Hack Squat Machine

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Intermediate

Machine-guided squat that targets quads and glutes to build lower body strength and hypertrophy; offers spinal support for safer squatting compared to free weights.

About Exercise

Equipment

Hack Squat Machine, Plates

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Adductors, Calves, Abs

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Powerlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

10/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris

Adductors

4/10

Calves

3/10

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust shoulder pads to fit your height and load weight plates onto the machine's pegs. Step onto the platform, place back against the pad, and shoulders under pads with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out.

  1. Grip handles and release safety locks by extending legs slightly.
  2. Inhale and lower by bending knees and hips, keeping back flat against pad until thighs are parallel to platform.
  3. Exhale and drive through heels to extend knees and hips, pushing sled upward.
  4. Return to start position with slight knee bend, avoiding lockout.
  5. Repeat for reps, then re-engage safeties to exit.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep back pressed to pad
  • Knees track over toes
  • Drive through heels
  • Core braced tight
  • Chest stays up

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase; exhale forcefully during upward push while bracing core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs parallel to platform or slightly below if mobility allows; extend to near full knee extension without locking out.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee pain or lower back injury
  • Use safeties if form falters
  • Don't lock knees at top
  • Maintain heel contact
  • Progress weight gradually

Spotting

Machine safeties handle most risks; spotter optional for racking heavy loads or form check.

Common Mistakes

  • Lower back lifting off pad
  • Knees caving inward
  • Bouncing at bottom
  • Heels lifting off platform
  • Incomplete range of motion

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Severe lower back pain
  • Uncontrolled hypertension

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic squat pattern knowledge
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

Machine Hack Squat, 45-Degree Hack Squat

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