I recently helped one of my fitness clients reconfigure his home gym, and one of the simplest changes we made was adding a sissy squat machine.
The problem we had with this is that the first one he bought wasn’t very stable while performing sissy squats, and that can be a serious injury hazard.
So, our team decided to do some more extensive research and testing. We gathered nine clients to help out, tracked down or ordered over 20 different products, and performed the exact same exercises on each of them.
And here are our best sissy squat machines.
Our Best Sissy Squat Machines (September 2023)
1 - Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine (Editor's Choice)
Out of all the products we researched and tested, the Titan Fitness option came out unanimously as the first among the best sissy squat machines.
It’s made using 11-gauge steel, which is the kind you generally find for commercial gym equipment.
The sissy squat machine also has the best configuration for adjusting it to your legs and preferred comfort, which most clients reported made it easier to perform the exercises.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 300 lbs
- Material : 11-Gauge Steel
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 4 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 5 settings
- Allows you to comfortably perform deep sissy squats with less strain
- Ideal for maintaining balance during a slow movement sissy squats
- You can set it up with four calf-pad and five-foot roller adjustments
- Comes with a non-slip foot plate for added safety
- This sissy squat machine is only available on the official website at the moment
2 - Element Fitness Sissy Squat Machine
The Element Fitness sissy squat machine was a close one in second place.
It has a similar design and construction, and we had a 280-pound bodybuilder try it out without any sign of it wobbling.
It’s also one of the top sissy squat machines for the number of ways you can adjust it to your height and body size to make it a lot more comfortable to go through different sissy squat movements.
The only downside I found with this particular sissy squat machine is that the plastic feet seem to have edges that can scrape wood floors, so be careful when moving it.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 330 lbs
- Material : 11-Gauge Steel
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 4 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 4 settings
- Includes very comfortable padding that allows you to do very deep sissy squats
- Very solid construction that will support heavy bodybuilders
- Helps you perform sissy squats in a wide range of motions
- The plastic feet on the sissy squat frame can cause scratches on your floor
3 - Altas Strength Sissy Squat Machine
This option from Atlas Strength is the perfect sissy squat machine if you want to use a simple design for more than just some squat exercises.
With the included seat cushion and the different angle settings, you can also do all kinds of core workouts.
What we also like about this sissy squat machine during testing is that if you don’t have a dedicated home gym space, then you can easily move it around as it has wheels at one end of the frame.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 265 lbs
- Material : Heavy Gauge Steel
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 4 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 6 settings
- It can be set up for sit-ups as well as sissy squats
- Comes with wheels on the frame to make it easier to move around
- Declining seat cushion allows for additional uses in other exercises
- Adjusting the seat cushion is a bit tricky at higher angles
4 - GYMAX Sissy Squat Machine
This GYMAX sissy squat machine is another highly versatile option that allows you to do a much wider range of exercises.
It will support different exercises push-ups and sit-ups with plenty of adjustment settings to make it perfectly comfortable.
The reason we didn’t put it up higher on the list is that this sissy squat machine isn’t made of steel but iron instead.
That means you want to be careful not to scratch it as exposed iron could then corrode.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 265 lbs
- Material : Solid Iron
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 9 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 4 settings
- The calf pad can be extended and set to three different angles
- Includes a resistance band hook for more exercise options than just sissy squats
- Comes with built-in push-up handles for a better range of motion
- The frame is made with iron, not steel, so avoid scratching it
5 - Leikefitness Deluxe Deep Sissy Squat Bench
This sissy squat machine from Leikefitness is another one that we liked because of the extendable calf pad.
By tilting back the angle as well, you can easily use it for back extensions with a very supportive design.
And unlike other cheap sissy squat machines, we found that even when we tested it with a 280-pound bodybuilder, it didn’t show any signs of wobbling.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 330 lbs
- Material : Alloy Steel
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 9 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 4 settings
- Easily folds down to make it practical for storage under a bed
- Extendable calf pad makes it easy to use for back extensions
- Solid construction suitable for heavier athletes
- The light beige option can get stained quite easily
6 - Goplus Deep Squat Machine
This is an affordable sissy squat machine with some great extra features that allow you to do quite a wide range of exercises.
What we liked a lot during the testing of the Goplus model is that it has hooks for resistance bands.
That can make it a lot easier to do strength training without having to stand on the bands.
