New Squatmax-MD Belt Squat - Everything You Need to Know
Vložit
- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
- The Squatmax-MD has been a staple in my garage gym for several years. It's space-friendly, cost-efficient relative to some, VERY effective, and with this latest version, much more versatile than before.
What do y'all think of the Squatmax-MD?
Grab the Squatmax-MD here:
garagegymlab.com/squatmax-md/
📒 Show Notes 📒
1️⃣ Link to Scientific Study: www.heighpubs.org/jnpr/pdf/jn...
2️⃣ Plates Used in Video: bit.ly/3iNfJRs
3️⃣ Barbell Used in Video: garagegymlab.com/cfbk
4️⃣ Squatmax-MD Instagram: squatmaxmd...
0:00 Intro
1:28 Benefits of Belt Squats
2:50 Different Styles of Belt Squat Machines
7:20 Squatmax Overview and How to Use
13:50 Squatmax Attachments (What Makes this Version Better)
22:26 Final Thoughts
✅ Subscribe to the CZcams Channel: bit.ly/GarageGymLabCZcams
🔍 Equipment Finder - Find the best Barbells, Plates, Benches, and Racks for YOU!
👉 garagegymlab.com/surveys/
🏆 Best of Roundups 🏆
👉 Best Barbells: garagegymlab.com/best-barbells/
👉 Best Squat Racks: garagegymlab.com/best-squat-r...
👉 Best Weight Benches: garagegymlab.com/best-weight-...
👉 Best Weight Plates: garagegymlab.com/best-weight-...
👉 Best Dumbbells: garagegymlab.com/best-dumbbells/
Connect with me:
Instagram: / garagegymlab
Website: www.garagegymlab.com
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting the channel so I can continue to provide you with free content! - Sport
Your reviews are so well in depth & detailed.
They are worth the wait when they come out.
Please keep up the good work and quality with regards to your videos and channel.
Thanks so much, Robert! Really means a lot. Will be posting more frequently on CZcams from here on out.
Super in-depth video. Still not sold on this for myself. The set up and use just seems like something I’d avoid.
Thanks for watching, brother! The set up is the biggest con. I usually just leave a couple of plates on there permanently and that reduces the setup time… on belt squats at least. Add another plate or two or just some bands, and ready to go pretty quick. All comes down to user intent though at the end of the day, as with any piece 💪
This belt squat is a total MESS!!!! Too hard to set up, takes too much time, top loading on the pin sucks, I still don't see what happens if you reach the bottom and can't stand back up?? I did skip through some of the video, so maybe I missed that part? The box squat part is a terrible design. What happens if you miss the seat? You fall off the damn thing and crack your skull/break a leg? Hello lawsuit department! (you know some idiot will miss the seat and crash at some point), I wouldn't take this thing if YOU bought it for me.
Hey, Brandon! That's what I thought initially, but always starting the warm-up with 2 plates plus the addition of the spacers (that it came with) made the process much more efficient than I expected.
You've probably already heard this often, but this machine feels so good! So much better than a leg press and lever arm belt squat, and almost as good as a high-bar squat. (Just my opinion.)
I hope you can review this on your channel soon! (:
More vids... Don't leave us hanging so long between them please. Thank you
You got it, bud! About to be posting on the Tube much more regularly.
Great straight forward and thorough review! Always appreciate getting the goods without the gimmicks and I look forward to more from you.
I appreciate you watching and commenting, my friend! Thanks for the feedback.
Amazing and detailed review. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this.
Thank you, brother - right back at you!
So how is this better than two platforms/boxes and a belt with weights around waist ? Basically step on the two platforms (one leg on each platform) and just do squats with the weights hanging down.
