BodyKore Squat Box Pro Review

This product was in-house tested by Michael at The Jungle Gym Reviews.

The BodyKore Squat Box Pro is a dedicated belt squat platform designed to give you a true, straight-down cable pulling point without committing floor space to a full leg press or hack squat. It connects to an existing cable system, adds stability via an adjustable handle, and lets you load additional plates directly onto the platform so you can actually go heavy. After using it in my own gym, it’s clear this is a very specific tool—but for the right setup, it solves a real problem.

Quick Specs

Type: Cable-driven belt squat platform
Pulley Location: Bottom-center, low pulley
Pulley Rotation: 180-degree swivel
Integrated Handle: Yes, adjustable height
Plate Loading: Dual weight horns (plate-loaded for stability)
Stated Use: Belt squats and low-pulley exercises
Dimensions: ~36" long × 18" deep × 12" tall
Price Mentioned: ~$595 (Pro version)
Standard Version Price Mentioned: ~$350

Where to Buy the BodyKore Squat Box Pro

Check current pricing, included accessories, and availability since BodyKore offers multiple Squat Box versions:

My Real-World Experience

I have this connected to a cable system on my GetRX’d Tornado rack, using roughly a 4–5 ft cable run into the bottom pulley. The defining feature is that the cable starts directly under your center of mass. That alone changes how belt squats feel compared to most rack-mounted or side-pull solutions.

Setup is straightforward but not graceful—belt squats never are. You clip into the included belt, step onto the platform, drop down to tension the cable, and start from the bottom. It works exactly as intended, but it’s not something you hop in and out of casually between sets.

The adjustable handle is a bigger deal than it looks. Being able to pull slightly forward or sit back into the movement lets you bias the squat toward something closer to a pendulum-style pattern. At 6'2" with long limbs, I’ve never been a high-bar squatter, and this handle makes the movement feel much more natural for my proportions.

The platform itself is thick steel with aggressive grip tape. Once it’s properly weighted, it feels solid and predictable. The only time it wants to move is if you ignore the loading guidance—which BodyKore is very clear about. This isn’t a design flaw; it’s physics.

Training Use Cases

This is first and foremost a belt squat station. The vertical pulling path allows for deep squats without loading the spine, which is exactly why most people want belt squats in the first place.

Beyond that, it functions as a true low-pulley anchor. Calf raises feel natural because the cable is directly under you. You can also use it for cable deadlifts, RDLs, upright rows, curls, and face pulls—anything where a low, centered cable is beneficial.

Compared to pulling off a rack upright or functional trainer column, the difference is noticeable. You’re no longer being pulled forward or at an angle, which makes bracing and balance easier, especially under heavier loads.

Tradeoffs & Limitations

The Squat Box Pro is not standalone. You still need a cable system capable of handling serious load, and most 2:1 systems will require creative solutions to reach very heavy resistance.

Stability depends on proper loading. BodyKore recommends roughly 70% of your bodyweight plus additional plates on the horns. Ignore that, and it will move—no surprise there.

The included belt is serviceable but not comfortable for heavier loads. I stopped using it once the weight climbed and switched to my own belt setup. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to budget for if you plan to push weight.

Finally, while the platform works well, I would personally like the pulley point slightly lower—but that would also increase size, which goes against the entire point of this design.

Value & Alternatives

At around $595, the Squat Box Pro is far cheaper than any dedicated belt squat, leg press, or hack squat machine. The standard Squat Box is cheaper, but the Pro’s weight horns and stability handle are the entire reason this version makes sense for serious training.

If you already own a cable system and want heavy, spine-friendly leg work without dedicating more floor space, the value here is strong. If you don’t, the cost quickly escalates once you factor in a capable cable setup.

Who Should Buy This

If you want heavy belt squats without buying a massive leg machine, this makes sense. It’s especially good for lifters with back issues, long femurs, or anyone who struggles to stay upright under barbell load.

It’s also a smart add-on for space-limited gyms that already have a rack and cable system.

Who Should Skip It

If you don’t have a cable system—or you don’t plan on loading belt squats heavy—this probably isn’t worth it. If you want a plug-and-play, standalone leg machine, this isn’t that.

Final Verdict

The BodyKore Squat Box Pro is a niche tool done well. It’s compact, stable when used correctly, and solves the vertical-pull problem better than most rack-based solutions. For the right home gym, it’s a practical way to train legs hard without giving up space.

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