As a seasoned weightlifter, we’ve had our fair share of encounters with various strength equipment in the gym.
One machine that often sparks curiosity is the belt squat machine. And the question of “How Much Does a Belt Squat Machine Weigh?” is a common one.
In this article, we'll answer: (1) what a belt squat typically weighs, and (2) what the starting weight of a belt squat machine is.A belt squat machine itself is often 150-300 pounds but varies based on the machine.
Manufacturers use different materials to construct the machines, which affects the overall weight. Some machines may even weigh more, depending on their size and added features.
For example, the Bells of Steel Belt Squat Machine weighs a whopping 264 pounds — and that’s before you load up 500 pounds of weight plates onto it for your workout. 😉The starting (felt) weight of a belt squat machine varies widely but is often between 20-60 pounds.
This weight refers to the amount of resistance the machine offers at the beginning of a lift when it’s empty. So, before any weight plates are added, that’s the resistance you’ll feel.
It's useful to know this weight as it helps you determine the amount of weight you can add to the machine, especially if you’re close to maxing out the machine’s capacity.
However, the starting (felt) weight isn’t super important if you’re not close to the machine’s weight capacity and it actually makes the math WAY easier.
If that’s the case for you, just pretend the empty machine offers “0 pounds” of resistance and only count the weight that you physically add to the machine. Since each belt squat machine has different construction materials and builds, they don't offer uniform resistance like barbells do.
The best way to know the starting weight of a belt squat machine is to fasten a luggage scale to the attachment point and measure it.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove all weight plates from the belt squat machine
- Grab a luggage scale that has a capacity of at least 100 pounds (you don’t want to break the scale!)
- Fasten the luggage scale to the attachment point on the machine.
- Stand on the platform of the machine and pull up on the luggage scale
- The scale should now be supporting the entire weight of the lever system
- Take note of the weight displayed on the scale
- Rerack the belt squat’s lever system
Belt squat machines are becoming increasingly popular in the gym, and it's no surprise that people are curious about their weight.
While the weight of a belt squat machine varies based on its construction materials, it's useful to know the starting weight to determine the amount of weight you can add to the machine, especially if you’re close to maxing out its capacity.
Measuring the starting weight using a luggage scale is the best way to get an accurate reading for your machine.
