Hack Squat

A beginner strength exercise for the quads, calves, glutes and hamstrings, done with a gym machine.

Movement guide

Hack Squat

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusQuads · Calves · Glutes · Hamstrings

Written instructions available. A verified 3D demonstration has not been built for this variation.

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Hack SquatBeginner · Strength machine

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Barbell hack squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell hack squatIntermediate · A barbell

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Place the back of your torso against the back pad of the machine and hook your shoulders under the shoulder pads provided.
Position your legs in the platform using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Tip: Keep your head up at all times and also maintain the back on the pad at all times.
Place your arms on the side handles of the machine and disengage the safety bars (which on most designs is done by moving the side handles from a facing front position to a diagonal position).
Now straighten your legs without locking the knees. This will be your starting position. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances described in the foot positioning section).
Begin to slowly lower the unit by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up (back on the pad at all times). Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calves becomes slightly less than 90-degrees (which is the point in which the upper legs are below parallel to the floor). Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
Begin to raise the unit as you exhale by pushing the floor with mainly with the heel of your foot as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Quads. Also: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Narrow Stance Hack SquatsIntermediate · Strength machine

Back squat with bands demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBack squat with bandsAdvanced · A barbell + A band

Back squat with chains demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBack squat with chainsAdvanced · A barbell + Other / check instructions

Barbell box squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell box squatIntermediate · A barbell

Barbell Bulgarian split squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell Bulgarian split squatAdvanced · A barbell + A bench or box

Barbell side split squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell side split squatIntermediate · A barbell

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Hack Squat work?

Mainly the quads, with help from the calves, glutes and hamstrings.

What equipment do I need for the Hack Squat?

Strength machine.

Is the Hack Squat good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Barbell hack squat.

How do I make the Hack Squat harder?

Progress to the Barbell hack squat, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.