7 Best Sissy Squat Machines in 2024
Contrary to the name, sissy squats are not for sissies. Whatever your level of lifting and exercise goals are, adding sissy squats into your workout routine can provide an excellent way to overload your legs, improve your balance and coordination, and improve your functional fitness.
With several different designs on the market, I’ve broken down the best sissy squat machines so you’re able to make a great addition to your home gym setup.
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Elite Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine.
The Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine is my top pick choice to purchase in 2024. The frame is constructed using durable 11-Gauge steel with a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs, making it suitable for most user shapes and sizes.
Top 7 Best Sissy Squat Machines Reviewed
- Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine – Top Pick
- Goplus Deep Squat Machine – Runner-Up
- Leikefitness Deluxe Multi-function Sissy Squat
- Soozier 3-in-1 Sissy Squat Machine
- Seanleecore Sissy Squat Machine
- GYMAX Sissy Squat Machine
- ComMax Sissy Squat Machine
Each commercial sissy squat machine has been ranked according to durability, stability, versatility, portability, and value for money.
Product | Total | Durability | Stability | Versatility | Portability | Value for money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Titan Fitness | 49 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 |
Goplus | 48.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 |
Leikefitness | 48 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 |
Soozier | 47 | 10 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 |
Seenleecore | 47 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
GYMAX | 46.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 |
ComMax | 46.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 |
1. Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine
- Features: Large Diamond Footplate / Four Adjustable Foot Roller Positions / Five Adjustable Calf Pad Positions
- Materials: 11-Gauge Steel / Foam Padding
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 46″ L x 18 W x 16-20″ H
- Max Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Titan Fitness aims to provide premium fitness equipment without the premium cost. They want everyone to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Their equipment is constructed from high-quality materials and designed to perform.
The Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine is my top pick choice to purchase in 2024. The frame is constructed using durable 11-Gauge steel with a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs, making it suitable for most user shapes and sizes. It’s finished with a black powder coating to help prevent rust and damage from heavy use.
In terms of machine dimensions, the Titan Fitness Sissy Squat measures 46″ L x 18″ W x 16-20″ H, meaning it’s able to fit into most home gym spaces, with the compact-looking design allowing it to be used or stored safely.
It features four adjustable foam calf roller positions from 5-8″ and adjustable calf pad positions which range from 16-20″ from the footplate. Having these adjustment options allows you to adjust the sissy squat exactly as you need to provide a comfortable and safe workout experience.
At the bottom, the large footplate features a non-slip diamond textured surface so your feet and legs stay firmly locked in against the pads when exercising. The frame itself sits on four protective rubber feet that keep your floor and the frame from wearing down or becoming damaged with repeated heavy use.
If you want, the Titan Fitness Sissy Squat can be used as an ab crunch or sit-up aid by locking your feet into the foam roller pads. If you want to keep it simple, position the pads correctly and start squatting.
Overall, the Titan Fitness Sissy Squat machine is clean and compact looking, features several adjustable pad positions, and comes with protective feet and a large diamond textured footplate. It’s a well-designed squat machine and would make a great addition to any home gym setup.
The Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine is my top pick choice to purchase in 2024. The frame is constructed using durable 11-Gauge steel with a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs, making it suitable for most user shapes and sizes.
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2. Goplus Deep Squat Machine
- Features: Anti-skid foot pads / Press-up Handles / Transport Wheels
- Materials: Polyurethane / Iron / Polyvinyl Chloride
- Weight: 29.5 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 38" L x 23" W x 18.5-30" H
- Max Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
Goplus manufactures and sells indoor sports equipment including cardio equipment, weights, and gym machines. They want to help you build your exclusive home gym with their well-designed smaller fitness equipment and heavy workout gear.
If you’re looking for a multi-function sissy squat machine to put in your home gym, the Goplus Deep Sissy Squat is an excellent runner-up. It’s designed to be used as an 8-in-1 fitness trainer, with options to train your legs, arms, and core muscles.
