opinions of the Hack Squat Machine

[robcguns]

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.

[oldtimer1]

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.

[robcguns]

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.

[Taffin]

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..?..    So I keep them in the mix about once every month or so

[MAXX]

I remember how blown away I was by Jay Cutler doing like 8 a side plates on the hack. and deep too...

[Powerlift66]

          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.

[tres_taco_combo]

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

[Primemuscle]

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.

[oldtimer1]

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.

[Powerlift66]

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.

[Primemuscle]

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.

[wes]

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.

[oldtimer1]

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.

[oldtimer1]

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.