Barbell Squat vs Hack Squat Machine
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions vs 5,717. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Squat and Hack Squat Machine and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Barbell Squat vs Hack Squat Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions compared to 5,717 for Hack Squat Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Squat and Hack Squat Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Squat and Hack Squat Machine Differ
| What differs | Barbell Squat | Hack Squat Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,460 sessions | 5,717 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Squat
Barbell Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your back straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not lift off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Barbell Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Squat exercise guide.
How to Do Hack Squat Machine
Hack Squat Machine Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip joint to lower your hips down.
- 2. Lower yourself until your knees naturally bend and your thighs are vertical to your body.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hip joints in sequence, and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body excessively forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not push your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Hack Squat Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hack Squat Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Squat or Hack Squat Machine?
Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions against 5,717 for Hack Squat Machine. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Squat and Hack Squat Machine need?
Barbell Squat needs a barbell, and Hack Squat Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Hack Squat Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Squat once your form holds up.
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