DIY squat machine - reacting to pendulum squats from the community

Every home gym should have a DIY pendulum squat machine! Ok, maybe not but here are some super cool builds from the community.
Featured in this video (in order of appearance):
1. @evanball (on Instagram)
2. @dr.craig.spergel (on Instagram)
3. @nicelikemike__ (on Instagram)
4. ‪@KaizenDIYGym‬
5. ‪@ElitePhysiqueTraining‬
6. ‪@seanharris5533‬
7. ‪@DesignBuildLift‬
8. ‪@danielhewitt8‬
9. ‪@RoryEllisMusic‬
10. @evanball (on Instagram)
11. @mini.hulkk (on instagram)
12. Glenn Beard
13. @johnsonfitness369 (on instagram)
14. ‪@KaizenDIYGym‬
15. ‪@pigcap‬
16. @homegym.germany (on instagram)
Check them out and subscribe/follow!
Support Kaizen DIY Gym by purchasing from any of the following links:
⏬ Equipment I use in my gym ⏬
REP Fitness - www.repfitness.com/#61e712588...
REP Omni 6 post power rack
REP AB4100
REP 5-50 hex dumbbell set
Rep monolift attachments
Fringe Sport - shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=720665...
Fringe Sport Savage bumper plate set
Fringe Sport floor mounted power cage
AbMat - abmat.com/#a_aid=kaizendiygym (coupon code DIY10 saves you 10%)
Hip thrust pad
Chest up pad
Preacher pad
Barbell bomb
Abmat
Quarter rings
Belt squat cover
Split squat pad
Medicine balls
Bells of Steel - www.bellsofsteel.us/#a_aid=Ka...
Mighty Grip plates
Seal Row Pad
Wall Mounted pulley tower
Aluminum pulley wheel upgrade
Arch nemesis multi-grip camber bar
Blue cerakote utility bar
Rackable curl bar
Rogue Fitness - www.kaizendiygym/links
Monster lite matador
Monster 2.0 trolley arms
Echo Bar
Stanless Steel Ohio power bar
Titan Fitness - titan-fitness.pxf.io/ORNWqA
Titan Fitness short wall mounted pulley tower
Titan Fitness rackable trap bar
Aluminum pulley wheels I used to upgrade: amzn.to/3GnkoGE (I caught them on sale for $9.99 each)
Inspire Fitness functional trainer - amzn.to/3PTvlTv
Massenomics Drink Spotter - www.massenomics.com/shop/drin...
Mutant Metals handles - mutantmetals.com/products/p/8...
Marrs Bar - titan-fitness.pxf.io/2rPJvD
Elite FTS bands - www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we...
Flowhold flag - www.flowholdsd.com/collection...
This video is not sponsored. Some of the links are affiliates which means if you purchase through the link, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

What community DIY round up should I do next?

[@petefredi8082]

Leg press

[@Alley00Cat]

Losing your cool at 3:15 really made my day lolll. Haven’t seen you break out of uncle handyman character before lmao ❤😂

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Ha, I’m glad you got a kick out of it. I seriously debated leaving it in but some people just need to hear it!

[@Alley00Cat]

@@KaizenDIYGym at some point you just have to Greta these Tate people. Too many haters. All the best, keep up the amazing content.

[@Jamesah]

@@KaizenDIYGym lmao my favorite part of the video. It was so genuine. I've been enjoying your content as a mix of exercise, education, and building cool stuff. Then you add that humor and it's off! You are officially my fav creator!

[@nicelikemike]

Appreciate the concern, bro! V2 of my setup hopefully coming soon!!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Sweet, I’m looking forward to it!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Some really cool designs here! Thank you for including mine, Kyle! I appreciate it!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Heck yeah Peej! Amazing work!

[@RoryEllisMusic]

I love it! Great video as always! The creativity of the home gym community always amazes me.

[@RoryEllisMusic]

And thanks again for including me 🤙🏼

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah man, thanks for sharing your great ideas with the world.

[@ericjohnson369]

Really awesome video showcasing the ingenuity of the home gym community 👏🏻. Also thank you for the feature!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yours is one of my all time favorites!

