Guide To Buying A Hack Squat Machine
A hack squat machine works like a regular barbell squat with a few variations. You can perform the hack squat at a 45-degree angle, which provides a more controlled movement and allows you to go deeper than a traditional squat. The added depth makes it great for working your quads, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles.
Product Comparison Table
What To Look for
31/03/2020
You will need adequate space to use the machine safely.
- Hack squats tend to have a very large footprint, so you will need to check the dimensions of the machine against the space you’ve chalked out.
- There needs to be enough space so that its movement is not obstructed by any nearby items and for you to comfortably load and unload the weight plates.
The machine should be adjustable to suit your height.
- The ideal position to disengage the back-pad requires bending your knees so you can use your quadricep muscles to lift the weight.
- Look for an adjustable footplate or shoulder pads to set the machine to your height and comfortably disengage and put back the weight.
The safety handles must have enough locking points.
- Ensure that the safety handles on the sides have at least three locking points for you to safely stop the machine at any point from squeezing you between the shoulder pads and footplate, in case of an accident.
- Furthermore, the handles should be easy to reach so that you can grab them in time if you feel the weight is more than you can handle.
Make sure the machine is sturdy and comfortable on your shoulders.
- The hack squat is an exercise where you can add a lot of weight, so the machine’s frame must be resilient and solidly constructed.
- Additionally, the shoulder pads should not dig into your collarbone or traps during the movement, as that can lead to injury.
Top Picks
Best Hack Squat Overall
BodyCraft F660
For $2,799.00
- Highly adjustable, can be used for multiple individuals
- Comfortable shoulder pads
- Lifetime warranty
- Doubles as a leg press
- Expensive
Best Hack Squat/front Squat Combo
York STS Power Front Squat Machine
For $2,199.00
- Reduces stress on joints
- Non-skid footplate
- 4 weight storage racks
- Large footprint
- Not a true hack squat
Best Hack Squat On A Budget
Body-Solid GLPH1100
For $1,799.00
- Smooth and stable during movement
- 1,000 lbs weight capacity
- Reasonable price compared to others like it
Common Questions
Q:How do I use the hack squat machine?
You must familiarise yourself with the machine before you exercise.
- Load the machine with the desired weight.
- Position your feet on the platform at shoulder-width and your back against the machine’s back pad.
- Support the weight of the shoulder pads and the sled and flip out the safety handle.
- With your hips and shoulder against the back pad and heels firmly planted, bend your knees and squat down to a 90-degree angle.
- Pause at this position and then push the sled back up to the original position.
- Once done, reengage the safety lock by moving the sled as high as possible and then engaging the stopper.
Q:Which muscles does the hack squat machine target?
The hack squat targets the entire lower body– glutes, hamstrings, calves, and most of all, quads. The exercise is also good for strengthening your core. By positioning your feet differently, you can also target other areas of your legs.
Q:How is the hack squat machine different from the leg press machine?
The hack squat machine is an angled standing machine that helps you squat by using weighted plates. With shoulder and back pads and safety stoppers, this machine is safer. The hack squat exercise targets all the major muscles of your lower body.
The leg press machine is a seated machine, and it’s parallel to the ground or at an angle. Leg press exercise lets you focus on your legs. The leg press machine also allows for adding more weights.
Q:How is the hack squat machine different from the hip sled?
The hack squat machine is an angled standing machine that helps you squat by using weighted plates. With shoulder and back pads and safety stoppers, this machine is safer. The hack squat exercise targets all the major muscles of your lower body.
The hip sled machine lets you do the same workout as the leg press, except that the hip sled lets you push weights that slide on runners or channels.
Q:What is reverse hack squat and how do I do it?
The reverse hack squat is a compound exercise that helps in overall leg development. The major muscles that it targets are the hamstrings, along with quads, glutes, and calves. Here’s how you can do it:
- Load the hack squat machine with the desired weight
- Position your shoulder and chest on the pads and keep your legs shoulder-width apart. Instead of lying on the pad, your body will be facing the pad.
- Just like you would do in a normal squat, lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
- Pause for a second and push yourself up to the starting position.