This exercise machine builds explosive power and develops lower-body muscle mass with 2 primary movements, the squat and the squat jump. It is uniquely designed to facilitate plyometric jumping exercises, leveraging both linear body-weight resistance and variable-band resistance. It produces both concentric and eccentric loading of the muscles, allowing users to accelerate and decelerate quickly during a squat jump in a safe, controlled manner. It can accommodate all levels of fitness and supports the spine during traditional squat exercises. Users can comfortably control the descending and ascending phases of a squat or jump while also providing an opportunity for advanced variations.