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Legs
EGYM Smart Strength Squat
Targets quadriceps femoris, gluteus maximus, hip adductors.
Assisting: hamstrings, soleus, gastrocnemius.
Movement
Legs
Equipment
EGYM
Muscles
Legs · Glutes
Complexity
Low
How to perform it
- 1Preparation and positioning. Log in and check the displayed profile/range/training. The machine sets itself from that stored profile, which is normally created once with a trainer or gym staff rather than re-entered before every set. Step onto the platform, feet symmetric and sized to you, take the selected handles. Locate the stop button and only start the machine once the area around you is clear.
- 2Starting position. A controlled top squat position, the whole foot loaded, knees tracking the feet, ribcage/pelvis stacked. No passive knee hyperextension.
- 3Concentric phase. Push the platform away, or stand up along the guided path. Knees/hips extend together; use the on-screen EGYM curve as a tempo/range cue, not as permission to ignore pain or a form breakdown.
- 4End position / lockout. Stand up stably without passively locking the knees or lower back. Check the display feedback, but prioritize your own body control.
- 5Eccentric phase. Lower under control to the depth set during onboarding. Knees track the feet, the foot stays fully loaded, pelvis/torso stable. Resistance may vary by phase in Negative/Adaptive mode — understand the mode beforehand.
- 6Breathing and bracing. Inhale on the way down, brace moderately, exhale on the way up. No breath-holding beyond what's cleared for you.
- 7Valid rep. The machine registers the rep, and you additionally hold the defined foot, knee, torso, range, and lockout standard — the digital rep count alone doesn't make it technically valid.
Common mistakes
Blindly trusting the automatic settings
Fix: Confirm profile, range, and load before every set — the stored profile can be outdated or wrong.
"Chasing" the on-screen curve
Fix: Move evenly and prioritize body form over the visual target.
Foot position not checked
Fix: Reset the position — the guided knee/range path won't fit otherwise.
Not understanding the resistance mode
Fix: Have the mode explained, or use the standard/quickstart mode.
Safety
- Spine and hip/knee: device-specific axial load and loaded flexion — use a cleared range and mode.
- Older adults: guidance helps, but getting on/off the platform and load/range still need review.
- Cardiovascular concerns: large muscle mass and digital intensity — get clearance and confirm the mode.
- Reduced bone density: loading can be beneficial, but peak load isn't independently verified — get professional clearance.
When to stop
- The wrong profile, range, or mode is active, or resistance changes unexpectedly.
- The stop button, handles, or platform aren't safely reachable.
- Foot, knee, pelvis, or torso control breaks down.
- Pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath, or a device malfunction — use the stop button.
Progressions & alternatives
- Regression45-degree Leg Press— A classic mechanical alternative if EGYM isn't available or the mode is unclear.
- ProgressionHigh-bar Back Squat— Free squat and barbell specificity, once rack and bracing prerequisites are met.
- Alternative45-degree Leg Press— Local leg loading without software dependence, depending on studio equipment.
Muscles worked
Add EGYM Smart Strength Squat to a workout and track your sets.