Quad exercises

Machine Pendulum Squat

Also known as: Pendulum squat à la machine · Pendulum squat σε μηχάνημα · pendulum squat · pendulum

Primary
Quads
Equipment
Machine
Type
Compound
Suggested rest
2 min

How to do the Machine Pendulum Squat

  1. Set your back against the pad with your shoulders under the pads and feet hip-width apart on the platform.

  2. Release the safety and squat as deep as you can, letting your knees travel forward over your toes.

  3. Keep your lower back against the pad throughout the movement.

  4. Push through the platform to stand up without locking your knees at the top.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–122 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 5 kg (10 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Quads

Secondary

Glutes, Adductors

The front of your thighs straightens the knee. Squats, leg presses and lunges with deep knee bend build them; leg extensions isolate them.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Machine Pendulum Squat doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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Machine quad exercises