How to Perform Hip-Belt Squats

Move over squats, there's a new kid in town: hip-belt squats (HBS). This type of squat is quickly becoming the go-to exercise for athletes and gym-goers alike due to its many benefits and effectiveness. Not only do they target your glutes, quads, and hamstrings but they also engage your core muscles while working on shoulder mobility and spinal compression. With so much potential packed into one exercise, it’s no wonder why hip belt-style squats are taking the fitness world by storm.

Instructions

1. Start with your core muscles activated and your ribcage lowered. Imagine using your abs to form a boundary between the front of your waist and the underside of your ribs, without allowing any space in between as you move.

2. Descend by pressing through your heels, keeping feet facing straight forward, knees reaching for the little toes. Keep your abs flexed throughout this motion.

3. At the bottom of the squat, press the weight outward by engaging your core and maintaining excellent posture.

4. As you stand up, think of pushing through your heels while keeping your knees tracking straight forward, with an erect spine and back muscles activated.

5. Use the power of your core muscles to manage the weight, creating a strong and stable foundation in your core before each rep! Feel free to laugh or smile as you work; working out is supposed to be fun!

6. Finally, don't forget that practice makes perfect with this exercise – so keep at it until you master it! With regular practice, you'll soon be squatting like a champ.

The Hip-Belt Squat has become a mainstay in gyms all around the world as people everywhere look for ways to train their legs with heavier weights without putting strain on their spine or risking injury from traditional barbell back squats. The HBS machine allows you to load up plates or dumbbells onto an adjustable belt that wraps around your hips while allowing you to keep proper form throughout the entire movement pattern – giving you both safety and mechanical advantage when lifting heavy weight. You can even add additional attachments like chains or bands for added resistance if desired!

But that’s not all; this piece of equipment has more than just one benefit. In addition to protecting the spine against axial loading, HBS also engage your core muscles and emphasizes hip extension while hitting the glutes, quads, and hamstrings – making it an incredibly effective exercise for athletes looking to build muscle mass and strength. Plus, with its adjustable belt size, it can accommodate people of any size – making it the perfect solution for both beginner and advanced lifters.

Still not convinced? Here are some other reasons to give this style of squat a chance: they’re great for activating your feet, they don’t require a squat rack or stand, they don’t target your shoulders like a dip belt, you can use them for a wider range of rep variations, and they’re designed for maximal glute activation. Plus, the possibilities for belt squat alternatives are endless! You can do hack squats with a multi-belt, wall squats using a Louie Simmons belt, landmine belt squats with a heavy weight to train your legs, or even Romanian deadlift variations using a Spud Inc belt.

In essence, HBS' are the perfect piece of equipment for those looking to incorporate some variety into their leg workouts without having to lug around a bunch of extra plates or dumbbells. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out in your gym journey or an advanced lifter looking for a way to increase your strength and power, hip-belt squats are the way to go! So get out there, put on your belt, and start squatting – your legs will thank you later.