[@scooobyj8714]

Wow. There are some amazing DIY setups.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah, I completely agree. I am so amazed by the ingenuity of this community

[@Dre_Fitness]

That "eat a d**k bro" comment got me rolling on floor man! Hell yeah some people dont understand that variety is essential! Conjugate!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Haha, same. I debated cutting that part out so as not to offend anyone but ultimately left it in. I’m glad you can relate.

[@Dre_Fitness]

@@KaizenDIYGym Glad ya left it in! sometimes people got to be called out on their stupidity!

[@Oho159]

awsome ideas. people are so smart to come up with these ideas

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I am constantly amazed

[@bokononisti2820]

Loving the DIY compilations. Keep 'em coming! As for the ratchet strap safety, I'd highly recommend against that for anything but very light weight where you can stay focused on where your fingers are.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah good call! Glad you like these videos. I really enjoy making them too

[@Eccles_basement_gym]

There are some pretty cool DIY dumbbells in the community. That could be a good one.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s a great idea!

[@Shaq34332]

New subscriber. I just found your channel (you just came up on my feed!). I love it all the DIY(s)!!!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Hey that’s great! Thanks for the sub!

[@blsemetan7232]

Ahh... never thought of doing pendulum squats this way, I gotta try them sometime. 👍

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, let me know how you like it

[@briand5047]

Great video!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@eddierivera6896]

Awesome!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you!

[@bigdogkropp]

@evaanball design appears to be the cheapest, most effective, safest design. No surprise that it directly mimics the design of a commercial pendulum squat If the design where modified so the backpad folded up between lever arms while storing it would not take up a lot of storage space.

[@dyardsale5475]

great vid

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks so much! These types of videos are fun to make. Glad you like it!

[@FattzDeluxe]

You ever do a diy tib bar? I’ve been having a blast with the one I got for the holidays. Leg exts, ham curls, t bell sumos, seated calf raises lots of fun stuff.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’ve messed around with one. I’ve been trying to find a different way to do it but it’s just so simple.

[@FattzDeluxe]

@@KaizenDIYGym maybe one with a sliding adjustment on the roller / cushion part? I feel like I could more comfortably do some of the other movements like the seated calf raise or ham curl if I could move that closer or further a bit. Like a pvc in a more narrow pvc to telescope it. Just a possible idea. Love the channel my dude!

[@dylanowens3173]

I didn't do a diy, but there are leverage squat machines by bunch manufacturers powertec, body solid etc that mimic a pendulum squat angle in a smaller platform and can regular squat flat feet on ground and linebacker "reverse" squat thrust. I bought a used one after covid restrictions lifted and prices dropped on gym equipment for only $150.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Nice! That's probably the easiest option!

[@pookiewood]

I just use a low row, dip belt to attach to it, stand on a slant board and hold on to my barbell at the highest for my rack which is a Nautilus slanted rack. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s another good idea!

[@benjaminwetscher9614]

🔥

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks bro!

[@Eccles_basement_gym]

I hope Larry from Bulletproof brings the squat arm prototype to Home Gym Con

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah, I’m so excited to see it in person

[@kalahari7022]

Really impressive! I think those designs can be classified in two categories: with lever arm or with straps. Is there any difference between the two categories from muscle engagement perspective?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’m sure there’s a difference but that’s outside of my area of expertise.

[@user-un4xl3sx3s]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🏋️ The video showcases various DIY pendulum squat setups from the DIY community, aiming to replicate the large and expensive commercial gym machines. 01:00 🤔 Some of the DIY setups are perceived as sketchy and may raise safety concerns, especially in case of failure or breakage. 02:24 🔍 The setups utilize various straps and attachments, with an emphasis on safety mechanisms to ensure user protection during exercises. 04:05 🏠 The DIY pendulum squats range from permanent setups to removable attachments, offering different levels of convenience and space requirements in home gyms. 09:28 🏋️ Some DIY setups allow lifters to handle heavier weights and push beyond their usual limits safely, enabling unique training opportunities. Made with HARPA AI

[@sarahwillis5420]

What length would be needed for that pin pipe saftey configuration

[@brunoteixeira5703]

Sometimes, I do a foam roller version on the wall.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’ve heard that works well

[@eddierivera6896]

Maybe you could weld together a pendulum squat as an attachment to the power rack and detach when finished .

