How is the pendulum squat different from a hack squat or leg press?

The pendulum arc follows the natural path of hip and knee movement in a free squat, where both joints flex simultaneously in the proportions your body naturally produces. A hack squat constrains the movement to a fixed linear track that forces all users into the same knee-forward path. A leg press reclines the body and pushes the feet away rather than squatting downward. The pendulum squat produces the most natural machine squat feel of the three and allows greater depth than the leg press while placing less shear on the knee than a fixed-track hack squat.

Can I use this machine if I have knee sensitivity during barbell squatting?

Many users with knee discomfort during barbell squats find the pendulum arc more comfortable because the load applies through the shoulders from above rather than compressing the spine and pushing the knee forward under a barbell. The footplate adjustment also allows forward knee travel to be reduced, which lowers patellofemoral stress. That said, knee sensitivity varies significantly by individual condition — start at a conservative load and footplate position and monitor how the knee responds across several sessions before progressing.

Front view of the premium Pendulum Squat DSH033 Lower Body (Squat) by The Dynasty Fitness

Exercises and muscles targeted

The pendulum squat follows the same joint path as a free barbell squat rather than a fixed linear track, producing a more natural quad and glute loading pattern than a hack squat or leg press. Because the spine stays vertical under the shoulder pads, the lower back is not a limiting factor in the set.

Exercise	Muscles Targeted
Pendulum Squat (standard stance)	Quadriceps (primary), Gluteus Maximus (primary), Hamstrings, Adductors (secondary)
Wide Stance (sumo)	Adductor Magnus (increased primary), Gluteus Maximus (primary), Quadriceps (secondary)
Narrow Stance	Quadriceps — Vastus Lateralis (outer quad emphasis, primary), Gluteus Maximus (secondary)
Pause at Bottom	Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus (maximum time under tension, stretch reflex removed)
Partial ROM (upper half)	Quadriceps — Vastus Medialis Oblique (terminal extension emphasis, primary)

How to setup and use

Setting Up the DSH033 Pendulum Squat

Load plates evenly onto both weight holders, starting light to calibrate the counterbalance.
Adjust the counterbalance to set the machine's base resistance for your strength level.
Set the safety stop to the position matching your intended working depth.
Set the footplate to one of 5 positions for your stance and ankle mobility.
Step in, position your shoulders under the pads, and choose your handle grip.

Performing the Pendulum Squat

Release the safety hook and lower into the squat, keeping your torso upright.
Descend to the depth set by the safety stop under full control.
Drive upward through the full foot to full knee extension.
Keep your back in contact with the backrest throughout the set.
Engage the safety hook before stepping out at the end of your set.

Inside Look at the Pendulum Squat DSH033 Machine

Who this machine is built for

Serious home gym builders: Delivers a squat arc that feels genuinely close to a barbell squat without the spinal loading that limits barbell squat volume.

Bodybuilders and physique athletes: Produces superior quad fullness and VMO development than a leg press since the arc keeps the knee tracking naturally at full depth.

Powerlifters and strength athletes: Accumulates squat pattern volume on the same movement arc as the competition lift without adding spinal fatigue across the training week.

Commercial gym owners: A premium category machine that serious lifters seek out specifically, with the counterbalance system making it accessible to a broader membership.

University and college athletic departments: Accumulates bilateral leg volume without the spotting and technical monitoring demands of barbell squatting.

Physical therapists and sports medicine practitioners: The guided arc removes the balance demand of barbell squatting, useful in late-stage return-to-squat rehabilitation.

Owner's Manual

Access the complete assembly guide, parts list, and maintenance schedule below.

Download Owners Manual

Shipping & Delivery

All Dynasty Fitness equipment ships free across the 48 contiguous US states via freight carrier. If the product description says preorder, we'll send you an estimated delivery date via email.

Estimated delivery: 7–14 business days from order confirmation. You will receive a tracking number and a delivery window confirmation call before your shipment arrives. Deliveries are curbside standard, white glove delivery to room of choice is available at checkout.

Returns: Free within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in original condition and packaging. Refunds processed within 5 business days of return receipt.

Questions? Contact our team at:
📧Email: info@thedynastyfitness.com
📞Call: +1 (213)-584-0858

Need a buying guide?

Looking for one to one support before making final decision?
Feel free to contact us. Our expert support team would love to assist you.

Need Installation Help?

