Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press/Hack Squat Machine Review

Do you want a way to build amazing quads, strong glutes, and powerful hamstrings, all without squatting or putting your spine at risk? Read on to see what we thought of the leg press/hack squat machine and if we think it has a place in your home gym.

The body-solid leg press/hack squat machine is a combination of two popular pieces of gym equipment that are used to train your lower body, the leg press machine, and the hack squat machine.

Both machines can be used as an alternative to squatting or alongside it, and they are often viewed as a much better way of developing your legs as it is safer than squatting with bad form whilst also giving you the ability to go heavy, without needing a spotter, allowing you train alone without the same risks you would face when squatting.

The body-solid leg press/hack squat machine combines the benefits of both machines into one, easy to use exercise option, which gives you the perfect opportunity to build bigger, stronger and more defined leg muscles from the comfort of your home.

In this review, we will take a look at the body-solid machine and see if it has what it takes to be the go-to lower-body option for you and your home gym.

Features

Quad track roller system – The Quad Track roller system ensures a smooth pressing motion as the weight is distributed evenly, making it easier and smoother to use the machine.
Flip and lock mechanism – Both back pads have a fast-acting flip and lock mechanism allowing you to change between hack squat or leg press with ease, giving you the full benefits of this machine without any difficulty.
Easy access – With an easy access plate load system you won’t struggle when trying to add weight to your lifts, it’s a simple process as you load your weight plates onto the machine, where they are safely located out of the way, giving you a safer way to work out.
Maximum strength and stability – With an extra heavy duty 2”x4” 11-gauge steel mainframe, that also minimizes torsional flex, you will enjoy maximum strength and stability in this machine. Whether lifting heavy on the leg press or practicing your form with the hack squat, you will feel safe, secure and stable when using this machine.
Extra-heavy foot plates – With Extra heavy gauge diamond plate foot platforms, for both the leg press and the hack squat, you will be secure and stable as you use both aspects of the body-solid machine, giving yourself a strong footing and ultimate confidence in your lift.
Multiple lock positions – With three lockout positions under your control, you can be confident that you can always start and stop the lift at your desired point, keeping you safe and protected.
High weight limit – With the ability to lift between 800lbs and 1000lbs you can really push yourself with this machine as you give yourself an incredible lower body workout, building your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Flexible height– Catering for users from 5’1 and up to 6’4 this machine is useable for most people and with multiple lockout positions; you will always be able to find the optimal position for yourself.

What we liked

When it comes to our favorite features we actually have two.

The fact that the back pads come with a quick flip and lock mechanism is certainly something we appreciate as it gives you the chance to move between exercises with ease, saving you time and energy unlike in a normal gym.

We also loved the three lockout positions, which make stopping and starting the lift at the right level for you, much easier to manage. Not all machines have as many positions, which can make them more dangerous to use, we're happy to see that the body-solid leg press/hack squat machine doesn’t have this problem.

What we didn’t like

The body-solid machine claims that it can support up to 1000lbs of weight although we would like to see slightly longer bars, to actually support that much weight. If you’re using standard 45lb weight plates, you may struggle to fit all of the plates onto the bar, meaning you end up just below 1000lbs.

We would also like to see an option to purchase this machine with weights. You’re going to need some Olympic weight plates so it would make more sense to simply have them available when you purchase this machine.

Final verdict

This machine does exactly what you would expect and it’s certainly one we would recommend. Both exercises offer a great alternative to squatting or indeed are good options to use in a full lower body workout program to supplement your squats and offer a different way to train the leg muscles, with more safety and control.

The weight limit is great for the majority of people out there and the heavy-duty build and design will allow you to feel in complete control when using this machine.

Whether you want to add an extra dimension to your lower body workouts or you want an option that allows for great lower body development, whilst also offering safety, support, and control, the body-solid Leg Press/Hack Squat machine is a fantastic option for anyone out there.