Squat Machines

Squat machines guide the bar or carriage through a fixed or semi-fixed path, which takes balance out of the lift and lets members load heavier weight with less coaching. Our lineup runs from hack squats and belt squats to V-squats, pendulum squats, and squat press stations, plus specialty formats like split squat, sissy squat, and swing squat machines. Premier Strength makes up most of the collection, with additional models from ProMaxima, Hoist Fitness, FreeMotion, Precor, and Powertech.

Not sure whether a hack squat or leg press is the better fit for your floor? Our hack squat vs. leg press comparison guide breaks down muscle activation, joint stress, and buying considerations side by side.

Types of Squat Machines

1

Hack Squat

An angled sled travels along fixed rails, loading the quads through a squat pattern with no free bar to balance. It's the most common squat machine on commercial floors.

2

Belt Squat

A belt around the hips carries the load instead of the shoulders or hands, which takes the spine out of the lift. A common choice for lifters working around back issues.

3

V-Squat

A V-shaped shoulder yoke follows a fixed vertical path, closer to a free-weight squat feel than a hack squat, with the machine handling balance.

4

Pendulum Squat

The carriage swings through an arc instead of a straight line, keeping tension on the legs through the full range of motion. A common pick for glute and quad focused programming.

5

Squat Press

A dual-function station that adds a press pattern, viking press, overhead, or incline, to a squat carriage. Useful where floor space limits how many single-purpose stations fit.

Which Type Fits Your Floor?

Type. Best For. Footprint. Resistance. Example in Our Lineup.
Hack Squat. Widest member familiarity. Standard angled footprint. Plate-loaded. Hoist Fitness ROC-It Series Hack Squat.
Belt Squat. Back-friendly, hands-free loading. Standard footprint. Plate-loaded. Premier Strength Apex Series Belt Squat.
V-Squat. Free-weight-style squat feel. Standard footprint. Plate-loaded. FreeMotion Epic Series V-Squat.
Pendulum Squat. Constant tension, glute and quad focus. Standard, arc-swing footprint. Plate-loaded. Premier Strength Beast Series Pendulum Squat.
Squat Press. Multi-purpose, space-limited floors. Standard footprint. Plate-loaded. Premier Strength Titan Series Squat Press.

Buying Considerations

  • High-turnover commercial floors: hack squat is the safe default. Most members already know the movement.
  • Members with back or joint concerns: belt squats load the legs without loading the spine.
  • Space-limited floors: a squat press station covers two movement patterns in one footprint.
  • New vs. refurbished: most of this collection is new from Premier Strength and ProMaxima. FreeMotion, Precor, and Powertech units here are refurbished. Check carriage rails, pivot bearings, and pad or belt wear closely on refurbished units. Every unit we sell is inspected and tested before shipping.