Hack Squat (Machine) primarily works the quadriceps and glutes. It is categorized as a squat movement and uses Machine.
- Primary muscles
- quadriceps and glutes
- Equipment
- Machine
- Movement pattern
- squat
- Catalog difficulty
- 2 of 5
How to do Hack Squat (Machine)
- Shoulders under pads, feet mid-platform
- Descend with control — knees track over toes
- Drive through mid-foot without bouncing at the bottom
Common mistakes
- Heels lifting — adjust foot placement
Muscles worked
The primary catalog target is quadriceps, with glutes also involved. Exercise feel varies with setup, range of motion, and individual anatomy.
Related exercises and substitutions
A useful substitute should preserve the job this movement has in the session—not merely train a nearby body part. Explore the related Movviva guides below, then compare pattern, target muscles, available equipment, and difficulty.
Leg Press · Goblet Squat · Box Squat (Bodyweight) · Heel-Elevated Squat · Barbell Front Squat · Split Squat
Put Hack Squat (Machine) into a plan that adapts.
Movviva builds strength, mobility, and conditioning around your goal, schedule, equipment, and completed training—then gives you the next workout with guided targets and smart swaps.