DIY Seated Calf Raise: How to Hack Your Belt Squat for Multi-Purpose Training
Home gym enthusiasts are always looking for ways to maximize equipment functionality without sacrificing space. Today we're sharing an ingenious way to convert your belt squat into a seated calf raise machine with minimal modifications.
The French Port Mammoth Belt Squat is already a versatile piece of equipment for lower body training, but with a simple modification, you can expand its capabilities even further.
The Simple Modification Process
This hack involves boring out an existing hole on the belt squat to 75 millimeters to accept leg rollers from the Rep Pegasus. The process is straightforward – simply enlarge the pre-existing hole to accommodate the rollers, then screw them in place when you want to use this configuration.
Setting Up Your DIY Seated Calf Raise
The setup requires just a few components:
- French Port Mammoth Belt Squat (with kickstand down)
- Rep Pegasus rollers (installed in the modified hole)
- A 6×6 piece of pressure-treated lumber
- Rep Fitness adjustable plyometric box
Position the belt squat over the plyometric box, with your feet resting on the piece of lumber. The roller pads will rest comfortably on your thighs, allowing you to perform complete seated calf raises with proper resistance.
User-Friendly Design
For those who might need assistance getting into position, you can use the ring at the top where the belt connects to place a handle. This allows another person to help you get situated properly. However, most users will find they can easily position themselves under the apparatus independently.
Space-Saving Benefits
Perhaps the greatest advantage of this modification is that it eliminates the need for a separate seated calf raise machine, which would take up valuable space in your home gym. With this hack, you're getting multiple training options from a single piece of equipment.
This setup provides effective resistance for seated calf raises while maintaining a compact footprint that can be easily stored away when not in use.
Maximize Your Home Gym Investment
Creative modifications like this demonstrate how home gym owners can get more value from their equipment purchases. By thinking outside the box, you can create a more versatile training environment without expanding your equipment collection or sacrificing precious floor space.