Constructed from thickened iron pipes, the Goplus frame can handle up to 265 lbs of user weight. It measures 38" L x 23" W x 18.5-30" H, with multiple adjustment options on both the foot rollers and calf pads. To ensure frame stability when exercising, the bottom is designed with a T-shape, so the unit doesn't move when you shift your weight around.
Out of all my sissy squat machine choices, the Goplus machine features the most adjustable options, with the PVC-covered leg cushion offering 11 different height adjustment options via the black knob just below. If you need to adjust the incline of the cushion or fold it down fully, simply unclip the cushion into 3 different hole choices.
Featuring the same durable PVC material, the foot rollers can be adjusted into 6 different height positions via the other easily accessible black knob.
At the bottom of the frame, the large textured footplate wraps around to give you plenty of space to place your feet correctly. Under the frame, four enlarged anti-skid footpads provide added stability and protect your floor and the frame from damage,
Another excellent feature is the handy ring anchor attachments at the front of the frame, allowing you to attach a pair of resistance bands for an arms workout or extra leg challenge. Goplus have also included two handy transport wheels so you’re able to move the machine around if needed.
Overall, the Goplus Deep Sissy Squat machine offers a fantastic range of exercise options, with some nice added features making the machine a great multifunctional gym addition.
The Goplus Deep Sissy Squat machine offers a fantastic range of exercise options, with some nice added features making the machine a great multifunctional gym addition.
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3. Leikefitness Deluxe Multi-function Sissy Squat
- Features: Transport Wheels / Steel No-slip Footplate / Foldable Design
- Materials: Alloy Steel / Foam Foot Pad
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 43.3" L x 19" W x 33" H
- Max Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
Leikiefitness specializes in manufacturing high-quality cardio and strength-based equipment. They want to provide excellent customer satisfaction by providing great products and offering great customer service.
The Leikefitness Deluxe Multi-function Sissy Squat offers a more premium-looking machine design, with the higher price tag reflecting the added finishes on the frame and padding areas.
Constructed from alloy steel, the frame can handle up to 330 lbs of user weight, giving plenty of room for larger-sized athletes and recreational gym users. A unique feature of the frame is the ability to adjust the length of the T-shape at the end depending on the exercise you’re performing.
This further adds durability if you’re performing back extensions where your body comes further away from the unit. The bottom of the frame has 6 protective rubber feet which keep it from moving around and protect your home gym floor.
The machine measures 43.3" L x 19" W x 33" H and comes with two transport wheels on the front of the frame, allowing it to be easily transported around your home gym or between rooms depending on how you want to use it. If you want to store it when not in use, the frame folds nicely in by moving the foot rollers and rear calf pad to the maximum angle.
In terms of premium features, the foot foam roller and rear calf cushion are covered in durable PU leather which adds a premium feel and look to the whole machine. Both the foot rollers and rear calf cushion are readily adjustable by using the black knobs located on the frame. This gives you multiple exercise choices including back extensions, sit-ups, lunges, and of course sissy squats.
Leikefitness has given you two color choices to choose from, which are black and beige. Both options feature subtle Leikefitness branding on the end of the foot rollers which gives the whole unit a more premium feel.
Overall, the Leikefitness Deluxe Multi-function Sissy Squat offers some premium finishes, is fully foldable, and has an adjustable frame design for added durability. It's a great premium machine option.
The Leikefitness Deluxe Multi-function Sissy Squat offers some premium finishes, is fully foldable, and has an adjustable frame design for added durability. It's a great premium machine option.
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4. Soozier 3-in-1 Sissy Squat Machine
- Features: Press-up Handles / Footplate Suction Cups
- Materials: Steel Frame / EVA Padding
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 38" L x 20" W x 18-22.7" H
- Max Weight Capacity: 264 lbs
Soozier offers a wide range of fitness equipment and accessories that are designed to meet the needs of athletes and recreational gym goers around the world. They have equipment for people of all ages and abilities.