Hey! Really appreciate the detailed review of Squatmax, the good stuff, and what could be made better. In regards to the seal row and jcup set up, couple things: 1) As far as I know, all seal row benches have an issue with the barbell tipping (when loading on the jcups) including the eleiko seal row bench. However, if you watch our assembly video on the website for the pad/jcups, we include a great way to load the barbell while on the jcups that avoids needing to load on the floor first (last 90 secs of video). 2. The squatmax seal row design may actually be a "better" set up for many lifters than a traditional seal row bench because it does not have the complete (middle part) of the bench. Why? Because the ribs are not compressed (so breathing not compromised) and you are also better able to engage the core. Obviously seal benches have a middle bench piece because they don't sit on top of a Squatmax Platform. I hope to get more opinions from different lifting populations on this potential advantage. Thank you!
are you still able to get the rack attachment?
@@samhogan6347 not currently but hoping in January. The current stand alone is a similar small footprint. Thx
Awesome review! Very detailed and edited. Answers all my questions about this piece. New sub 👍🏻💪🏻!
👍Thanks for this review. I'll be Saving up for this and making room for it somewhere 😁
Never seen anything like this! Lookin into this once we get a bigger space! Glad to see you back brotha
Appreciate you, brother! It’s an awesome piece.
@@GarageGymLab it is! Great breakdown bro. Can’t wait to see more content 🔥
Let’s GOOOO! Any day you’re uploading is a good day!
Appreciate you, Josh!
Great review, and really appreciate you taking the time to go over all the alternative belt squat types in the beginning, and the assembly of it all. They should put this on their website---their own videos barely show the product.
I have the rack attachment version and absolutely love it! Unfortunately they discontinued it back in late 2019/early 2020 so it took me a year to find one come up for sale on marketplace in my area as I didn't want to deal with shipping. I only wanted it to add the belt squat movement to my garage gym. The compact version of the rack attachment was key as I didn't have enough room to accommodate the standalone version. Plus the different in cost between the rack attachment vs the standalone was about $500-600. I also was not interested in the extra exercises available by shifting optional hardware around on the standalone version as I have separate open trap bar for deadlifts, and hip thruster bar used in conjunction with my adjustable bench works perfect. I have a body-solid lat/row combo machine so no need for seal row attachment, also the riser wouldn't work in my garage as I'm limited by an 8ft ceiling. I have several buddies that have used it and wish they still offered the base model rack attachment version for those who have no need for the standalone extras....
So how is this better than two platforms/boxes and a belt with weights around waist ? Basically step on the two platforms (one leg on each platform) and just do squats with the weights hanging down.
Wow citing peer reviewed literature comparing different belt squats to support your points. Impressive 👍
Couldn’t have come at a better time. Deciding between this and the rhino. I’m gonna go with the rhino for personal preferences. I truly appreciate this review especially from you! I know you could have either or so your reviews integrity is very highly appreciated.
Thanks so much for watching and the kind words, Roger! Very much appreciated. Hope you enjoy the Rhino. Let me know what you think of it.
@@GarageGymLab absolutely brother. 💪🏻
Fantastic review sir!! I like the details described and the editing is on point :)
Thanks for watching and commenting, Nik!
Thoroughly excellent review! Great job 👏👏👏
Appreciate you, Yury! Hope all is well.
great analysis! this is an underrated channel for gym equipment
Thanks, bud! Appreciate the feedback.
Great review, Adam! You make me want to purchase this machine again - lol. It's still my favorite piece in my home gym.
18:31 Btw, I believe that position with the transformer pin is more glute dominant and vice-versa.
Great review, Adam. I have been going through your videos as I found your channel recently.
I have been considering getting some sort of leg device for the garage. Was debating on leg press, hack squat, belt squat or even a leg extension/ leg curl machine. Had my eyes on bells of steel belt squat as it seemed versatile, but this may take the cake. I want something where I can get full knee flexion for that full quad stretch.
Thanks for watching the videos! Hard to beat the squatmax. Great piece
I would definitely buy one based on your professional review. Your review is well presented. Thank you Friend.
Thanks for watching and for the feedback, Leon!
For what it's worth, that 2020 study had some limitations (acknowledged by the authors in the comments of Coop's post on the subject) that as of now, kind of make it hard to argue that SquatMax is definitively the best. For each participant, they just loaded the participant's body weight onto each machine being tested. So the weight the participants were lifting (1) was not necessarily the same actual weight being lifted for each machine, and (2) was not the same percentage of each participant's 1RM on that specific machine.
