How It All Started
The Belt Squat Machine was patented in 1975 by legendary strength and conditioning coach Louie Simmons from Westside Barbell. Louie, who had fractured his spine, invented the machine to allow for squats without loading his back and compressing his spine. Since its inception, Louie has claimed that as an additional benefit to squatting, the Belt Squat machine resolved his back pain! Infact, Louie claims that he has helped THOUSANDS of individuals suffering from lower pack pain over the years!
Stretch Bands were developed in 1980 by Dick Hartzell in Youngstown, Ohio. Initially, the bands were used for flexibility training and cardio training, and eventually for strength training through resistance as well.
Putting It Together
It was Dr. Larry Miller who brought together these two ingenious workout inventions to offer the first of it’s kind vertical traction home gym, BandTrax. While there are a number of versions of the Belt Squat machine available, over 90% utilize a lever system that causes pelvic tilt and axial forces. The ideal system for vertical traction are those belt squat machines that have a cable and pulley system that originates on a platform that is positioned in-line with the body. Our patented belt is the only belt that attaches to the cable and pulley directly in-line with the center of the body, thus eliminating any pelvic tilt and allowing for pure vertical traction forces.
Although a dentist by trade, Larry was Ranked #1 in the world in the Bench Press at the age of 48, benching 529 lbs. at 165 lb body weight. Larry is certified with the International Sports Sciences Association as a Personal Trainer, Exercise Therapist and Fitness Coach. He is certified in Shock Wave Therapy, BEMER electromagnetic Therapy, Rubber band certified and still maintains his Dental License. He has represented the US in International Competition finishing with one Silver and two Bronze in the Open Division. He has won gold in every Master’s competition he has entered. Larry has competed in New Zealand, Germany, Finland and Luxembourg. Larry has done exhibitions and talks at many of the local High Schools over the years.
Dr. Larry Miller has been training with weights for over 50 years and healing injuries for over 25 years. These years of expertise has resulted in the invention of BandTrax - the only vertical back traction home gym of it’s kind.