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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: tres_taco_combo on February 04, 2020, 05:14:59 PM

Title: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: tres_taco_combo on February 04, 2020, 05:14:59 PM
I do them since my coach has me do them. I am indifferent to the movement.


but curious to many plates guys you are using? how low you are going? any knee issues 
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: TTfit on February 04, 2020, 05:21:12 PM
One of the hardest machines there is. I go 90%. I won't comment on the weight I use as it's simply embarrassing. Hack Squat Machine is NOT for the ego.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: IroNat on February 04, 2020, 05:57:59 PM
Front squats with a barbell might be more effective for sports.

Power cleans.

Squat cleans.

I'd like to have a hack machine in my home gym but they are pricey and take up space.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: trapz101 on February 04, 2020, 06:10:35 PM
Front squats with a barbell might be more effective for sports.

Power cleans.

Squat cleans.

I'd like to have a hack machine in my home gym but they are pricey and take up space.

for sports performance,yes those you mentioned are better options,but in bodybuilding where gaining muscle is priority,hack squat can do much better
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: tres_taco_combo on February 04, 2020, 06:57:46 PM
for sports performance,yes those you mentioned are better options,but in bodybuilding where gaining muscle is priority,hack squat can do much better

for pure bodybuilder/growth : sports are pointless this is getbig  ;D



Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: AbrahamG on February 04, 2020, 08:35:37 PM
I do them since my coach has me do them. I am indifferent to the movement.


but curious to many plates guys you are using? how low you are going? any knee issues 

Probably the best quad exercise there is.  Sadly, they are no longer a staple in most gyms.  In my 20's I went rock bottom and I think at my strongest I did 6 plates for 5 or 6 reps.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: The Scott on February 04, 2020, 08:41:33 PM
Never thought much of Hack Squats even after being told they were pioneered by the great George Hackenschmidt.   I much preferred the regular squat and the inverted (read: REAL) leg press.

So I never did them. Not even once.   But that doesn't mean they are worthless.  Except to me. ;D ;D
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: Obvious Gimmick on February 04, 2020, 09:00:32 PM
I like them. If people are curling in the squat rack, I'll slide over to the hack squat. I go A2G. No knee issues. I'll go 4 plates a side. Not impressive but none of the other tards  in the gym even know what the thing is, so I get style points
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: harmankardon1 on February 04, 2020, 09:02:07 PM
I never like them much, didn't feel it great in the quads and they put pressure on my patella tendons where I have had some issues so I didn't do them much.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: BlackMetallic on February 04, 2020, 10:49:46 PM
I find hacks target the tear drop above the knee
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: joswift on February 04, 2020, 10:52:14 PM
I have low back issues so hacks are my main leg excercise
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: kreator on February 04, 2020, 10:54:35 PM
Never go heavy on this machine. Use it for the „feel“ of the muscle and go slow with higher rep count.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: harmankardon1 on February 04, 2020, 11:20:40 PM
Never go heavy on this machine. Use it for the „feel“ of the muscle and go slow with higher rep count.

We have seen many a tendon rupture on them.... Very nasty painful injury from all accounts I've heard.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: Coffeed on February 04, 2020, 11:40:42 PM
C'mon Dorian! Hack squaaaatin!
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: G_Thang on February 05, 2020, 12:10:00 AM
I do them since my coach has me do them. I am indifferent to the movement.


but curious to many plates guys you are using? how low you are going? any knee issues 

I never use more than 4x45s, always keep my hands on knees to keep them stable and maintain proper form.  Goblet Squats are better.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: MAXX on February 05, 2020, 12:15:04 AM
Great machine. Platz swears by it.