The Soozier 3-in-1 Sissy Squat Machine has been designed for three main exercises - sissy squats, sit-ups, and press-ups. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a more minimalist approach to training to work your chest, arms, core, legs, and general conditioning.
The frame is made from durable steel designed to hold up to 264 lbs of user weight. It's finished with a black powder coating that protects the machine from the environment and repeated friction during use. It measures 38" L x 20" W x 18-22.7" H, making it one of the most compact frame designs out of my top 7 choices.
The large non-slip foot plate at the bottom is textured to keep your feet from slipping, with four suction pads to keep the frame from moving around when exercising. At the back of the unit, the press-up handles are finished with rubber sleeves to add some hand comfort when using them.
At the font, the foot rollers are made from thick foam and have 4 different adjustment options via the black knob at the top. In the middle of the unit, the large calf pad is made from durable EVA foam and can be adjusted vertically to 7 different heights.
The Soozier 3-in-1 Sissy Squat Machine can be purchased in black/red and yellow/ black, with the Soozier branding on the calf pad in white. Overall, Soozier has designed a great-looking Sissy Squat that features a compact frame design and durable foam finishes throughout. If you don’t need more exercise options, this is the perfect choice for you.
The Soozier has designed a great-looking Sissy Squat that features a compact frame design and durable foam finishes throughout. If you don’t need more exercise options, this is the perfect choice for you.
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5. Seanleecore Sissy Squat Machine
- Features: Hip Thrust Station / Press-up Handles / Transport Wheels / Resistance Bands
- Materials: Alloy Steel / Polyurethane
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 50" L x 20" W x 15.3-20.5" H
- Max Weight Capacity: 264 lbs
Seenleecore wants to make it easy and effective for people of any ability level to exercise and keep in shape. Their products feature unique designs with high-quality construction and customer service.
If you’re looking for a leg-focused workout, the Seenleecore Sissy Squat machine might be the perfect choice for you. It functions as two machines in one, offering great value for money and multiple exercise choices.
Alongside using it for sissy squats, it doubles up as a hip thrust machine, offering a great glute-focused workout. Simply reverse your body position towards the back of the frame and use the hip thrust cushion to assume the correct position.
Seenleecore has included resistance band anchor points on the frame along with a pair of resistance bands and a hip belt, meaning you have everything you need to get started.
The frame is constructed from durable alloy steel and finished with a black powder coating for added protection. Each of the three padded areas are wrapped in soft polyurethane to give you extra comfort when exercising and prevent the pads from wearing down over time.
The calf pad has 5 adjustment options from 15.3 - 20.5" giving a good range of options for different user heights. At the bottom of the machine, the large anti-slip footplate is textured for extra stability, with several suction points spread under the frame to contact the floor and stop the frame from moving.
On the side of the frame, the press handles provide another exercise option. Underneath, the rollers allow you to easily pick the machine up and store it away if necessary.
Overall, the Seenleecore Sissy Squat Machine features a unique hip thrust section with resistance band anchor points, with resistance bands and a hip belt included to get you started.
The Seenleecore Sissy Squat Machine features a unique hip thrust section with resistance band anchor points, with resistance bands and a hip belt included to get you started.
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6. GYMAX Sissy Squat Machine
- Features: Push-up Handles / Anti-skid Frame Pads / Cushion Adjustment
- Materials: Steel Frame / Foam Pad
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 36" L x 21.5" W x 16-19" H
- Max Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
GYMAX sells a wide range of health and fitness equipment designed for use by people with different abilities and age groups. They aim to update their products periodically with new technology and innovative features.
The GYMAX Sissy Squat machine is another 3-in-1 exercise machine option providing a range of options including sissy squats, sit-ups, and press-ups.
