This movement is great for so many reason I am not sure where to begin. First, there are times in the training process where it is very important to "get the bar off your back". This helps the CNS recover and keeps the athlete ready for extreme performance. During these times it is still important to train the legs and lower back with squatting type movements. This is when the Belt Squat Machine is worth its weight in gold. You can still squat BUT the bar is off the spine.
The DD Handle squat is one of the first belt squat movements I ever did. I can still remember my first session like it was yesterday. I never felt my hips and lower back work like that before. I knew right away that this was going to be part of my training plan for a very long time.
To do the DD Handle squat, take any standard DD Handle and hook it to the belt squat machine. Get into you squat position, keep your head straight and eyes forward and sit back into a squat. As with any squat movement make sure you drive your knees out for greater hip activation. As you stand up make sure you keep your chest up.
This movement is great for heavy or low reps. I like to prescribe it for Max Effort replacement training (When you need a break from heavy singles and triples using the max effort method) with multiple sets of 5 reps.
Belt Squat Machine
The belt squat machine is one of the best ways to perform loaded squats without placing loads on your spine. This is important for several reasons:
*It allows for faster recovery due to unloading of the spine.
*It allows you to squat with upper body injuries that inhibit you from holding a bar on your back.
*The downward pull of the belt provides a traction like effect to the spine (great for lower back problems).
*You can train to failure with little fear of injury.
Other great uses of the belt squat
The Pull Through
Cable Dead Lilfts
Handle Squats with Double D Handle
Cable High Pulls
Seated Low Rows
Cable Zercher Squats
All types of rows