But terrible for my knees so not for me.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: Disgusted on February 05, 2020, 01:02:21 AM
Never got much out of them. Platz must have knees made of titanium.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: oldtimer1 on February 05, 2020, 05:14:37 AM
Great movement for the quads. Having said that it does have problems. One is guys love piling on the plates and doing half hack squats. You can get more activation of the quads by going deep using less weight. Another problem of piling on the plates to do a limited range of motion is that this machine compresses the disks in your back. Many have had back problems stemming from this machine. If you ever had a compressed nerve in your back you know the chaos and world of hurt you can be in.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: IroNat on February 05, 2020, 05:22:59 AM
for pure bodybuilder/growth : sports are pointless this is getbig  ;D



Your mention of a coach made me think you were doing sports.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: funk51 on February 05, 2020, 05:28:32 AM
depends on the individual machine. sometimes it's better to just use a barbell.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: funk51 on February 05, 2020, 05:31:22 AM
i used to use mid 400's in the style wahring is doing in pic for a couple of reps. years back when i was young and stupid.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: oldtimer1 on February 05, 2020, 05:48:21 AM
Funk, how many Jubinville units do you have?  I have three still to this day that I use.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: deadz on February 05, 2020, 05:56:07 AM
My go to for quads. I’ve gone as heavy as 5 plates per side for 8. Now I go 3 plates per side with a 25lb plate per side for 6-8. Hacks, leg press and exts, quads are done.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: harmankardon1 on February 05, 2020, 06:17:29 AM
depends on the individual machine. sometimes it's better to just use a barbell.

I'm working out at my home gym at the moment and have actually been doing these, not bad, pretty easy on the knees too...
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: funk51 on February 05, 2020, 06:35:25 AM
Funk, how many Jubinville units do you have?  I have three still to this day that I use.
          i had three a preacher curl the hack squat and safety spotters. only have the safety spotters left, changed out several things as time went by.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: robcguns on February 05, 2020, 06:36:02 AM
Years ago when I did do them I would use a plate a side and keep the reps high and go a little below parallel.

My lower back and knees are fuckedbso it’s just leg extension and curls for me these days.

That said for me it was the most feeling in my legs I ever got.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: oldtimer1 on February 05, 2020, 07:14:31 AM
Years ago when I did do them I would use a plate a side and keep the reps high and go a little below parallel.

My lower back and knees are fuckedbso it’s just leg extension and curls for me these days.

That said for me it was the most feeling in my legs I ever got.

Can you ride a bike for legs with your knees?  Biking with leg extensions and curls are a great leg routine.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: robcguns on February 05, 2020, 08:48:57 AM
Can you ride a bike for legs with your knees?  Biking with leg extensions and curls are a great leg routine.

Yeah haven’t ridden the stationary or upright bike in years.Last year I hopped on a mountain bike and rode around a lake with my buddy and my legs were sore as hell from that.

Good idea I will add a 10 min intense bike session to each leg workout. Thanks for the tip oldtimer1.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: Taffin on February 05, 2020, 09:59:37 AM

Hack squats are a fine exercise, and like a lot of people on here I must have tried every variation of 'drive from toe/heel, place feet high/low, duck footed/close stance' LOL)

But I found that for me strict front squats (tiny weight, elevated heels, etc.) are my favourite and never failed to give me an all round DOMS


......

This probably sounds weird, but back when I started I rarely had a TP so had to use the Smith Machine for squats.  That was OK I suppose, but free-standing squats somehow helped me get a thicker neck..?..  :P  So I keep them in the mix about once every month or so

Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: MAXX on February 05, 2020, 10:30:00 AM
I remember how blown away I was by Jay Cutler doing like 8 a side plates on the hack. and deep too...
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: Powerlift66 on February 06, 2020, 01:32:20 PM
          i had three a preacher curl the hack squat and safety spotters. only have the safety spotters left, changed out several things as time went by.

Got a few Jubinville things here as well. Rack (like the old Isometric York rack) (I think Funk had a York one)?? Not is use right now.

I have 2 flat benches, a preacher and some dumbbells... AS far as Hacks, never liked 'em, knee's feel horrible when doing them.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: tres_taco_combo on February 06, 2020, 04:46:06 PM
I remember how blown away I was by Jay Cutler doing like 8 a side plates on the hack. and deep too...


time to watch some hack squat vids :)
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: Primemuscle on February 06, 2020, 06:49:31 PM
I do them since my coach has me do them. I am indifferent to the movement.


but curious to many plates guys you are using? how low you are going? any knee issues  

Hacks are one of my favorite exercises. If you're worried about your knees (and you should be) put your feet as high up on the plate as possible and possibly go less deep. Reverse hacks are great too. No problem with knees on these. Just be sure to stick your butt out when doing them and not do them with your back.

