Pendulum-X Deep Dive

At Hammer Strength, our design philosophy is centered around creating equipment that supports natural movement and feels good to use; it’s really that simple. We build our machines around the user and the movement, rather than forcing the user to adapt to the machine – believe it or not, this is a unique philosophy in our industry. This intentional approach ensures our equipment is not only effective but also comfortable and intuitive to use.   

This blog explores the benefits facility managers prioritize when selecting durable training equipment and introduces you to the latest, highly requested addition to our plate loaded lineup, the Pendulum-X Squat. Discover why our philosophy sets us apart in delivering solutions that work as hard as you do. 

Why the Pendulum-X Squat? 

When the market – and pendulum squat lovers everywhere – screamed for another knee-crunching pendulum squat machine, Hammer Strength built the opposite. We heard your requests, but we also knew traditional pendulum squats often load too much on the knees, causing discomfort and limiting performance. We chose to flip the script on traditional models that overload joints and limit gains. Our team set out to create a machine engineered to eliminate constant knee flexion while unlocking full hip extension. No compromises. No shortcuts. Just raw biomechanical advantage disguised as a squat machine. Thus, the Pendulum-X Squat was born.  

Fun Fact: That "X" in the name? It serves as a reminder that hip extension is the real MVP of our unique design. 

Design Philosophy: Movement First 

We don’t retrofit old ideas – we engineer from the ground up. Every plate loaded machine starts with one question: How should this movement feel at peak performance? The Pendulum-X Squat answers with brutal clarity: full hip extension, decreased knee strain, and a range of motion that respects human biomechanics. This isn’t design – it’s a rebellion against "good enough." 

Our exoskeleton frame isn’t just durable – it’s built to outlast the competition. By wrapping the machine around the athlete – not the other way around – we’ve created a squat machine in which stability isn’t a feature – it’s the baseline. 

Key Differentiators: No Gimmicks, Just Gains 

Fixed back pads are relics. Our articulating back pad supports natural spinal alignment and reduces shear force on knees during squats. 

Athletes can also adjust the angle of our foot platform to match their ankle mobility and footwear. This accommodates lifters with limited dorsiflexion while allowing advanced users to emphasize quad engagement, ensuring effective training across all skill levels. 

Empower Your Members to Take Control 

We encourage athletes to dictate their squat depth via an adjustable range of motion control lever. This self-regulated control works to prevent overextension while supporting mobility development. 

A Patent-Worthy Movement 

Our patent-pending Pendulum-X Squat automatically reduces load at biomechanically vulnerable positions (bottom of the squat) and increases resistance at the top of the squat where athletes are stronger. 

Additionally, our design includes band pegs for increased personalization. Adding bands decreases initial resistance for deeper squats while maintaining tension at lockout. This accommodates lifters working on depth or technique without sacrificing progressive overload principles. 

Cut the Squat Rack Bottleneck 

Picture a facility where the equipment actually lasts the test of time. Built tough to handle heavy use and engineered for natural movement, our Pendulum-X Squat delivers consistent performance day in and day out. Through relentless testing that goes far beyond industry standards, we’ve engineered equipment with the goal of outperforming and outlasting anything else on the market. For facility managers, it’s a solid investment that can boost gym capacity, keep members coming back, and turn leg day into a revenue powerhouse. 

The New Gold Standard in Squatting 

The Pendulum-X Squat isn’t an upgrade – it’s a revolution. With patent-worthy resistance curves, unmatched durability, and movement patterns that put athletes first, we’re not just setting the bar, we’re squatting it. Your facility’s leg day will never be the same again.