We have partnered with another company to help provide installation around the country. Please use the link below to see the price per machine for installation
See Installation Rates

Payment & Security

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Save 10%

Pendulum Squat DSH033

$2,474.00

$2,474.00 ~~$2,749.00~~ 10% off (Save$275.00 )

Commercial Grade
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The DSH033 Pendulum Squat is a plate-loaded lower body machine that trains the quads, glutes, and hamstrings through a pendulum arc squat that follows natural joint mechanics without axial spinal compression. A counterbalance system adjusts the effective base resistance so the machine suits both new lifters and advanced athletes.

Built from PT60x120x2.5mm steel in matte black with a 661 lb bilateral capacity at 93.1"x58.1"x70.5", the DSH033 handles the full range of users in a commercial setting.

True squat arc: Follows the natural hip and knee path of a free squat, without the axial spinal load barbell squatting carries.
Adjustable counterbalance: Sets the machine's base resistance to match beginner or advanced strength levels precisely.
12-position safety stop: Sets a controlled depth limit matched to your leg length and squat depth for consistent, safe training.
5-position footplate: Adjusts knee travel and stance to accommodate different ankle mobility and lower body proportions.

How To Assemble The DSH033 Pendulum Squat - Step By Step Guide

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Exercises and muscles targeted

Exercise	Muscles Targeted
Pendulum Squat (standard stance)	Quadriceps (primary), Gluteus Maximus (primary), Hamstrings, Adductors (secondary)
Wide Stance (sumo)	Adductor Magnus (increased primary), Gluteus Maximus (primary), Quadriceps (secondary)
Narrow Stance	Quadriceps — Vastus Lateralis (outer quad emphasis, primary), Gluteus Maximus (secondary)
Pause at Bottom	Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus (maximum time under tension, stretch reflex removed)
Partial ROM (upper half)	Quadriceps — Vastus Medialis Oblique (terminal extension emphasis, primary)

How to setup and use

Setting Up the DSH033 Pendulum Squat

Load plates evenly onto both weight holders, starting light to calibrate the counterbalance.
Adjust the counterbalance to set the machine's base resistance for your strength level.
Set the safety stop to the position matching your intended working depth.
Set the footplate to one of 5 positions for your stance and ankle mobility.
Step in, position your shoulders under the pads, and choose your handle grip.

Performing the Pendulum Squat

Release the safety hook and lower into the squat, keeping your torso upright.
Descend to the depth set by the safety stop under full control.
Drive upward through the full foot to full knee extension.
Keep your back in contact with the backrest throughout the set.
Engage the safety hook before stepping out at the end of your set.

Inside Look at the Pendulum Squat DSH033 Machine

Who this machine is built for

Serious home gym builders: Delivers a squat arc that feels genuinely close to a barbell squat without the spinal loading that limits barbell squat volume.

Bodybuilders and physique athletes: Produces superior quad fullness and VMO development than a leg press since the arc keeps the knee tracking naturally at full depth.

Powerlifters and strength athletes: Accumulates squat pattern volume on the same movement arc as the competition lift without adding spinal fatigue across the training week.

Commercial gym owners: A premium category machine that serious lifters seek out specifically, with the counterbalance system making it accessible to a broader membership.

University and college athletic departments: Accumulates bilateral leg volume without the spotting and technical monitoring demands of barbell squatting.

Physical therapists and sports medicine practitioners: The guided arc removes the balance demand of barbell squatting, useful in late-stage return-to-squat rehabilitation.

Owner's Manual

Access the complete assembly guide, parts list, and maintenance schedule below.

Download Owners Manual

Shipping & Delivery

All Dynasty Fitness equipment ships free across the 48 contiguous US states via freight carrier. If the product description says preorder, we'll send you an estimated delivery date via email.

Returns: Free within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in original condition and packaging. Refunds processed within 5 business days of return receipt.

Questions? Contact our team at:
📧Email: info@thedynastyfitness.com
📞Call: +1 (213)-584-0858

Need a buying guide?

Looking for one to one support before making final decision?
Feel free to contact us. Our expert support team would love to assist you.

Need Installation Help?

We have partnered with another company to help provide installation around the country. Please use the link below to see the price per machine for installation
See Installation Rates

Payment & Security

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Pendulum Squat DSH033

$2,474.00

$2,474.00 ~~$2,749.00~~ 10% off (Save$275.00 )

Key Features

Pendulum Arc on Bearing-Supported Swing Frame

The swing frame travels through a pendulum arc guided by two bearings, following the natural path of hip and knee movement in a squat rather than a linear track. This lets the knee travel forward and the hip drop in the proportions a free squat demands, producing a more natural loading pattern than a hack squat or leg press.