We also found that it helps get set up for a wider range of resistance band exercises.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 265 lbs
- Material : Iron
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 11 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 6 settings
- Highly adjustable sissy squat machine to suit different height athletes
- Comes with hooks for attaching some resistance bands
- Easily moves around as it has convenient wheels on the frame
- Made with iron rather than heavy-duty steel, which limits the weight capacity
7 - Body-Solid GSS50 Adjustable Sissy Squat Bench
The name suggests this is one of the more solid sissy squat machines we tested, and you’ll often find Body-Solid equipment in commercial gyms as well.
This one is made using heavy-duty steel, and even a few heavy bodybuilders that tested it said that it was very stable.
The sissy squat machine also has some wheels built in that make it a lot easier to move it around, as it weighs quite a bit.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 300 lbs
- Material : Heavy-Gauge Steel
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 5 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 4 settings
- Very solid design and has a great maximum weight limit
- Includes hooks for attaching resistance bands to make sissy squats more intense
- Convenient wheels make it easier to move out of the way
- It’s quite a bulky piece of equipment
8 - Goplus 3-in-1 Multifunctional Squat Machine
Here is another sissy squat machine from Goplus, and we particularly liked this one because of the simple design and assembly.
It took us less than five minutes to put it together, and it is easy to adjust to your height.
The main reasons we didn’t place it higher up the list are that it has a limited maximum capacity, and the calf pad can’t be adjusted.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 220 lbs
- Material : Stainless Steel
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 0 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 6 settings
- Comes with push-up bars attached that can also be used to attach bands
- Great non-slip surface on the footplates
- Very easy to assemble out of the box as it has just a few parts
- The calf pad doesn’t have height adjustment settings
9 - Enow Sissy Squat Machine
What stood out the most during our testing of this Enow product compared to other sissy squat machines is that it has a very large calf pad.
It’s also very thick, and that makes it comfortable to do ab crunches while fully leaning back into a squat.
We also thought that the footplates of this sissy squat machine were larger than average, and that allows you to adjust your stance for different exercises.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 250 lbs
- Material : Stainless Steel
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 5 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 4 settings
- Very large foot plates allow you to change your stance
- Comes with very soft padding that makes it ideal for ab crunches
- The non-slip rubber feet also help to protect the floor
- The maximum weight limit might not be enough for some athletes
10 - X-Factor Sissy Squat Machine
The final product on our best sissy squat machine list comes from X-Factor, and considering how reasonably priced it is, we were surprised about the overall build quality and weight capacity.
It’s also one of the sissy squat machines that will suit most athletes, even taller ones, as it has a great range of adjustment options to make it comfortable for a deep sissy squat.
Quick Facts:
- Weight Capacity : 280 lbs
- Material : Steel
- Calf-Pad Adjustments : 6 settings
- Foot Roller Adjustments : 6 settings
- Good height adjustability should suit athletes of all sizes
- Decent weight capacity for a device in this price range
- Great for doing push-ups with a deeper range of motion
- The padding could be a bit thicker for more comfort during deep squats
How to Pick the Best Sissy Squat Machine?
To pick the best sissy squat machine, consider factors like dimensions, weight limit, quality materials, adjustment options, price, and brand reputation.
1. Who Should Use A Sissy Squat Machine?
Athletes who want to achieve better form during squats or those that struggle with balance should use a sissy squat machine.
It’s also a great option for people who don’t feel confident enough to do regular barbell squats, where bad form can lead to injuries.
And with reports of home workout injuries significantly on the rise, you should make sure that you use devices and equipment that help you maintain great form.
“At-home exercise injuries resulting in an emergency room visit increased by more than 48% from the end of 2019 through the end of 2020.”
- Ashley Mateo, Journalist
The great thing is that sissy squats can be highly effective while at the same time not requiring a personal trainer to ensure you maintain good form.
2. Who Shouldn't Use A Sissy Squat Machine?
People who have serious problems with their knee joints shouldn’t use a sissy squat machine.
Even though these devices are aimed at ensuring you follow a safe movement during sissy squats, they can increase strain on damaged knees.
While using a sissy squat machine can be very helpful to strengthen leg muscles and support the knees, it’s better to only do sissy squats once you have cleared it with a doctor or physio.
“Certain populations, such as those with arthritis and knee injuries, may experience pain while engaging in squat exercises.”
- Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT
3. Dimensions
One of the important things to look at before you make a final decision based on our best sissy squat machine list is the overall dimensions.
The good news is that a typical sissy squat machine isn’t going to be bulky.
