (W) 53 inch (H)
- Folded Dimensions- non foldable
- Resistant- weighted plate
The hack squat is probably the closest to a normal squat, as it stimulates the same motion while giving you back support.
There are two pads, one for your back and the other for your shoulders. After your body is comfortably fitted into the pads, there is a platform to place your feet. There are side handles that are both used for balance and as a lever.
It is a 2in1 machine~ you can make it from the hack squat into a leg press machine. It’s as simple as turning over the backrest to make it into a platform and there is an additional backrest located behind the actual platform which you just fold over.
The initial weight of the bar is 115lbs (52.1kg), even though it might sound a bit too heavy, the way you are positioned in both hack squat & leg press makes it easy to push the weight up.
One downfall with the hacksaw & leg press is similar to the sissy squat, it is mainly quad dominant. If your focus is to build your glutes with the squats then this machine might not be as efficient in doing so.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Vertical Leg Press
Specification:
- Weight- 94lbs ( 42.6kg)
- Weight Capacity- 400lbs (181.4kg)
- Dimensions- 48 inch (L) x 38 inch (W) x 52.5 inch (H).
- Folded Dimensions- non foldable
- Resistant- weighted plate
Have you ever tried doing squats upside down? It might sound weird but it’s a great alternative to the normal squat.
The machine got a soft back & headrest letting you push weights without hurting your back.
The footplate height is adjustable ranging from 26.5, 32, 35, 38, and 52.5 (inches) as the maximum height. This makes it very easy and comfortable to fit in the machine.
The initial weight of the bar is 17lbs (7.7kg), making it perfect for beginners.
Despite most heavy-duty workout equipment being bulky and heavy~ this machine has got a lighter compact design.
One negative aspect would be it’s not as versatile as the other machines. You are limited to only doing squats.
Product Pros
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What Is A Squat Machine?
A squat machine is a piece of equipment to support you to work out your lower half muscles the same as how your normal squat would but, in a safer way.
They provide stability and balance for your entire body~ putting you in a favorable position that minimizes the risk of injuries.
FAQ
Are squat machines effective?
They are great for isolating lower half muscles such as the quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
If you are doing squats then probably you are trying to grow one of those muscles however, other muscle groups are also activated in trying to balance your body. This can sometimes take away your mind-muscle connection.
With the stabilization that the squat machine provides it takes away that aspect, letting you have an effective workout.
Are the squat machine better than squats?
This depends on what you are looking to achieve. While a barbell squat incorporates your whole body, this is great for building up overall strength.
With a squat machine, it allows you to focus on your legs and glutes as you don’t have to pay attention to balancing your upper body. You are also able to generally push more weights in the machine, so it makes it a better choice for building muscles.
There is no this or that is way better than the others, both are excellent choices on their own. It just depends on what your end goal is.
What are the benefits of a squat machine?
Here the list of benefits:
- Better mind muscle connection with your lower half muscles
- Reduce risk of injuries
- Can push more weights
- Provides stability & balance
Can you build muscles by just using machines?
Absolutely, with the added support you can control and push heavier weights. With it, you are able to put further tension in those muscles helping them grow.
How To Pick The Right Squat Machine
Difficulty of using the machine
Some of the machines can be tougher to use than others depending on their initial weight and the way it’s used. I split them into two groups down below~
Easy to use:
- Sunny Heath & Fitness Upright Row-N-Ride
- The DB Method Squat Machine
- Dskeuzeew Squat Trainer
- Vertical Leg Press
Might be a bit difficult:
Size
Buying a machine for home use, you need to be extra careful about whether the machine is going to fit or not. There will be nothing worse than purchasing something and once it arrives just to realize it does not fit in the area.
Double-measure the designated area and compare it with the dimension of the machine. It would be ideal if the area has a larger dimension than the actual product, to leave some extra space when working out.
Price
People have different budgets that they can spend which is why I have provided a range of prices. You shouldn’t have to be in a situation where you have to deal with stress after going over the budget. All squat machines are great, even the ones at a cheaper price to provide great squat support.
Below I have listed them in order from the cheapest to the most expensive:
- Dskeuzeew Squat Trainer
- Sunny Heath & Fitness Upright Row-N-Ride
- leikefitness Deep Sissy Squat Bench
- The DB Method Squat Machine
- Vertical Leg Press
- Belt Squat Machine 2.0 With Belt
- Hack Squat Machine
Final Words
Even though squats are extremely beneficial for building muscles, they can be frowned upon due to the technical movement that you have to master.
Squat machines can help overcome this aspect, allowing you to work your legs and glutes in an easier way. With the added support they also protect your lower back and the spine.
Even when using machines make sure to correctly stretch and warm up your body
They are worth the investment if you are looking for a squat substitute.
