BodyKore Squat Box Pro Review

The BodyKore Squat Box Pro is a compact belt squat platform made for home gym owners who want to squat without sacrificing their backs. 

At first glance, it claims to have a weight capacity of 2000 lbs and the same benefits of a full size belt squat machine…

But like most fitness equipment, the real question is how well it holds up in a garage gym environment.

In this review, I’ll break down how it performs in real-world use, who it’s best for (and who should skip it), and how it compares to similar options in the same price range.

Let’s check it out!

Unboxing

Everything was bubble wrapped and nothing was damaged.

The platform was upside down and had nowhere to move but I’m surprised the pieces in the middle didn’t shift around.

I would’ve thrown some styrofoam blocks around and on top of the loose parts just to make sure they don’t move while in transit.

And here is everything out of the box.

It didn’t come with an instructions manual but it was really easy to figure out and put together.

I’ve tested a similar platform in the past (Arena Platform which went out of business) that used magnetic resistance but had no handlebar.

So this one should provide more stability since I can use my arms. And since it’s cable driven, I can go as heavy as my cable machine allows.

Specs

• Material: Heavy sheet metal

• Pulley: Fiberglass strengthened nylon pulley with sealed ball bearings, 1:1 ratio

• Cable: 2000 lbs weight capacity, nylon coated high tensile aircraft cable

• Handlebar: Rubber grip

• Stability: Anti-slip rubber feet, grip tape on platform

• Weight horns: 7.5″ long

• Finish: Matte black powder coat

What Is The BodyKore Squat Box Pro?

The BodyKore Squat Box Pro is a cable driven belt squat platform that doesn’t take as much space as a dedicated belt squat machine.

It uses a belt that removes all pressure from my spine and has an attached handlebar that helps me with stability.

This version includes weight horns so I can load it up with weight plates to keep it grounded and comes with a straight bar so I can do upper body work as well.

Who Is The BodyKore Squat Box Pro Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

✅ Ideal For

• Those who don’t have a lot of space for a full size dedicated belt squat machine

• People who want to squat but have back problems

• People who have shoulder issues and can’t reach back to do barbell squats

• Anyone who wants to max out but doesn’t have a spotter

❌ Not Ideal For

• Those looking for a budget belt squat machine

• Home gym owners who don’t have a cable machine

• Lifters who prefer to start/stop squats from a standing position (not from the bottom)

Top Benefits Of The BodyKore Squat Box Pro

No Spinal Loading

The whole idea behind belt squats, is that they remove all the load from my spine and shift it to my hips and below.

So it really isolates my legs but it’s helpful for people who have back problems that want to continue squatting.

This is also great for people who lack shoulder mobility and can’t reach back to hold on to a barbell.

RELATED: Suffer from limited mobility? Check out the MovesMethod program.

Train Heavy Without A Spotter

Since the weight is coming from under me (the opposite of a barbell squat), I can train to failure with little risk of injury.

If I can’t come out of a lift, I just squat, unclip the belt, and I don’t have to worry about any weight on top of me.

Best Features Of The BodyKore Squat Box Pro

Platform

I like that the platform is spacious so I can change my stance and do more than just squats.

This way I can do regular squats, sumo squats, split squats, and more…

The top of the platform is lined with grip tape to keep me from slipping.

Right in the middle of the platform, there’s a rubber stopper so the cable never slips through.

Each leg has an adjustable rubber piece that keeps the platform from shifting around while I use it.

I like that these are adjustable, especially for garage gyms where there is always floor slope.

Handle Bar

Having a handle bar to support and stabilize myself is a good idea so I can add more weight and maintain good form.

Here’s a tip when installing the handle bar, flip the platform over so that it’s much easier to attach.

Belt Squat Belt

The belt is solid and I like that it’s made out of seatbelt material and they’re using seatbelt buckles so it’s easy to attach and detach.

This type of belt squat belt can withstand a ton of weight too.

Having the ability to adjust the length of the vertical belt strap helps so I don’t have to buckle from the bottom.

