Best machine for legs?

A belt squat, also called a hip belt squat, is a piece of equipment that allows the user to sit safely, distributing the load to the hips rather than the back. So this exercise is perfect if you want to limit the stress on your upper body.

By largely removing the upper body from the equation, belt squats are somewhat similar to leg presses or squats, but are less stressful on the spine.

The problem with belt squats is that they can be difficult to set up and perform. The best way to do this is to use a specific machine, which is unfortunately rare except in the best equipped gyms. If you are one of the lucky ones who have access to such a device, take advantage of it.

1. Place the belt around your waist (not too high and not too low).
2. To start, hold the handles for support if necessary. Lift the load so that the bar is free of support.
3. Perform a leg flexion, followed by an extension to return to the starting position.
4. To put the load back in place, use the winch to put the bar rest back in place and let the load drop onto it.

Training tips

• Make sure the chain is not too short or too long. Perform a no-load squat to check length.