Adjustable Counterbalance System

Weight holders offset a portion of the arm's own weight, changing the base resistance felt before plates are added. Reducing the counterbalance increases effective resistance per plate for beginners, while increasing it lets advanced lifters start from significant plate loading without excess arm weight.

12-Position Adjustable Safety Stop

The limit hook adjusts to 12 positions to set the lowest point of the squat arc, controlling both safety depth and consistent range of motion tracking. The wire spring holds it securely and releases quickly by hand at the end of a set.

5-Position Anti-Slip Footplate

The footplate adjusts across 5 positions to change knee travel and hip involvement. Lower positions increase quad dominance, higher positions shift load toward the glutes and suit limited ankle dorsiflexion. The anti-slip surface holds through the drive phase regardless of position.

Angled Backrest with Shoulder Pads

A professionally angled backrest with headrest supports the spine in a neutral position through the arc. Two independent high-resilience shoulder pads distribute plate load evenly, avoiding the pressure point a single narrow pad creates under heavy loads.

Dual Handle Grip Positions

Four grip lengths across barbell-style rear and front hand positions let each user choose the placement that feels most stable for their proportions and squatting style, rather than compromising on a single fixed grip.

Product Information
Product Name	Pendulum Squat
Model	DSH033
Series	DSH Plate Loaded Series
Product Type	Plate-Loaded Pendulum Squat Machine
Primary Function	Bilateral pendulum arc squat — quadriceps and glute development without spinal load
Target Muscles	Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus (primary), Hamstrings, Adductors (secondary)
Grade	Commercial
Colour	Matte Black
Dimensions and Weight
Length	93.1 in (236.6 cm)
Width	58.1 in (147.5 cm)
Height	70.5 in (179.0 cm)
Net Weight	463 lbs (210 kg)
Load Capacity
Maximum Load Capacity	661 lbs (300 kg) — 330 lbs (150 kg) per side
Loading System	Plate-loaded — Olympic plates, 4 weight holders plus 2 short weight holders
Adjustability
Safety Stop Positions	12 positions — limit hook with wire spring
Footplate Positions	5 positions — pop pin, adjustable anti-slip footplate
Counterbalance System	Adjustable — long weight holder plus short weight holders for base resistance calibration
Handle Grip Positions	Dual — barbell-style rear and front positions, 4 grip lengths (95, 150, 180, 240mm)
Frame and Construction
Main Frame Tubing	PT60×120×2.5mm rectangular steel
Swing Frame Bearings	x2 on main pivot
Backrest	Professionally angled with headrest pad — lower back pressure minimised
Shoulder Pads	2 x high-resilience bilateral shoulder pads
Finish	Matte black powder coat
Indoor Use Only	Yes

Q: How is this different from a hack squat or leg press?
A: The pendulum arc follows the natural path of hip and knee movement in a free squat, while a hack squat forces a fixed linear track and a leg press reclines the body to push the feet away rather than squat downward. The pendulum squat produces the most natural machine squat feel of the three, with greater depth than a leg press and less knee shear than a fixed-track hack squat.

Q: How do I adjust the counterbalance system?
A: Adding weight to the counterbalance holders reduces the effective base resistance felt before plates are added. Removing counterbalance weight increases it. Start at the default setting and adjust based on whether your warm-up sets feel too heavy or too light.

Q: What footplate position should I use?
A: Start in the middle position. Higher positions reduce forward knee travel and suit limited ankle mobility. Lower positions allow more forward knee travel for greater quad emphasis. The position letting you reach full depth with your heel flat is usually correct for your proportions.

Q: How do I set the safety stop correctly?
A: Set the limit hook where the arm should stop at the bottom of your intended depth. Test with a few unloaded reps to confirm it catches at the right point, just below your deepest comfortable squat depth, before adding working weight.

Q: Can I use this if I have knee sensitivity with barbell squats?
A: Many users find the pendulum arc more comfortable since the load applies through the shoulders rather than compressing the spine under a barbell, and the footplate can reduce forward knee travel to lower patellofemoral stress. Knee sensitivity varies by individual, so start conservative and monitor how the knee responds across sessions.

Q: What Dynasty Fitness machines pair with the DSH033 for a complete leg programme?
A: Pair this with a Hack Squat for a different guided squat pattern, a Hip Thruster for horizontal glute isolation, and a Leg Extension Prone Leg Curl for dedicated knee joint isolation work.

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We are committed to equipment that stands the test of time — and to making sure the people who train the hardest have access to the tools that match their effort.