Reacting to over 30 DIY belt squat designs from the home gym community

Belt squats are becoming a home gym staple. DIY belt squats are an affordable way to dip your toes in the water. In this video I dive in deep and react to over 30 belt squats built by member of the home gym community from around the world.
In order of appearance:
1. @the_kurtlocker ( / @thekurtlocker )
2. @justinlagpacan
3. @borzakc
4. @homegym.icide ( / @homegymicide4659 )
5. @fit.annamal
6. @pluto2000jg
7. @bestrong.cl
8. @dkj.fit ( / @dylankjohnson )
9. @nicelikemike__
10. @thorben_sartory ( / @thorbensartory )
11. @stefan.ostling
12. @homegymhacksandreviews ( / channel )
13. @designbuildlift ( / @designbuildlift )
14. @kevin_rsg_18
15. @cypressgaragedad
16. @mattpendergraph ( / @mattpendergraph )
17. @thecarterhomegym ( / @thecarterhomegym )
18. Glenn Beard posted in the DIY Gym Equipment group on Facebook
19. @tony.larosa.98
20. @mattialago1989
21. @realmattwenning ( / @wenningstrength )
22. @berserkerlifter
23. @curlsintherack ( / @curlsintherack )
24. @fit_mom_movement
25. @kraftkniff
26. @figjam_exerciser
27. @finish_1st_performance
28. @sierrawhiskeyfitness
29. @dadshredded ( / @shreddeddad )
30. @mckenna_marquis
31. @kidney_doc_lifts
32. @craftedhomegym ( / @craftedhomegym3883 )
33. @bigfatpupper_md
⏬ 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.

[@HomeGymHacksandReviews]

Great compilation, Kyle! Thanks for including me among so many other great options.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Of course! You’re a belt squat aficionado

[@rocksmo3384]

I would love to see more compilations like this.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome! Good to know! My plan is to make at least one video like this per month.

[@aquienpuedainteresarDIY]

@@KaizenDIYGym I love your content, I plan to create a whole diy gym including a calisthenics park

[@ngatihonky]

Nice one, glad to see your getting more followers & also showing the community some love

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks for watching, I’m glad you liked it. I have plenty of ideas for these types of videos and it sounds like you approve! I’ll definitely be doing more of this.

[@scooobyj8714]

There are some really great DIYers out there! Great video highlighting all the awesome DIY creations.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Sweeet, glad you liked it!

[@briankear8661]

Lots of ingenuity and work getting done in this video. Thanks for putting it together!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That's great, I am glad to hear you liked it. One of my goals for this year is to post more videos like this and shine a light on the innovation in the community.

[@MrTimthetoyman]

That was awesome. Thanks for putting all that together for us. Really well done.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Hey! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

Ohh, i like this review of whats out there on the internet! Saves me a lot of time hahah. More of these please! The value is that i dont have to surf tons of less interesting ones hahah.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome thanks, good to know. Over the last couple years I have been compiling lists of great DIY projects. I'm glad to know there's an audience for it.

[@BRUTUSPLAC]

Great Job Kyle !! I'm so pressed for space/ room in my 1 car garage . I'll post pics for my 1st setup years ago in a few days, AWESOME JOB to everyone in this video

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Great, I am looking forward to seeing it!

[@jimmansi9046]

Awesome vid, it’s giving me some great ideas to add more variety to my belt, squatting, well done, new sub here from Philadelphia!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Hey Jim, thanks for the support!

[@CredibleHulk10]

Some of these are just brilliant!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I agree. It is amazing to see the different interpretations from around the world.

[@davidliftsheavycircles]

I prefer squats. But I also had a rotator cuff issue that stopped me from doing barbell squats. That's where it comes in. Anyone who hates options is showing their inexperience

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah. It’s all up to the individual. No “one size fits all” solutions. I support everyone who is on the path to better themselves.

[@jakebobday3531]

I got cuff issue I get stuck in the squat I can get under and set up but when I put the bar back one arm I can slide out the other I’m stuck in the bar

[@gshomeweighttraining6284]

I like the one with the kid, Like Milo of Croton and the bull. He gets stronger legs as the kid grows😀

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That is true progressive overload!

[@garagegymgranny1965]

Wow! There are some creative gym owners out there. 😊

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Truly inspiring!

[@dennisbergkamp7795]

Great video idea. Gets the creative juices flowing

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Appreciate it! I find it amazing how many different ways we can accomplish something simple like a belt squat.

[@homegymicide]

Good Compilation ! Thanks for use my video (i'm the smith machine's man :)

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I know! I am a huge fan of your work! Thanks for watching and for sharing good ideas with the world!

[@DesignBuildLift]

5:26 was my favorite. I bet that dude has the legs of a Greek God! 🇬🇷🤘

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I haven’t seen the legs in person but I always hear people talking about them!

[@n_-_-]

I love seeing all these innovations!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, I’m glad you liked it. I’ll be doing more of these videos.

[@n_-_-]

@@KaizenDIYGym i'm subscribed!!! I really love your ingenuity... Very inspiring too!

[@steverapos3904]

That second one is really brilliant. The smith machine is also quite smart

[@KaizenDIYGym]

They are pretty damn clever! Thanks for watching!

[@jonathantremblay3469]

Oh boy, just found the inspiration I need for my kickstand... My belt squat is made from a FID bench...

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, I’d love to see it.

[@vintageweightspgh]

Cool idea to put this together

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks! I’m glad you like it. It was a test to see if people would support this type of content from me. Adding different types of videos to my line up means I can post more often and consistently.