Once I’m clipped in and on the platform, I still have to squat down and adjust the strap so that it’s short and I can get good depth.

The start out of the hole is a common problem with these types of platforms.

Pulley & Cables

The pulley is made out of commercial grade nylon and swivels which I feel is a good idea so I don’t have to be exactly in front of my cable machine.

With limited space in a garage gym, this allows me to be off to the side and it won’t affect the exercise.

All cables (there’s 3 included) have a 1000 lbs weight capacity so that’s more than I’ll ever lift.

The shorter cables are needed when doing upper body exercises where the cable travels above my waist.

Weight Horns

Each weight horn can handle up to 270 lbs so this sucker won’t budge when I go heavy.

Loading the weight horn with thin weight plates is the best scenario here so I don’t run out of space.

This way I can avoid the cable machine from pulling the platform from under me.

Rotating Straight Bar

With the straight bar, I can add upper body exercises to the platform.

I can do Romainian deadlifts, bent over rows, upright rows, bicep curls, etc.

For exercises that go above my waist, I have to attach the smaller cables so I can get full range of motion and it works well.

Using The Voltra With The BodyKore Squat Box Pro

The beauty about the Voltra cable machine, is that I can turn off the resistance so I can start belt squats from a standing position.

This way I don’t have to dig myself out of the bottom position with tons of weight holding me down.

Unfortunately, I can’t do this with a regular cable machine.

If BodyKore can figure out a starting position, this would be golden.

Exercises I’ve Tried On The BodyKore Squat Box Pro

Belt Squats

This is the obvious exercise with this machine since that’s what it’s for.

I can get good depth and zero spinal load which I love.

Split Squats

I can do split squats a couple ways: (1) standing sideways on the platform and hanging on to the handle bar or (2) deficit slit squats.

When I do them sideways, I can hang one knee off the side of the platform so I can get good depth.

For deficit split squats, I make sure the weight horns are loaded and just step down into the split squat.

Step Ups

Just like when I do split squats, I make sure the weight horns are loaded.

Start with one leg off the platform and the other on top.

Then I push up with the top leg while keeping my foot plate. This way I’m not using my calf to assist on the way up.

RDL’s

Romainian deadlifts feel really good and I’m able to get a good stretch.

For this one I switch the belt with the rotating straight bar.

Good Mornings

For good mornings I bring out my squat harness.

This places the resistance higher on my torso so I’m able to target more of my lower back but still get some hamstrings.

Sissy Squats

I like doing sissy squats on the platform because it allows to get a deep range of motion.

My knees can go past the platform and I can hang on to the handle bar so I’m always under control.

Super underrated exercise for quads and I don’t need much weight to feel a really good burn.

NOTE FOR GUYS: Once you strap the weight on, turn the belt 180 degrees so that the vertical strap is behind you so you don’t crush your jewels

Calf Raises

I can do regular calf raises or donkey calf raises (like I’m doing above).

With donkey calf raises, I feel a deeper stretch in my upper calves so I like that version better.

The grip tape keeps my feet secure on the platform so I don’t slip off the edge.

Bent Over Rows

I love doing cable bent over rows with a cable machine and this one doesn’t disappoint.

Using the straight bar, I pull the bar straight to my ribs, pause for a second at the top, and slow down the eccentric.

Killer exercise for the lats and middle back muscles.

Bicep Curls

For bicep curls, I attach the smaller cables that come with the BodyKore Squat Box Pro.

This lets me get full range of motion at the top of the curl.

Like with any cable machine, I get constant tension from the bottom to the top of the exercise.

Upright Rows

This one feels real good on my shoulders and traps.

I did try doing shoulder presses but the straight bar is too narrow so this feels better for shoulders.

BodyKore Squat Box Pro Pros & Cons

Pros

• No spinal loading: The resistance falls on my hips so it removes weight from my spine

• Vertical line of drive: Unlike lever arm belt squat attachments, I can get very close to a vertical line of pull with this platform

• 1:1 pulley ratio: The weight I load is the weight I’m lifting. This actually feels heavier than when I do barbell squats.