Great callout Ben. Mind linking to Coop’s post?
Hey Ben, your description is not the correct story and does not cover all the research to date. The rogue rhino claims a 1 to 1 weight ratio, so it was apples to apples when comparing Squatmax to the rhino. The complaint from people was related to the lever arm. However, as mentioned by the study authors, in previous independent studies, the lever arm and squatmax were both already compared to a barbell back squat and in both studies. the weight load used was indeed based on each subject's 5 rep max in both movements and the lever arm (pit shark and wenning) were both found to have the same weaknesses, statistically significant less glute max and glute med and hamstring. Squatmax was found similar to the barbell back squat in total muscle activation including posterior chain activation. The main purpose of the 2020 study was to compare squatmax against a cable design because cable belt squats had never been studied. Lever arms already are known to be subpar and this just reconfirmed it.
@@BrandonSchwartz1 Don't have the link handy, but it was posted on Coop's page on September 25, 2020.
Also, I need to amend my comment slightly. It was other people in the comments discussing some potential issues with the study. One of the authors was also commenting, but I don't think she was specifically involved in the discussions weight loading.
@@overachievetv38 Ok but then you're still missing a study that actually uses a weight load based on the subject's 1RM (or 5RM) to compare the SquatMax and a cable belt squat. I get that you're saying we can assume the relative load is the same since the Rhino claims to be a 1:1 ratio, but that is hardly rigorous enough to assume for the purposes of a scientific study.
And also, all of this conversation assumes that greater EMG activity is the desired result of an exercise, which as far as I can tell is not a settled conclusion.
@@roz77394 Thanks for the follow up. I am not sure Bill Henniger from rogue will be reaching out to any universities to help “prove” the efficacy of his device versus a barbell belt squat anytime soon. That is the problem with the industry, not regulated like medical devices etc. Call it a belt “squat” but don’t have to show that is works like a squat or is decent substitute. What the research showed was that as expected, a fixed load in front belt squat does not provide a long enough hip moment arm to work the posterior chain as well and 2. Since it is fixed, just like a smith machine, leg press, does not require the stabilizers to balance the side to side load like you need to do with a barbell squat, etc. thank you.
Great thorough review! Have you tried Rogue's newer multi belt? And this belt is better? I can't seem to find where to buy just this belt only.
Hey bud. Thanks for watching! It’s been several months since I’ve tried the rogue version. I’m not 100 if they’ve changed anything since, but the Henny belt is really nice. www.thehenny.com/product-page/adjustable-hip-belt
Best review of this product on CZcams
Thanks for the feedback, Dmitri! Appreciate you watching.
Really thorough reveiw.
The product has some excellent features, they've really packed a lot into this piece of kit. It's a lot of mone ythough and probably out of reach for most garage gym owners.
I have a belt squat set up with my lat pulldown and I can do everything this machine can do. All you need is some imagination in your build, some construction timber at about £100 / $130 and you're away. Namaste x
Excellent in-depth review as always. I wish they sold a bare bones version that didn’t have the risers and other stuff I’d never use to get the cost even lower but this looks like a solid design with lots of future customization points.
Thanks, Brandon! That's a really good point on the riser/cost. May be something for Squatmax to consider.
Going to add that option soon. Thanks
You can get the ironmind hip squat belt and loading pin or you can attach it to a barbell. I think there's a CZcams video of it
thanks for your detailed review. i didnt go for this as it forces feet in limited position(s) around the ... giant hole ... and i see your knees maybe bend in during the squat .
Hey Adam. Would love to know how you program belt squats, SSB squats, Marrs bar squats and barbell squats. Seems like a curse of being blessed with so many things to use for similar movements so curious how you go about it. My squat equipment roster is starting to build up hahaha.
Great review. It looks really nice. If I didn't already buy the Kbox4 I'd definitely pick one up.