[@blsemetan7232]

Cool... I've been doing the landmine belt squat forever, definitely the best space saver.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

It really is!

[@RedJax_Dast]

Yes, i would like to see more reaction videos of other diys like the many channels with reaction videos to memes

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Sweet! I’ve got a long list of diy projects to react to and highlight

[@bokononisti2820]

The reason the guy is holding the plate isn’t for extra weight, but to force his torso to be a little more upright.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Aha, that makes sense!

[@bokononisti2820]

Great idea to do a compilation of builds!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Glad you like it. I have plenty more ideas for these types of videos.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for calling me brilliant! BAHAHAHAH

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I tell it like it is

[@nicelikemike]

Sweeet!! Digg this one 🕺🏽

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks dude! I’m glad you like it!

[@kevintrapp6155]

Iron master 2000. Just clip into the row pulley with an ankle cuff attached to my lifting belt. Triceps rope attached half way up for handle.

[@chrisdonnell2575]

I love your videos and trust your opinion. I really want the Squat Max but don't have space for it, I like your collab with Fringe is it really 90% feel weight? I too like having a handle to hold onto will there be extras we can buy later such as a handle? Do you notice any back or knee shearing with your design?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

There will be add ons, the kickstand is currently available for pre-orders, other attachments are on their way. I like the movement and I’m not experiencing shear, but everyone is different.

[@TheCarterHomeGym]

My Powertec Levergym belt squat took about 5 mins to set up, so it was a little bit of a hassle. It actually didn't have a platform, it was a few Titan rubber tiles stacked for a little extrta ROM. Here's the video on how I made it -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4nHhXepg9R0bZY Ultimately, I ended up being limited by the 300 lb weight capacity of the cable system. But, I loved it so much, I eventually bought what I felt it most closely replicated-- the Rogue Rhino.

[@memolibir]

Support ist da

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I always appreciate it!

[@villetikkanen8343]

Good stufff

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Appreciate it

[@johnprosser2142]

Love the creativity! Anyone have any recommendations for the best belt to use for belt squats?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

www.thehenny.com/product-page/adjustable-hip-belt Coupon code KAIZEN20 saves $20

[@johnprosser2142]

@@KaizenDIYGym thank you for that, I put one in the cart and it said it won’t send to Australia which is unfortunately where I live but I greatly appreciate your help.

[@steverapos3904]

I would rate Kaizen as the best, although some of the other ones are more simple and using more standard or cheaper pieces to buy.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I am biased but I'd say my cable belt squat is the best DIY option

[@dandeveny4513]

Some good ideas there. I saw one before where they just dug a hole in the ground so the weights go into the hole -that way your "platform" is very stable. I saw another guy dig a really big hole in the ground so they stepped into it so the usual ground level just acted sort of like a rack.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Oooh, I should include those in my next community belt squat video!

[@limitisillusion7]

I'm trying to make one myself right now with a simple cable with two pulleys. The biggest problem I'm having is the angle of the cable. Too much angle isn't ideal, but too vertical and the chain digs into my legs. I'm just standing on bumper plates at this point for the extra depth. It works alright, I gotta make a platform. I think a better belt might solve the problem

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Building a platform will definitely help make it safer and more stable. Great idea though. I’d love to see the final version.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

The belt I use is the Spud Inc: amzn.to/3iwXF1X and the Abmat belt squat cover: abmat.com/#a_aid=kaizendiygym (coupon code DIY10 saves you 10%)

[@Bl4zik3n]

Belt squats can be equal hypertrophy for the legs but quicker recovery because they don't tax your spine, also no spinal compression. Definitely worth doing belt squats with super heavy weights.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Heck yeah!

[@DexterBanks5555]

Can you build a DIY Hip thrust machine with a swivel back?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

It is possible. I have something in the works currently.

[@bannedtwice7767]

Nobodys gonna talk about my man wearing a welding mask while doing squats?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That dude is a little crazy but he makes cool stuff

[@a2b3c]

I actually like the Smith-Machine Version - every Gym has one

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Very true

[@lee4171]

Great video. Not a fan of this knees out squatting though.

[@eddierivera6896]

Personally if a person is going to insist on that regular squats are the only way and functional I would argue that squat presses are more effective and safer for those of us that have low back issues so bam damn it lol 😂

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Those guys don't care to hear the counter argument but I totally agree.

[@user-rf3ml2it2e]

What belt squat u recommend?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I am in the process of developing a belt with a company. In the meantime I currently use the Spud Inc belt (amzn.to/3CGZa4g) with the Abmat belt squat cover (abmat.com/#a_aid=kaizendiygym *Coupon code DIY10 saves 10% on your order.)

[@Noiconnotag]

8:24 pro lifter, you can see him on 'squat university' channel.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah man, I love that dude

[@billybob1620]

Got a better one! Easily Self Spottable with handles, heavy duty.

[@creativetraininghacks]

So you were haunted by the "just do regular barbell squats"-chads, too? A couple of them visited my channel over the holidays (out of loneliness, I presume) and trashed my ring-bell goblet- and hack-squats. Good to know I'm not the only one affected by that kind of unconstructive commenter.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yes, pretty much any time I post a DIY belt squat or DIY pendulum squat there are tons of comments telling me to squat "normal". I've only been successful at getting one of those guys to apologize. Typically they just double down.

[@creativetraininghacks]

@@KaizenDIYGym Yes, I've experienced that, too: Keyboard warriors who must have the final word, not matter if their arguments make any sense.

[@ikanmasin]

I squat extensively. do you think glutes are attractive body part of a man?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

What’s attractive and what’s not is purely subjective. You should do what makes you feel good.