Finding a way to fit a belt squat into a home gym is a common struggle, but the Barret Belt Squat attachment is a "crazy innovation" that solves this by converting a weight bench into a long lever belt squat. One of the best things about this design is that it folds down and stores vertically, so it doesn't take up much space in a crowded garage.
The Belt Squat: Vertical Travel and Deep Range of Motion
The core of this attachment is a 66-inch lever arm, and there are distinct benefits to having that extra length. First, you feel a significant amount of the weight you load. Specifically, you feel 67% of the weight on a horn that has a 450 lb capacity. Second, the long lever arm provides a more vertical up-and-down motion rather than an "arch" motion. This is a critical design choice because it creates less force on your lower back and knees.
The pivot point starts at the gap between the back pad and the seat pad and extends all the way to the connection point. During use, the range of motion is impressive; because of the -10 degree setting on the bench, you can actually go past horizontal to get very good depth. In this pre-production model, the creator noted that he had to go down slightly to engage the spring-loaded kickstand, but the production units will feature a longer kickstand to allow for more vertical starting and ending positions.
Versatility: RDLs and Calf Raises
This attachment is not limited to just squats. By using the MAG pins to lock the handle into a horizontal position, the unit becomes an effective tool for RDLs (Romanian Deadlifts). A key tip for this exercise is that if you are doing very heavy RDLs, you don't have to start with the kickstand in the vertical position; you can simply start the movement directly from the ground. Because of the lever length, the handle movement remains very vertical and not arc-like.
For those looking to target their lower legs, the Hybrid Board includes a specific cutout. This allows you to perform heel-elevated squats or calf raises without the kickstand hitting the slant board. The creator noted that these calf raises "feel very good," which is a testament to the stability and design of the entire setup.
A Solid Foundation
The real value here is the Apex Bench itself, which serves as the "centerpiece for everything" in this growing ecosystem. Constructed from heavy-duty 11-gauge steel with a 1,000-lb weight capacity, it offers a rock-solid, stable foundation for any movement.
The brilliance of this design is that you don't need to buy every attachment; you can pick and choose exactly what you need based on your training style and the space you have in your home or garage gym. It’s a smart, modular solution for anyone looking to build a high-performance gym in a limited environment.
To better understand how each component fits into a complete training setup, explore the full APEX Ecosystem. The bench and its attachments are thoughtfully designed to function as an integrated system, allowing you to expand and adapt your setup as your training evolves.