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That would be interesting

[@IRONSIIGHTz]

I’m not sure you’ll see this but I’m interested in building your diy rack mounted leg press but unfortunately I don’t have an incline bench, have you tried the same leg press vertically? Perhaps lying on a flat bench? Just wondering, love your vids mate

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yes, I posted a video on instagram a while back using it on the floor instagram.com/reel/CZuHePJDUv4/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@IRONSIIGHTz]

@@KaizenDIYGym thanks mate! I should’ve checked out your ig beforehand lol. Looks good, did you find you were moving backwards during the movement on the floor? Thanks for reply

[@JoseSuarez-bk3qg]

That was interesting video. The only question I have is does this method of squatting take a lot of pressure off the spine?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

With a traditional pendulum squat machine (and a back rest) yes, there is virtually no load on the spine. Some of these DIY accomplish that and some don’t.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

With a traditional pendulum squat machine (and a back rest) yes, there is virtually no load on the spine. Some of these DIY accomplish that and some don’t.

[@JoseSuarez-bk3qg]

@@KaizenDIYGym Thanks for the reply.

[@eduardocorreia4610]

9:50 Nutcracker 3000

[@KaizenDIYGym]

DIY vasectomy!

[@eduardocorreia4610]

@@KaizenDIYGym 😂 I’m glad you changed your mind about it

[@lymedog3176]

Most of these people you show , have tons of room or cash to have the equipment

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Tons of cash? That’s an interesting assumption.

[@lymedog3176]

I say that because of the high priced power racks and or other equipment... Not judging, just diy budgeting for the not so fortunate

[@Aryeh-o]

why no do leg press machine? why do nut crackers?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

You should do whatever aligns with your training goals. There are no hard and fast rules.

[@RoidfreeSenior]

Looks like a good harness rig for sissy squats

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s true!

[@nk2012]

No offense but this squat motion is half baked. The angled motion does not keep the pressure constant. Especially on the way down. If one wants to perform a safe and effective non barbell squat. Get two solid and stable plyo box. At least 12 inches tall. Buy a loading pin or power pin. And perform a variation of the goblin squat/ass to the grass. Even at lower weight... it is a much better lower/full body workout.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I love that solution for you

[@JorgeGonzalez-vq8fv]

👍👍🥇🇵🇷😄🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💪👏👍

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks!

[@memolibir]

🦾

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks dude!

[@TrussttN01]

I don’t see any advantage over belt squats, and some of those looked dangerous.

[@SB-ur3cu]

None of these are pendulum squats. Pendulum squats have counter weights

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Ok cool. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@CarlYota]

The counter weights are there to make the movement easier. You would only need them if the apparatus itself was too heavy for you.

[@SB-ur3cu]

@@CarlYota counter weight is there to make the bottom of the lift easier than the top, which isn't replicated in any other squatting movements/machine. That's what make pendulum squat unique, otherwise it's basically a hack squat.

[@minecraftlord568]

I would just pay $1500 for the machine. Sorry not really in the spirit of the channel I know 😆

[@KaizenDIYGym]

No it totally is! Physical fitness is a personal journey and everyone is on their own path. If your path leads you to a $1500 machine, I support you! As long as we are working to improve, we are on the right path.

[@randerodr7389]

Good video. Thanks. Personally I'm going to stick with belt squats. Seems like they are pretty similar. I'm wondering why someone hasn't come up with a way to do these on jammer arms. They sell equipment for landmines that mimic this movement. Why not attach to a jammer arm ? Thinking about building something myself.

[@randerodr7389]

Ooops. Watched rest of video. Some have kinda done what I'm thinking about building.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

It has been tinkered with but not quite perfected. The down side with the jammer arm version is the set up time.

[@randerodr7389]

@@KaizenDIYGym Mine stay on the front of my power rack. Honestly only use one for belt squats and calf raises. Thanks.

[@iamfuckingyourwaifuandther2743]

I mean squatting normally is uncomfortable for me, so doing anything but squatting normally is an improvement. Why squat normally if it's uncomfortable and makes you not ever want to train legs.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I agree. We should train in the way that works best for our goals, mobility, and available equipment. It’ll be different for everyone.