"The Squat Perfector"

[Negin]

This is not for me, but for a friend on Facebook. I offered to ask for her here, since you are all always so helpful and knowledgeable. She asked about this machine. Here's what my friend wrote:

"Anyone know if this type of machine is any good? Looking for something affordable at home. I already walk an hour most days. I want to go deeper on my squats, so I was looking for something like this. I want to improve my glutes and knee strength. I do lots of squats but I can’t go this low without help."

Amazon offers it also.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with something like this, or, can suggest anything else?

Thanks so much.

[Tanja]

I do not think this machine will improve free standing squats. If you look at the video, the model uses her upper body to pull herself up/holding on.

She would be better off with a TRX type gadget such as Primal7, https://primal7movement.com/. You still have to use all your supporting muscles, such as core, ankles and calves, and it works balance, when squatting.

[gladgirl]

She can also use a weight bench or chair and do "sit" squats to learn.

As she gets better, more comfortable with those she can lower to a stool...until she can do them unassisted.

[Negin]

Thank you both so much. I'm going to share your helpful replies with her.

[prettyinpink]

Originally Posted by gladgirl

She can also use a weight bench or chair and do "sit" squats to learn.

As she gets better, more comfortable with those she can lower to a stool...until she can do them unassisted.

This is what I was going to say. I’ve listened to some trainers talk about this exact problem. They generally recommend squatting to a tall box to start, possibly something higher than a bench as some people cannot go down to 16-18” when starting out.

They are usually called “box squats”.

[bzar]

you could hold on to the door jamb too or a post outside.

between our living room and family room, there's a very wide "entrance" that has two vertical beams that create a "frame" so to speak. both are very solid, weight-bearing beams. i use these for doing that very same move in addition to the standing pelvic scoops done in Callanetics.

A wall-sit is the all-time squat perfecter.

[Negin]

Thank you all!

[yogapam]

Originally Posted by bzar

you could hold on to the door jamb too or a post outside.

between our living room and family room, there's a very wide "entrance" that has two vertical beams that create a "frame" so to speak. both are very solid, weight-bearing beams. i use these for doing that very same move in addition to the standing pelvic scoops done in Callanetics.

A wall-sit is the all-time squat perfecter.

Great suggestions!
And a wall squat with a stability ball between your back and the wall takes it up a notch.

[alisoncooks]

I wanted one for a while! Facebook marketplace around me often has them (like new) for cheap. The thing that helped me make my decision (against) was a lot of reviews talking about knee or back pain caused by it. That’s the last thing I need!

[Bluebelle]

There's a lot of great youtube videos on improving your squat form.