Hack Squat Machine vs Barbell Lunge
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Hack Squat Machine more often — 5,707 sessions vs 1,367. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Hack Squat Machine and Barbell Lunge and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Hack Squat Machine vs Barbell Lunge: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Hack Squat Machine more often — 5,707 sessions compared to 1,367 for Barbell Lunge.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hack Squat Machine and Barbell Lunge differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Hack Squat Machine and Barbell Lunge Differ
| What differs | Hack Squat Machine | Barbell Lunge |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,707 sessions | 1,367 sessions |
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.
How to Do Barbell Lunge
Barbell Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Step one foot forward and lower yourself until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
- 2. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
- 3. Switch legs and perform the same on the opposite side.
- 4. Proceed one side at a time or alternate between sides.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. When bending your knees, please make sure that the knee of the foot you step forward with does not go beyond the foot.
- 3. Please ensure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.
For a full Barbell Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Lunge exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Hack Squat Machine or Barbell Lunge?
Planfit users log Hack Squat Machine more often — 5,707 sessions against 1,367 for Barbell Lunge. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Hack Squat Machine and Barbell Lunge need?
Hack Squat Machine needs a machine, and Barbell Lunge needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Hack Squat Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Lunge once your form holds up.
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