Hammer Strength Plate Loaded Pendulum-X Squat

The Hammer Strength Plate Loaded Pendulum-X Squat is a plate loaded squat machine that loads your lower body differently from an ordinary pendulum squat: the resistance shifts along with your strength curve. At the bottom, where you are at your weakest, the movement is lighter; at the top, where you can put out the most force, it gets heavier. The machine also forces a full extension of hips and legs, which makes it interesting for athletes and advanced strength trainers in a serious home gym, personal training studio or semi-professional space.

Pendulum-X Squat at a glance

• Patented resistance curve: the load increases as you come up, so you do not have to match the set to your weakest point at the bottom.
• Full overall extension: the movement runs through to full hip extension, so you get more out of the top of the squat than with a classic pendulum.
• Adjustable foot platform: you set your feet in the position that suits your ankle mobility, so your heels stay on the plate instead of lifting off.
• Adjustable range of motion: a flip mechanism sets the squat depth in a single action, handy when several people train one after another.
• Four band pegs: hang bands on to help you through the hardest part of the lift, so you can load more than you would manage without help.
• Up to four 20 kg plates per arm: room to keep building the load for years without running into a ceiling.
• 365 kg unit weight: the machine stays exactly where you put it, even when you drive explosively out of the hole.
• Six storage pegs for plates: your weight hangs on the machine instead of wandering around the room.

Why a shifting resistance makes a difference

With a squat under a barbell or in a fixed guide the weight is equally heavy everywhere, while your strength is not. Deep at the bottom you can handle the least, so it is the weakest position that decides how much you put on the bar. The Pendulum-X Squat turns that around: the patented movement makes the resistance lighter at the bottom and heavier at the top. That lets you load more without the starting point becoming unachievable, and it loads exactly the part of the movement where you can develop force.

Depth and foot placement to suit your build

The foot platform is adjustable, so you can match the position to your ankle mobility and your leg length. If your ankles limit how far you descend, set your feet slightly forward and keep the heels on the plate that way. On top of that, a flip mechanism sets the range of motion, which comes down to limiting your squat depth. That is practical if you want to work heavy with half reps, and it saves faff when a second user wants a different depth.

Band pegs for the hardest part of the lift

In four places there are pegs to hang resistance bands from. Unlike machines where a band makes the movement heavier, these pegs are meant to help: the band supports you in the weakest part of the lift. That way you can work with more plates than you would get out of the deepest point without help, while the top of the movement stays heavy. For advanced lifters that is a way to get past a plateau without letting technique slide.

Loading and building up

The starting resistance is 37 kg per arm, so unloaded this machine is already a serious load. On top of that you load a maximum of four 20 kg plates per arm. That relatively high starting resistance is deliberate: the machine is built for athletes who already squat heavy and not for the very first weeks of training. Six storage pegs make sure the plates stay within reach, which keeps changing between sets short.

Space and placement

The machine measures 246 cm long, 114 cm wide and 206 cm high, and weighs 365 kg. The height of 206 cm is the first thing to measure up: in a basement or garage with a lowered ceiling you will run into it sooner than you will run out of length. Also allow clear space on both sides to slide plates on and off and to get in and out. At 365 kg this is not a machine you move on a whim, so choose a permanent spot on a level, solid floor in advance.

Worth knowing

Weight plates are not supplied and you load both sides, so in effect you need the weight twice over. The machine is also aimed at a single movement: for upper body work you will need something else. If you only have room for one or two machines, a multi gym gives you more exercises per square metre. And with a starting resistance of 37 kg per arm this is not a logical choice for someone just starting out with strength training.

Frequently asked questions about the Pendulum-X Squat

What is the difference with an ordinary pendulum squat?

The difference lies in the strength curve and the extension. On a classic pendulum squat the resistance is virtually the same throughout the whole movement, while the Pendulum-X makes the load lighter at the bottom and heavier at the top. On top of that the movement runs through to full extension of hips and legs, instead of flattening off near the top. In practice that means: you can load more without the deepest point deciding your set.

How much weight can I load on it?

You load a maximum of four 20 kg plates per arm, on top of a starting resistance of 37 kg per arm. That gives you plenty of headroom, even if you have been squatting heavy for years. Plates are not included, so you buy those separately and you need them on both sides. Six storage pegs give you somewhere to keep your plates on the machine.

How much space and height do I need?

The machine is 246 x 114 x 206 cm. The height of 206 cm is usually the limiting factor, so measure your ceiling before you order. At the sides you need extra room to change plates and to get in and out comfortably. Allow at least half a metre of clear space all round the machine.

Is this machine suitable for beginners?

No, not really. The starting resistance of 37 kg per arm sits higher than on most strength machines, which makes the entry heavy for someone just starting out. The machine is explicitly intended for athletes and advanced strength trainers who already work with heavy squats. Anyone who wants to learn to squat is better served by a machine or set-up with a lower entry point.

What are the band pegs for?

On the four band pegs you hang resistance bands that support you in the weakest part of the lift. The band is at its tightest when you are deep and helps you up from there, while at the top it barely pulls any more. That lets you load heavier than you would get out of the deepest point without help. For most users this is optional; it is mainly interesting if you are stuck on a plateau.

Can I move the machine myself?

No, at 365 kg this is a machine for a permanent set-up. Choose a final spot in advance with a level and solid floor and enough clear space around it. For rooms where equipment regularly has to be pushed aside, this is not the right choice. The weight has an advantage too: the machine stands completely stable during heavy sets.