And most of them come with wheels attached so that you can easily move them out of the way when not in use.
The folding ones can also be ideal for storing it under a bed if you don’t have a dedicated home gym space.
Use the dimensions of your favored sissy squat machine to measure where you’ll be able to use it in your home.
That way, you won’t run into space issues for properly using it.
4. Weight Limit
The other thing you need to look at is the maximum weight limit of a sissy squat machine. I would not recommend that you exceed this limit as it could pose a serious injury risk.
Most sissy squat machines that we tested and recommended come with a weight limit above 250 pounds.
That should be enough for the majority of athletes, but if you happen to be significantly heavier, then spend the extra money to be able to complete sissy squats safely.
5. Quality Materials
The first thing I would recommend looking for is a sturdy steel frame.
We have recommended some powder-coated iron sissy squat machines as well, but you need to be careful to avoid scratching them.
The best sissy squat machine options for higher weight limits all use 11-gauge steel, and you’ll never see the end of such a device.
The other thing you need to look at is the calf pad and foam roller pads.
These have to be top-quality; otherwise, you’ll struggle to complete a set of sissy squats with good form.
6. Foot Plate Design
What I generally like to see is a wide footplate on a sissy squat machine.
Some of these machines have plates that are only as wide as your feet, and that doesn’t give you much room to adjust your stance a bit wider.
Being able to make such stance adjustments can make it a lot easier to do sissy squats with a full range of motion and achieve far better results for leg muscles.
“Individuals who display ample mobility and joint range of motion, combined with optimal joint stability, may be able to safely perform squats using a full or near full range of motion.”
- Brian Sutton, MA, MS
7. Adjustment Options
If you want to do deep sissy squats, you need a device that you can perfectly adjust to your height and preferred comfort settings.
At the very least, I would recommend choosing a device that has three settings for the foot roller and four settings for the calf pad.
Even if you need a portable sissy squat machine to easily store out of the way, make sure that the design doesn’t compromise on adjustments.
You’ll gain a lot more muscle strength if you can comfortably complete a deep sissy squat every time.
8. Brand Reputation
There are quite a lot of bad companies in the fitness industry. They typically spend more money on advertising and celebrity endorsements than on designing and making a great quality sissy squat machine.
Every sissy squat machine we have listed above comes from a company that has a good reputation for using quality materials and manufacturing techniques.
That will give you enough peace of mind that your sissy squats won’t end up in an accident or injury disaster.
9. Price
And finally, when you’re trying to find the best sissy squat machine, don’t set your budget too low.
While we were able to find some great budget sissy squat machine options, we also encountered a lot of cheap ones that had some major flaws.
Whether you’re a heavier-than-average athlete or want to make sure you have maximum comfort for a deep sissy squat movement, you’ll need to spend some money to find great quality.
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FAQs
Are Sissy Squat Machines Any Good?
Yes, sissy squat machines are good for exercising your legs. With a versatile sissy squat machine, you can achieve the perfect movement and a lower risk of getting injured in the process.
What Exercises Can I Do On A Sissy Squat Machine?
You can do exercises like the deep sissy squat, lunges, sit-ups, and band squats with a sissy squat machine. Some of these also have push-up bars that will allow you to gain a deeper range of motion.
Are Sissy Squats Good For Glutes?
Yes, sissy squats are good for the glutes, but it’s important to understand that they won’t isolate your glutes. It’s more like a compound exercise that targets most of your leg muscles.
What Muscles Do Sissy Squats Target?
Muscles that sissy squats target are your quads, but they can also help to strengthen your posterior chain fully. A sissy squat machine helps you target your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core with just a few slight adaptations to the movement.
Which One Is The Best Sissy Squat Machine?
Once we completed testing all the best sissy squat machines, we got the testing team to vote on which one they liked best, and the result was very clear.
The Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine came out at the top of our list based on extensive test comparisons.
It has a very safe design and is sturdy for heavier athletes, so there really shouldn’t be any safety concerns.
Order it today and see how the commercial-grade quality will give you a lot more confidence and a better range of motion.
Our #1 Recommendation
Titan Fitness Sissy Squat Machine
- Allows you to comfortably perform deep sissy squats with less strain
- Ideal for maintaining balance during a slow movement sissy squats
- You can set it up with four calf-pad and five-foot roller adjustments
- Comes with a non-slip foot plate for added safety
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- This sissy squat machine is only available on the official website at the moment
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