Exercise / 263Animation available
Hack Squat demonstration

Illustration by RepDB

Strength / Hack Squat

Hack Squat

A compound lower-body machine exercise on the hack squat sled, targeting the quadriceps through a guided squat pattern.

Equipment

Hack Squat

Experience

intermediate

Movement

compound

Primary musclesSecondary muscles

Hamstrings · Calves

Instructions

  1. 01

    Load the hack squat machine and step on, positioning your back and shoulders against the pads.

  2. 02

    Place your feet shoulder-width on the platform with toes turned out slightly.

  3. 03

    Unlock the safety handles and lower the sled by bending at the knees and hips.

  4. 04

    Descend until your thighs are at least parallel to the platform.

  5. 05

    Drive through your heels to extend the legs and push the sled back to the start.

  6. 06

    Re-engage the safety handles after your final rep.

Choose a load and range you can control. These instructions are general guidance, not a substitute for individual coaching.