Hack Squat Machine vs Hip Thrust Machine
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Hip Thrust Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Leg form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Hack Squat Machine and Hip Thrust Machine and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Hack Squat Machine vs Hip Thrust Machine: 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 4,197 for Hip Thrust Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hack Squat Machine and Hip Thrust Machine 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 Hip Thrust Machine Differ
| What differs | Hack Squat Machine | Hip Thrust Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | pin-loaded |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,707 sessions | 4,197 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 Hip Thrust Machine
Hip Thrust Machine Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Raise your pelvis until your knees are vertical and your body is horizontal to the ground.
- 2. Return to the starting position while resisting the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your knees touch.
- 2. