Hack Squat
Stay tall against the pad, knees track over toes.
How to do it →Hack Squat vs Leg Press
Both train your quads. Here's how they differ, and when to pick each one.
Leg Press
Feet shoulder-width, lower until hips start to tuck, don't lock out hard.
How to do it →Side by side
| Hack Squat | Leg Press | |
|---|---|---|
| Kit | Machine | Machine |
| Main muscles | Quads | Quads, Glutes |
| Also works | Glutes, Adductors | Adductors, Hamstrings |
| Bench needed | No | No |
| One side at a time | No | No |
| Works at home | Gym only | Gym only |
| Starting load | Around 20 kg | Around 60 kg |
How each one feels
Hack Squat
- Unlock the handles and sit down slowly.
- Let your knees travel forward over your toes.
- Drive up through your whole foot, staying tall against the pad.
Watch out for: Coming off the back pad.
Leg Press
- Release the safeties and lower under control.
- Stop just before your hips start to roll off the pad.
- Press back up without slamming your knees straight.
Watch out for: Lowering so deep your lower back lifts.
Hack Squat: pros and cons
- + Easy to progress: add a little weight or one more rep each week.
- + The machine guides the path, so it's beginner-friendly and steady.
- + Also works your glutes and adductors.
- − Needs a gym, and the station might be taken at busy times.
- − Can be awkward if your knee needs looking after.
Leg Press: pros and cons
- + Easy to progress: add a little weight or one more rep each week.
- + The machine guides the path, so it's beginner-friendly and steady.
- + Also works your adductors and hamstrings.
- − Needs a gym, and the station might be taken at busy times.
Which should you pick?
- Pick Hack Squat if you're new to lifting or want to push hard safely without a spotter.
- Pick Leg Press if you're new to lifting or want to push hard safely without a spotter.
- Hack Squat is a machine, so it's easy to learn and safe to push hard.
- Leg Press is a machine, so it's easy to learn and safe to push hard.
- Honestly? Both work. The best one is the one you'll do consistently and add a little to each week.
Not sure which suits you? Your Gyde picks for you, then swaps it when you outgrow it.
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