SAM’S REVIEW: ATX® Squat Calf Machine 600

If you watched my of the ATX-SQM-700 I mentioned that both the old Powertec and Megatec Leverage Squat Calf Machines did experience flexing. So flexing is not uncommon in a machine like a leverage squat – squats are an exercise that you can lift a fair amount of weight. Secondly the weight is suspended at height.

The ATX-SQM-700 was redesigned to eliminate the flex. So I guess that I was hoping that the new SQM-600 design also eliminated it too. In hindsight my concerns were exaggerated by the fact that we have this machine on a mezzanine floor. When the machine is loaded up, the plywood sheets flex which amplifies any flex in the machine.

Now it has been nearly 2 years since I set up this machine and raised my concerns with ATX. Yet the machine has still stayed. After that initial trial if you asked me it would still have been here I would have said not a chance. Normally I wouldn’t import a machine that I didn’t like, let alone take up precious space in our showroom.

There is no other way to put it, it has grown on me. Let me explain why.

The machine gets used just as much for viking press as it does for leg exercises. Since getting both of the new ATX leverage squats, the viking press has become one of the favourite shoulder exercises for everyone here. It is so easy to set up and feels great.

Due to shoulder issues, I rarely shoulder pressed using any style before – dumbbell, barbell, smith machine. But now I do them all the time. The leverage format makes it easier to focus on working the delts. I could do leverage shoulder press on the multi press, but I find doing them standing makes it easier to get into the correct position.

Now I would never recommend buying this machine because you can do standing calf raises. You can do them so many other ways using much cheaper equipment or for free using a step and bodyweight. However, having the machine here has just made it easier. Especially when we have multiple people training.

Now I am not massive into booty training. The Nordic Curl Bench  and backward sled work are now regulars in my workout. But I don’t go much further than that.

However at the end of my leg workouts I started using this machine for some light squats. What I found that after doing Nordic Curls, some deep, light squats really gave the glutes a real workout.

We have plenty of machines that we can do a leverage row on. Now this would not be my first choice, but you can do a decent row on this machine. Personally I just use it to finish my back workout with light weight and plenty of reps.

Plus I have seen on social media people doing a leverage chest press too.

Despite my concerns, the machine has not come close to failing in any way. Despite it being a lighter duty machine, it is still great quality.

To put it into perspective it utilises many of the same parts and designs that are featured on the squat station of the MSX-700. The MSX-700 is rated for commercial usage, while the SQM-600 is rated for home use.

The shoulder pads are one piece which are a significant upgrade on the previous models. The lever arm has also had a make over. The bracing and the bearings are extremely heavy duty. Here is a PT studio in Italy using one.

It is still the same ATX quality, they have just built it for it’s intended use. The SQM-700 is the machine that has been over engineered.

Not everyone is going to squat over 160kg, so why pay for a machine that does. I guess there is where I was conflicted. Gym equipment is way more affordable than say cars. With 3 kids we decided to get a KIA Sorento. I would have much rather got a Toyota Land but they are much more expensive. I would rather my kids trash a Sorento vs a Land Cruiser.

However the price difference between the SQM-600 & SQM-700 is nowhere near the difference between the car example. So my natural inclination is to get the better one. But if you are always going to be a light user then you can save some money.

These days the percentage of female customers is growing constantly. Woman are now setting up home gyms and trying to get their fellas into training – before it was always a battle for most blokes to get their gyms approved by the Minister of War & Finances.

Now I am not saying that all women are light squatters. But what I will say is that women are often smarter trainers than men and won’t sacrifice form to lift more weight.

Plus follow the Glute Guru and you will see that a leverage squat machine can be used for more than squats.