For anyone building a home gym, lower-body equipment usually takes up the most space. The RITFIT Gazelle offers a smarter approach – combining three classic movements into one compact, plate-loaded machine. With just a few quick adjustments, you can move seamlessly between leg presses, hack squats, and calf raises, creating a complete leg-day setup without changing stations.
Three Exercises, One Setup
The Gazelle is built around efficiency. Its 45-degree sled design supports multiple angles of work, letting you move from one exercise to the next with minimal downtime.
- Leg Press: Adjust the back pad upright, load your plates, and press through your heels for a controlled drive that targets quads, glutes, and hamstrings.
- Hack Squat: Lower the shoulder pads, step under the sled, and keep your back flat against the pad to emphasise quads and glute depth.
- Calf Raise: Stay on the same platform, shift your foot position, and add focused lower-leg training at the end of your session.
This fluid design makes it easy to structure progressive workouts or supersets — ideal for lifters training alone or in smaller spaces.
Getting the Most From Each Movement
1. Leg Press Technique
Set the footplate so your knees bend to around 90 degrees at the bottom. Drive through your full foot rather than your toes, and keep your hips flat on the pad. Adjust your stance width to emphasise different muscles — wider for glutes and adductors, narrower for quads.
2. Hack Squat Setup
Position your shoulders firmly under the pads and feet slightly forward on the plate. Keep the chest up and control each rep – this variation builds strength through the front of the thighs while supporting proper depth and alignment.
3. Calf Raises
Hold the sled at the top for a full squeeze, then lower slowly until you feel a stretch in the calves. High-rep sets here work well as a finisher after heavier lifts.
Smart Adjustments and Setup Tips
The Gazelle includes several easy adjustments that make a big difference in comfort and performance:
- Back Pad Angle: Switch between upright for leg press and reclined for hack squat positions.
- Footplate Position: Experiment with angles — higher for glutes and hamstrings, lower for quads.
- Safety Stops: Always set these before adding plates to allow confident solo training.
- Smooth Movement: Keep the guide rails lightly lubricated and bolts checked periodically for consistent glide.
Once you find your preferred setup, note the pin positions so you can reset quickly each session.
Programming Ideas
You can use the Gazelle for both strength-focused and hypertrophy training. Here are two simple examples:
Strength Block
- Leg Press – 4 × 8
- Hack Squat – 3 × 10
- Calf Raises – 3 × 15
Endurance / Volume Block
- Superset: Hack Squat + Leg Press – 3 rounds of 12 reps each
- Calf Raises – 3 × 20 with a 2-second hold at the top
Because the transitions are quick, you can maintain intensity while saving space and time.
Who Will Benefit Most
The Gazelle suits anyone who wants to:
- Build strong legs at home without multiple machines.
- Train through a variety of angles for balanced leg development.
- Perform heavy compound movements safely without a spotter.
- Streamline workouts into a single, easy-to-adjust station.
It’s especially practical for home gym owners aiming for a professional feel in a smaller footprint.
Final Thoughts
The RITFIT Gazelle brings flexibility and structure to leg training. Whether you’re targeting strength, muscle growth, or overall conditioning, the ability to switch between presses, squats, and calf work keeps your sessions efficient and effective.
With thoughtful setup and consistent use, it can serve as the cornerstone of a complete lower-body program – powerful, adaptable, and perfectly suited for home training.
In partnership with RITFIT.