Thanks for watching Jason! The Kbox is another favorite tool of mine.
When you say things like “this is the best belt squat belt,” it would be handy to know what others you’ve used.
The new one that comes with the Rhino is excellent.
I don’t expect you to buy (or have given to you?) every other device like Coop does, but some context would be nice. ❤️
I’ve used the rogue belt, this belt, and the spud belt. The rogue belt is based on this belt. They brought it in-house when rogue manufactured the squatmax for a while. The henny belt from squatmax is more comfortable, but they accomplish the same thing. Appreciate the feedback.
Can you think of any way to use the squatmax with a cable based weight stack machine (Freemotion etc) rather than plates?
Have u tried rhino and do you prefer squat max over rhino?? I have a bad knee and 2 low back bulding disk so i was wondering which one will be better as far as putting less pressure on knee? I like rhino but i dont think i will use it for anything else than squats/leg work and maybe for plate storage. I like squat max since its smaller and a little cheaper and i can do rows, hip thrust and other things however i need the pad. I think i will get the pad just for the hip thrust and seal rows even though i already have the goat. It looks like the squat max works very good for hip thrust, however i dont think goat works that good for hip thrust. Ive heard if i get some weigjts with grips or soacers its much easier on squat max. Also if i mout the plates right next to squat max to make loafint easier?
Ayyyy look who’s back
We in here!
Please tell me where I can quickly purchase the Henny Hip Belt which you said was so comfortable... and that (metal?) attachment that would connect like, say, to a Smith machine barbell at the gym???
A pretty in depth review. I don't believe Squatmax is making the rack mounted version any longer but I would like to have known which attachments the new freestanding can use that the rack mounted cannot. I like the dip option and several reviewers have commented this is the best belt squat for actual squatting (though perhaps less versatile overall compared to a cable belt squat). It is smaller and less expensive than many competitors (but is still a chunk of gym real estate and $$$). Lastly, I agree with others that it still is a hassle to set up and take down...particularly if you were to get the rack mounted version, needing to set up and take down with every use if you wanted to use the rack for other things. Very cool design overall though and I hope Squatmax continues to refine the versatility and space efficiency.
Thanks for watching! You’re correct - the rack mounted version is no longer being made. That version couldn’t use any of the attachments shown in this video… unless they decide to remake it and use this platform for it, but even still it wouldn’t be as versatile since you have the rack to contend with. Something like the seat/hip thrust is fine, but seal rows would be very difficult if not impossible.
I already own a titan selectorized lat pull down, a selectorized funcional trainer and foldable titan rack also a stray dog goat with all the attachments.. Do you prefer the squat max over the rogue rhino? I was about to buy squat max but they don't have any financing as with the rhino I can pay $1000 and the rest in 6 payments without any interest. I kindda like the squat max better because it's smaller than rhino and cheaper. However, it looks quite large compared to squat max??
I have a Rep Fitness Ares, so am hoping Rep Fitness comes out with a more solid rack belt squat to use with it. Just don't have the room for a dedicated belt squat unfortunately.
Great review - I’m not sure how a belt squat compares with a leg press/hack squat.
The man has returned!
We back!!
Finally! ....... lol welcome back. For me im not sure if I buy this, a leg press/Hack combo or a leg/hammy curl machine, hard choice for cost but most usefulness and space
I already have everything to make a 5ft (50") belt squat, however I been really contemplating on buying a squatax md. I have 2 bulding disk on lower back and a bad knee. I know I will use it all the time but it's like $2000 and it will be an investment for my back and knee:)
However if the lever arm feels and does what squatmax does close enough the I will stick with lever arm. Parts only cost me $200 with 2 weight peg plates.
Interesting but I kinda feel like a Kbox is a similar take but with eccentric counter resistance... not quite the same with the whole spin / gravity rotation thing, but it's smoother on the body, and my gains (speed on ice - hockey) have been crazy good). Aka, I didn't expect to replace traditional squats with a kbox but I have.
