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V-Squat Machine Squat

Beginner

A vertical pressing movement using the V-squat machine that isolates the quadriceps and glutes. This fixed path exercise enhances stability, making it ideal for strength and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Lever Squat Machine

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Adductors, Calves, Lower Back

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

10/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Adductors

5/10

Adductor Magnus

Calves

4/10

Soleus, Gastrocnemius

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Rest closer to 90-120 seconds for heavy hypertrophy sets.

How to Perform

Load the V-squat machine with the desired weight. Step onto the platform facing away, positioning your upper back and shoulders snugly under the shoulder pads. Establish a shoulder-width stance with feet slightly turned out, then disengage the safety levers.

  1. Maintain an upright chest and brace your core throughout the movement.
  2. Initiate the movement by bending your knees and hips slowly to descend.
  3. Squat down until your thighs are parallel to the foot platform.
  4. Drive forcefully through your midfoot to extend your hips and knees.
  5. Return to the start position without completely locking out your knees.
  6. Re-engage the safety lever once the set is completed.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up and tall.
  • Knees track over toes.
  • Drive the machine up.
  • Maintain tight core.

Breathing

Inhale deeply as you descend to stabilize the core, then exhale powerfully as you drive the weight back up.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Descend until the thigh is at least parallel to the floor, or slightly below if comfortable, ensuring constant tension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Always use the machine's safety catches or stops.
  • Do not sacrifice depth for weight.
  • Keep the head and neck in a neutral position.

Spotting

Not recommended; utilize the machine's integrated safety stops and levers.

Common Mistakes

  • Letting the knees collapse inward.
  • Rocking onto the toes during the ascent.
  • Allowing the lower back to round (butt wink).

When to Avoid

  • Acute patellofemoral pain syndrome.
  • Recent knee or hip surgery.

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion is beneficial for depth.

Build Up First

  • Basic competency in the bodyweight squat pattern.

Also known as

Machine V Squat, Lever Squat, Standing Squat Machine, Reverse V-Squat

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