The Primal Performance Series Pendulum Squat is a plate loaded pendulum squat that swings the load on an arc, giving a deep, quad heavy squat with the back fully supported. It is made for commercial gyms, PT studios and S&C facilities, needs 2160 × 1120 mm of floor space, stands 1620 mm tall and weighs 155 kg.

The pendulum arc keeps tension on the quads at the bottom, where a barbell squat is hardest to control, so users can train deep knee bend safely with heavy loads.

Who it is for

• Commercial gyms adding a quad focused squat machine to the leg floor
• Bodybuilding gyms where members want deep quad work without a barbell
• PT studios teaching deep squatting to clients who lack barbell confidence
• Strength and conditioning facilities building knee and quad strength for field and court sports

Key features

• Pendulum arc movement that loads the quads deep in the squat
• Wide, adjustable non slip foot plate for narrow, wide and staggered stances
• Adjustable height safety pin to set a safe stopping point for every user
• Injected shoulder pads that spread the load and keep the upper body comfortable
• Heavy gauge steel frame for daily commercial use
• Unloaded starting weight of 30 kg, light enough for beginners

What it trains and how to use it

Because the body stays upright and the knees travel well forward, the pendulum squat is one of the most quad dominant squat patterns you can load.

• Primary: quadriceps
• Secondary: glutes, adductors and calves
• Deep quad hypertrophy work in the 8 to 15 rep range
• Knee strength and tendon loading for athletes, starting light
• High rep finishers after heavy barbell squats
• Stance changes on the wide foot plate to shift work toward the adductors or glutes

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Pendulum Squat?

Primal lists it at 2160 mm long, 1120 mm wide and 1620 mm high. Leave roughly 600 mm clear around it for access and plate loading, giving a zone of about 3.4 × 2.3 m.

How do you load it?

It takes 50 mm Olympic plates, sold separately. The machine starts at 30 kg unloaded, so beginners can use it with little or no added weight.

What ceiling height do I need?

The frame is 1620 mm tall and the user rises to a standing position under the shoulder pads. A standard 2.4 m ceiling suits most users, and we can confirm the fit for tall lifters.

What is the warranty?

Primal Strength covers it with a full commercial use warranty: 5 years on the frame, 3 years on parts, and 1 year on pads, cables, pulleys and wearables, with 1 year of labour.

Do you deliver and install Australia-wide?

Yes. We ship from our Melbourne warehouse across Australia, with most metro deliveries 1 to 7 business days after dispatch. It is 200 kg packed in a 2000 × 1000 × 760 mm crate, so some regional addresses need a freight quote. Use the Ask about this machine form on this page for a delivery and installation quote.

Pendulum squat or hack squat: which should I buy?

Both are quad focused. The pendulum's arc keeps more tension in the bottom of the squat and suits deep quad work, while a hack squat travels in a straighter line. Busy gyms often run both.

Pair the Pendulum Squat with the Primal ISO Hack Squat and Power Squat for a full plate loaded leg zone.