Belt squats are a great way to work your lower body without putting too much strain on your back.
They are a variation of traditional squats where the weight is supported by a belt rather than being held on your shoulders using a barbell.
In this article, we will be discussing how to perform a belt squat without a machine with some expert tips to make sure you are doing them correctly. Belt squats are a great exercise for squatting pain-free, and for strengthening and building your legs. However, a standalone belt squat machine can be costly and takes up a significant amount of floor space.
Here are the 3 best belt squat exercises that don’t require a belt squat machine.Here’s how to perform it:
- Attach a Belt Squat Rack Attachment to your power rack at about waist height.
- Add the amount of weight plates you want to the weight horn
- Put a belt squat belt around your waist and squat down in front of the tubing, attaching the carabiner to the attachment point of the lever arm.
- When ready, stand up until there is tension on the belt.
- Squat down, keeping your chest up and your back straight.
- Push through your heels to stand back up.
- Perform for your desired number of reps.
Here’s how to perform it:
- Stand between two sturdy plyo-boxes, each about knee height.
- Put a belt squat belt around your waist and using the chain and carabiner, attach a dumbbell or kettlebell to it.
- Step onto the boxes and position your feet shoulder-width apart with the implement hanging straight down from your midline.
- Squat down, keeping your chest up and your back straight.
- Push through your heels to stand back up.
Here’s how to perform it:
- Place a barbell in a landmine attachment or in the corner of a room.
- Put a belt squat belt around your waist and loop the chain around the shaft of the bar using the carabiner.
- Stand facing away from the landmine in your squat stance and stand up fully.
- Squat down, keeping your chest up and your back straight until the plates make contact with the floor.
- Push through your heels to stand back up.
To ensure that you are performing belt squats correctly and safely, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep your back straight and your chest up throughout the exercise.
- Make sure your knees are tracking in line with your toes.
- Don't let your knees collapse inward.
- Use a weight that is challenging but still allows you to maintain proper form.
- Don't let the weight pull you forward or lean too far back.
In conclusion, belt squats are a great way to work your lower body muscles without putting too much strain on your back. But, you don’t need a belt squat machine to reap the benefits of them.
By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you can perform belt squats safely and effectively using a belt squat belt, some weight with boxes, or using a barbell and weight plates.
Incorporate them into your workout routine and enjoy the benefits of stronger, more stable legs!