The frame is made from hardened steel, supporting a large max user weight of 330 lbs. It measures 36" L x 21.5" W x 16-19" H, making it one of the most compact sissy squat options out of my top 7 choices.
The back half of the frame features a T-Shape design for added durability, with the cushioned press-up handles welded onto the ends. The underneath of the frame has 4 large rubber feet to keep it from moving and rubbing against other surfaces.
The adjustable back cushion and foot holders can be set into four different positions depending on your preference and body dimensions. The extra wide back cushion adjusts from 16" to 19" and is finished with a polyurethane cover. The foot rollers adjust from 6" to 8.5" and are made up of soft foam.
Overall, the GYMAX Sissy Squat machine features a compact durable frame design, with a large textured foot plate and larger user max weight.
The GYMAX Sissy Squat machine features a compact durable frame design, with a large textured foot plate and larger user max weight.
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7. ComMax Sissy Squat Machine
- Features: Push-up Handles / Large Frame Suction Cups
- Materials: Alloy Steel / Foam Roller
- Weight: 26.5 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 35" L x 18" W x 16.5 - 18.9" H
- Max Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Commax is one of the leading suppliers in the health and fitness industry, constantly trying to improve their products and bring new ones to market. They aim to provide equipment that makes a meaningful difference to your health and well-being.
Last on my top 7 Sissy Squat Machines is the unit from ComMax. As far as first impressions go, it looks great, with a simple but effective design covering all the bases.
The frame is made from thickened steel pipe and supports up to 250 lbs of user weight. It measures 35" L x 18" W x 16.5 - 18.9" H, making it another one of the most compact sissy squat machine options on my list. To move the machine around your home or store away when not in use, pick it up via the press-up handles and wheel it around using the handy transport wheels.
The frame also has extra large rubber feet at every end, and two conveniently located press-up handles at the back. The high elastic foot holder is made from PU leather and adjusts via the black knob at the top of the frame. The main calf pad adjusts to 6 different height positions, which give you plenty of exercise choices and comfort options.
A great extra feature on the frame bottom is the two U-shaped resistance band anchor points, which further add to the number of suitable exercise options.
Overall, the ComMax Sissy Squat has a great range of adjustment options, has a good compact design, and features a premium PU leather finish on the cushions.
The ComMax Sissy Squat has a great range of adjustment options, has a good compact design, and features a premium PU leather finish on the cushions.
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Why Choose a Sissy Squat Machine?
Using a sissy squat bench as part of your home gym routine has several physiological and practical benefits:
1. Muscle Isolation
One of the biggest benefits of using a sissy squat machine is the quadriceps isolation when performing the movement correctly. The movement pattern requires flexion and extension of the knee joints whilst keeping the body in an upright position, therefore heavily targeting the quads.
It’s one of the best isolation exercises that can be done on its own or as part of a superset with other leg exercises.
2. Core Stability
Besides just engaging your quad muscles, you need to brace your core throughout the whole movement. This allows you to keep your body in the correct position and target the quads effectively rather than getting other muscles involved.
Therefore, sissy squats are a great core-building exercise alongside helping with functional movement patterns.
3. Calorie Burning
Whilst it's true that most gym exercises burn calories, sissy squats work your quads, core, glutes, and hip flexors. The muscle groups work together to help lower your body correctly down into a deep squat position and push you back up using the same plane of motion.
4. Joint Friendly
Due to the leg positioning, sissy squats can be extremely effective with a little extra weight or just body weight. To get an effective leg workout, you don't need to overload the movement much. Just perform them using the correct technique and temp.
This makes sissy squats a great joint-friendly alternative to normal squats or other pressing movements.
5. Balance & Coordination
Most leg movements tend to be hamstring dominant, with the hamstrings taking over as the prime mover even in supposed quad-based exercises. With your legs locked firmly in the sissy squat, you have to use your quads as the prime movers to flex and extend into the correct movement pattern. This helps to balance the proportions of your leg muscles, so they don't become overly dominant in one area.