That’s crazy expensive and why couldn’t the loading plate be higher to avoid reaching down in the hole to load plates. I could see the skin off my knuckles in no time with this setup. Thanks for reviewing…I figured it would be under a grand but at the current price they can keep it
If I am having to load and unload this all week for clients, the Rhino looks like a better option?
Just ordered the newer version today. The Titan website does not have the spacers nor the chest support accessory. I called them and they said they don't currently offer those for the Squatmax-MD Belt Squat. I wonder why not?
No j-hooks or anti tipping accessory on the site either.
Which one do you guys is easier/better for bad knees? Anyways I ended up buying the rhino but after having it for a week I thinks is just overkill just for squats:(
I showed my wife the squat max and she liked it cause she can do hip thrust, has the pad for seal rows and loved the seat and it's way smaller than rhino. She says rhino too big just for belt squats. Lol
Looks like it forces too much quad dominance by not having a bar to grab so you can sit back (back squat style) safely ? If you don't mind that it looks great for a home gym option.
All the "Adam death scenes " are instant classics. 😂
😂 thanks bud lol
Is it easy to do calfs on it?
Without something to hold onto it's a no go for me especially with the additional platform being smaller and higher. Not a fan of the proximity to the family jewels either bit it looks like with some further iterations it could be the clear winner.
Can I'd o zercher squats with squat max md?
The squatmax is awesome, it's really no more set up than setting your jcups, safety pins, moving your bar into the rack, plates, bands or chains for a barbell squat. It's actually less set up.This is an excellent piece of equipment.
How did doing deadlifts feel on it? Does their included bar rotate or is it fixed?
Deadlifts feel great on it because of the added band tension. What i didnt like about this review is that he didnt mention the difference in muscle activation compared to barbell. This belt squat has given me a feeling like ive never felt before, no more back pain, better leg development. That same feeling is felt when you do deadlifts or hip thrusts. This machine basically replaced barbell squats for me. I really wish he compared the muscle activation with rogue rhino vs squatmax vs wenning vs barbell.
I feel like it's a good idea, but i wouldn't be sold on it unless they refined the design a bit more
Love the review, but unfortunately it solidified my decision for not wanting the Squatmax-MD. The amount of set up that it takes is way too much for me. I struggle to even motivate myself to switch between specialty barbells during a training session in my limited training time. I think the ease of use makes the Rhino the best belt squat and is a natural fit for someone that has a RM-6 for the drop-in version. The Rhino may not be the best belt squat mechanically, but for most home gym users that are not elite athletes, I can't imagine it making a huge difference.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Eric! You’re absolutely right in that it takes some extra setup time. I usually leave two plates on at all times to speed that up.
@@GarageGymLab Yeah I think if I had the space to keep it loaded and ready for use, that would definitely make it easier.
Eric, many garage gym owners have knee lowback and mobility issues and that is why they want a belt squat machine in the first place. The problem with a belt squat that is not “mechanically the best” isn’t just a performance issue. They can aggravate the back and knees in people with preexisting issues and wont help improve mobility because fixed. Cable belt squats are especially hard on the knees and why many top powerlifters like Brian Carroll use Squatmax. You can go to McDonalds because it is a bit easier and faster but it does not make it the best choice for your diet. Thanks
@@overachievetv38 Don't get me wrong, I really want to like the Squatmax-MD, I just don't think I'll ever use it because of how cumbersome set up is. Not everyone is a Brian Carroll, and can dedicate all their time to lifting. I would be interested in seeing the science/fact behind cable squats aggravating back and knees, since that would definitely deter me from buying one. Hopefully you take this feedback into consideration into improving on the design in the future.
@KpXzzang it seems like you're just trying hard not to like when anyone could set the machine up the might before and have it ready for the next time they're going to use the machine....that's what I do with all my equipment.
I actually really love that shirt you got on. Do you sell those anywhere?
Thanks, Batsy! I have some merch on my site. A couple of sizes of that shirt still available I think. garagegymlab.com/product-tag/ggl/
@@GarageGymLab Alright much appreciate the reply. Can't wait to see what you review next.