• Handlebar: Helps me keep my balance and I can spot myself if I get stuck at the bottom

• Full range of motion: I can go ass to grass while still maintaining full tension

• Versatile: I can use this for more than just belt squats. Step ups, lunges, RDL’s, rows, bicep curls, and more.

• Weight horns: Weigh down the platform so it doesn’t move when I’m not standing on it

Cons

• Starting/stopping position: Unless I’m using a machine like the Voltra, I have to start/stop exercises from the hole. Ideally, I’d like to start/stop from a standing position.

• Transport: The unit is not terribly heavy but it is awkward to carry. Adding wheels to two legs would make it much easier to move around.

BodyKore Squat Box Pro Price

The BodyKore Squat Box Pro sells for $599 so it’s not a budget product but it is more affordable and portable than a dedicated belt squat machine.

Belt squat machines usually start at $1000 and some go well over $2000.

There are a few budget options out there that are lever based so you don’t get a true 1:1 weight ratio that a cable machines give you.

BodyKore Discount Code

I’m always looking for ways to hook you up with a discount and I have one for the entire BodyKore website.

This will knock $60 off the BodyKore Squat Pro retail price which helps a lot.

Click the red button below to reveal my exclusive BodyKore coupon code…

BodyKore Squat Box Pro Alternatives

Titan Squat Max MD

The Titan Squat Max MD is a plate loaded belt squat machine that has true vertical line of drive.

It also has band pegs so you can add more resistance to it.

Squat Max MD also has optional attachments that make it versatile: (1) T-bar loading pin, (2) Hip thrust/chest pad, (3) footplate, and more…

The base unit starts at $1300 (without any attachments).

GMWD Belt Squat Machine

The GMWD belt squat machine is a lever based plate loaded platform.

I like that it has a telescoping tube so I can set the line of pull to be directly under me.

A solid option that’s priced slightly higher ($650) than the BodyKore Squat Box Pro.

Rep Fitness Belt Squat Attachment

The Rep Belt Squat Attachment is only compatible with the Rep 4000 and Rep 5000 racks.

But it’s such a great attachment that connects to the rack’s cable system so it doesn’t take up any extra space since it sits inside the rack.

If you happen to have either one of those Rep weight racks, this attachment runs for $310 which is a great price.

My Hands-On Experience With The BodyKore Squat Box Pro

I don’t have any issues with my lower back but my left shoulder does hurt when I reach back to do barbell squats.

That’s the whole reason I ended up getting the Bells Of Steel safety squat bar. It doesn’t aggravate my shoulder but it still compresses my spine.

I’m 47 so I try to avoid gym injuries as much as possible cause it takes longer for me to heal now than when I was younger.

After using the BodyKore Squat Box Pro for a while, I feel it isolates my legs better and I eliminate the risk of hurting my lower back.

On top of that, it’s useful for other cable machine exercises too so it’s not just a one trick pony.

Final Verdict: Is The BodyKore Squat Box Pro Worth It?

If building strong legs and hypertrophy are a priority and you want a safe way to train heavy, the BodyKore Squat Box Pro is worth it.

It’s especially valuable for home gym owners who:

• Train heavy alone

• Want to protect their spine

• Lack shoulder mobility to reach back when doing barbell squats

• Focus on strength and hypertrophy

But if you’re tight on space or on a budget, or prefer the feel of barbell squats, it may not be a good fit for you.

FAQ’s About The BodyKore Squat Box Pro

Is the BodyKore Squat Box Pro safe for those with low back pain?

Yes, the straight up and down resistance and upright positioning eliminates compression on the spine compared to barbell squats.

Does the BodyKore Squat Box Pro replace barbell squats?

It’ll get you strong and will add size to your legs like barbell squats do. But barbell squats engage your entire body so they are better at engaging the core and athletic carryover.

What muscles does the BodyKore Squat Box Pro target?

Mainly the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. The straight bar adds more versatily for upper body exercises.