What Is Hack Squat?

What is a Hack Squat? The HS is a Squat variation that is performed on a machine and involves pushing the weight away from you, at an angle, as you stand back up. You must stand on the plate with your body leaning back against the pads. The weight is moved during the concentric phase of the movement.

What are hack squats good for?

A hack squat works the entire lower body — including the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves — as well as the core. An emphasis on the quads means the front of your legs will be feeling it afterward.

Are hack squats as good as squats?

Target Comparisons. Hack squats and back squats both target the quadriceps muscles, or quads, which extend your knees. While hack squats primarily focus on the quads, back squats also target the gluteal muscles of the buttocks, the adductor muscles of the inner thighs and the hamstring muscles on the back of the thighs ...