Sissy squats are also a great way to improve your general coordination and balance. The sissy squat rack movement pattern translates extremely well into dynamic sports movements and general daily life duties.
How to Pick the Best Sissy Squat Machine?
When deciding the best sissy squat equipment to purchase, consider the factors below:
1. Durability
Durability refers to the overall build quality of something and how much repeated impact it can take without wearing down.
Specifically, the durability of a sissy squat machine mainly concerns the frame metal, frame construction, and padding materials. When purchasing, make sure to check for high-quality metal and decent materials such as foam that are made for exercise.
2. Multifunctionality/Versatility
This refers to how many functions something can perform or the range of things it can be used for. Sissy squat machine frames feature different designs that allow them to be used for press-ups, sit-ups, dips, and even hip thrusts.
Depending on the exercises you want to perform, check the functions the sissy squat machine can offer before making the right choice for you.
3. Portability
With the smaller dimensions and lack of added weight, sissy squat machines can be easily portable with the right features. If you want to move your machine around to different positions, check if it has useful features such as transport wheels and easy carry handles.
Tips From the Champ
Due to the leg positioning, sissy squats can be extremely effective with a little extra weight or just body weight. To get an effective leg workout, you don't need to overload the movement much. Just perform them using the correct technique and temp.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
4. Value for Money
Whatever you buy, you always want to get good value for money. Once you’ve checked the price of the sissy squat machine, compare it to the build quality and features offered to make sure you're happy with what you’re paying.
5. Additional Features
Depending on the brand, some sissy squat machines offer additional features such as press-up handles, hip thrust stations, sit-up levers, and adjustable frame components.
Check the features offered and decide how much it will add to your overall workout experience.
FAQ
Is a sissy squat machine safe to use?
When performed correctly, sissy squat machines provide an excellent joint-friendly, low-pressure exercise option. They can be used as a great alternative if you’re looking for something more friendly on the lumbar spine region.
Is a sissy squat machine worth it?
Using a sissy squat machine can help to build muscular strength and endurance, work on your conditioning, and lower the stress on your joints and lower back.
There are also many great machine options available that come at a good price and should last for your whole lifting career if used correctly. For these reasons, sissy squat machines are definitely worth it.
Why are sissy squats so hard?
To perform a sissy squat correctly, you need to keep your chest up and core braced throughout the whole movement. Alongside this, sissy squat machines require a range of motion that you might not be used to.
Due to these factors, sissy squat machines can seem challenging at first and continue to provide a great exercise stimulus when adding weight or increasing the reps.
Conclusion
Sissy Squat machines offer an excellent way to work out using one piece of gym equipment. They are durable, offer great value for money, and come with a range of different features depending on the brand.
The Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine is my top pick choice out of the 7 choices I’ve reviewed above. It’s well-designed and constructed, with an excellent range of adjustment options and extra features. It’s the best overall Sissy squat machine when you consider the most important factors together.
What do you think of my sissy squat machine reviews? Try including them in your next workout and let me know how it goes below!
Also read:
References:
- WebMD Editorial Contributors, "Health Benefits of Squats," WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/health-benefits-of-squats (July 18, 2023).
- "What Is Functional Training?," Anytime Fitness, https://www.anytimefitness.com/ccc/ask-a-coach/what-is-functional-training-everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-started/ (July 25, 2020).
- "What is Knee Flexion and Extension? - Muscles Used & 10 Exercises," OPEX FITNESS, https://www.opexfit.com/blog/what-is-knee-flexion-and-extension-muscles-used-10-exercises (July 11, 2023).
- Rick Richey, "Core Objectives: Making A Case For Progressive Core Training," NASM, https://blog.nasm.org/progressive-core-training.
- Nicole Davis, "How to Do Hip Thrusts the Right Way," Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/cossack-squat (October 23, 2020).
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Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
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