Here is a link to a video explaining how to do reverse hack squats, I think you might enjoy.  ;) https://www.borntoworkout.com/reverse-hack-squat-machine-benefits-alternatives/

L.A. Fitness, one of the gyms I go to has this type of squat machine. It is the bomb! -Bonus, you'll waste very little energy loading plates. You barely have to lift them to load them.
(https://familylivingtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/York-min.jpg?x37360)
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: oldtimer1 on February 06, 2020, 07:05:43 PM
I have a conventional hack machine in my home gym but I found this Tuff Stuff squat machine more effective. I think of the movement as crazy as it seems to be a cross between a front squat and a hack. It feels that way because it limits lower back involvement. You're squatting but the lower back is not a big part of it.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: Powerlift66 on February 07, 2020, 11:33:54 AM
I have a conventional hack machine in my home gym but I found this Tuff Stuff squat machine more effective. I think of the movement as crazy as it seems to be a cross between a front squat and a hack. It feels that way because it limits lower back involvement. You're squatting but the lower back is not a big part of it.

I have one that that ^^ In my home gym. ( Powertec though) Really feels good on the lower back, no strain.
I just got in today, a Safety Squat bar from Titan Fitness (215.00 shipped, not sure how they pull off the free shipping). 60 lbs, huge box, etc.

Also good on lower back. I am back to doing Wendlers 5-3-1 (for squat and DL only since my shoulder is too fukked for bench and overhead press), so I will do my 5-3-1 sets w/ normal squat bar.
And my hypertrophy sets (5x10) with the Safety Squat for its back saving abilities.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: Primemuscle on February 07, 2020, 01:14:59 PM
I have one that that ^^ In my home gym. ( Powertec though) Really feels good on the lower back, no strain.
I just got in today, a Safety Squat bar from Titan Fitness (215.00 shipped, not sure how they pull off the free shipping). 60 lbs, huge box, etc.

Also good on lower back. I am back to doing Wendlers 5-3-1 (for squat and DL only since my shoulder is too fukked for bench and overhead press), so I will do my 5-3-1 sets w/ normal squat bar.
And my hypertrophy sets (5x10) with the Safety Squat for its back saving abilities.

I really like using a squat/shoulder pad on a barbell for comfort and security.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61A-Pz5zu9L._AC_SL1100_.jpg)

Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: wes on February 07, 2020, 04:01:57 PM
Great exercise if you have a good machine........some machines will fuck your knees up...........shearing effect!!

I used to use 4 plates a side for a tough set of 10 or so reps with my light ass.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: oldtimer1 on February 07, 2020, 04:53:30 PM
I have one that that ^^ In my home gym. ( Powertec though) Really feels good on the lower back, no strain.
I just got in today, a Safety Squat bar from Titan Fitness (215.00 shipped, not sure how they pull off the free shipping). 60 lbs, huge box, etc.

Also good on lower back. I am back to doing Wendlers 5-3-1 (for squat and DL only since my shoulder is too fukked for bench and overhead press), so I will do my 5-3-1 sets w/ normal squat bar.
And my hypertrophy sets (5x10) with the Safety Squat for its back saving abilities.

I have the Tuff stuff version of the squat machine. The original one made by Powertec is a better design yet they are similar. I wish I had the Powertec version instead. It was way cheaper too. Sorry to hear about your bad shoulder. I have one too. It seems it affects so many lifters both gym rats and the pros. Few escape the dreaded shoulder disintegration.  If I had to do my lifting life over again with the wisdom I have today I would have never lifted heavy. Never lifted for low sets. Few sets would ever be to failure. I would have made a light weight heavy by resting very little between sets. Trained with the thought of increasing muscular endurance lifting which shouldn't be confused with cardio endurance.
Title: Re: opinions of the Hack Squat Machine
Post by: oldtimer1 on February 07, 2020, 04:55:53 PM
Great exercise if you have a good machine........some machines will fuck your knees up...........shearing effect!!

I used to use 4 plates a side for a tough set of 10 or so reps with my light ass.

I know what you mean. I split my time between my home gym and  a commercial gym. Their leg press is just made wrong. My knees were grinding and hurting then I realized it has to be their leg press machine. I went back to mine and my knee problem cleared up.