I'm good for now. I luv my back and front barbell squat. Maybe later on.
Nothing wrong with that!
A great piece FOR SQUATTING. Not really as versatile as it seems considering all the setup, funky exercise tradeoffs, and the fact that it can’t be kept neatly against a wall to utilize a barbell and all the attachments.
Definitely harder than the Rhino but not as comfortable. The load feels heavier on the Squatmax but being able to hold on to the Rhino’s handles for balance is nice.
Realistically, the low cable on the Rhino simply cannot be beat when it comes to versatility.
I was considering getting the Squatmax MD base model, which was $999 when I checked the website like 3 days ago. I just checked it again today... and it's suddenly $1,700 for the same thing. Tf?
I genuinely dont understand why they couldn’t just add these features to a rack mounted version. If they had, it would be an instant buy for me, because I could also pair it with the surplus strength UPS kit and to have a lat pull down and low row too.
Some of it they definitely could, but when you start incorporating the barbell functionality, depending on your rack setup, it may not be possible. I feel you on the UPS though. The dimensions of the UPS were actually made specifically to fit the squatmax rack-mounted version since Jason is such a big squatmax user himself.
@@GarageGymLab true you might have to change where your rack is placed, but I think the barbell functionality would be better if you were using the rack’s posts and j cups and just using the squatmax for chest and body support. It’s just a bummer, that’s all. So close to a perfect fit for my home gym needs.
Its the only way I do a squat variation to go heavy. I've had miner back problems. My back isn't to bad just being safe.
question is, since you have had this for a while, how much have your legs grown since using it, or how much stronger have they gotten?
Haven't measured my legs and it's hard to say in any case, because this is just a tool in my broader programming. I still back squat, goblet squat, and just about every other type of squat, so they all contribute. I have no doubt it's been a very solid contributor overall to size and strength.
The Rogue Rhino weighs over 200 lbs more and costs less than half of the Squatmax to ship. All in the Rhino only costs a couple hundred dollars more and that's with Squatmax not charging tax. The large company advantage is glaring. I don't see why smaller companies like Kabuki and Squatmax don't try to pool manufacturing and shipping resources.
I know the intent of this video was to talk about how great this piece is, but I think it ultimately talked me out of picking this over the Rhino. I think I would rather have the versatility of the Rhino and if I felt I was ever missing a more “true” activation just rig up a loading pin and try that.
After seeing some of the movements on IG that protim uses his Rhino for, and Jake Schum uses his ATP for, I think that style is ultimately more versatile and also more user friendly. Aside from that I think my wife would have an incredibly difficult time loading and unloading this machine.
I understand this might have better pure activation. But like I said above if I ever felt that one of the other machines felt “lacking” in that regard a loading pin and some blocks to stand on should match this 1:1 in comparison. Downside I guess is that the Rhino will ultimately be more permanent and take up a bit more room, but it seems that trade off is justifiable for my situation.
Your equipment review is in depth but what is with the horrible example of jerky rapid movement ?
Very nice video! I don’t like the squat max concept too much, in reality I don’t like to much the belt squat in general but great video anyway!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words!
@@GarageGymLab you’re welcome
Can I ask what kind of belt is that ?
@@alessandro519 it’s the Henny multi-belt.
@@GarageGymLab thanks
It looks pretty comfy. I only used the spud in the past and it breaks your hips
@@alessandro519 this is the best belt, in my opinion.
A flywheel box is so much better in so many ways!
I use my kBox often - love them
this thing is still $1000-$1800 depending on features adding. That way too expensive for what it is. But as a diy project think is good design to replicate
Nice machine but it looks like a pain to load and unload plates on the pin:(
easy to make tbh
Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, trying to make a Swiss Army knife out of it.
It's a great piece of equipment but it's TOO expensive IMO.. it's almost 2000 dollars...
Do you still believe Squat Max is the best?
noice
I regret selling my Squatmax.
Which version did you have?
@@GarageGymLab the original one.
Looks like they have stopped making it? The website just sells accessories