Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat vs Barbell Hack Squat

Which one fits your Leg workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat more often — 8,049 sessions vs 15. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and Barbell Hack Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.

Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat vs Barbell Hack Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat more often — 8,049 sessions compared to 15 for Barbell Hack Squat.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and Barbell Hack Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and Barbell Hack Squat Differ

What differsDumbbell Bulgarian Split SquatBarbell Hack Squat
Equipmenta dumbbella barbell
One side at a timeYesNo
Difficulty2 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users8,049 sessions15 sessions

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Not sure whether Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat or Barbell Hack Squat fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat

Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat demo video

Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
  2. 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
  3. 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
  4. 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.
  5. 5. After completing all repetitions, proceed with the same on the opposite side.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
  2. 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
  3. 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
  4. 4. Please don't stick your hips too far back.
  5. 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
  6. 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.

For a full Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat?Exercise Guide

How to Do Barbell Hack Squat

Barbell Hack Squat demo video

Barbell Hack Squat Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
  2. 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
  3. 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
  4. 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
  2. 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your back.
  3. 3. Don't excessively arch your back while trying to keep it straight.
  4. 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
  5. 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
  6. 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.

For a full Barbell Hack Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Hack Squat exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Barbell Hack Squat?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Leg, Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat or Barbell Hack Squat?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat more often — 8,049 sessions against 15 for Barbell Hack Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and Barbell Hack Squat need?

Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Hack Squat needs a barbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Hack Squat once your form holds up.

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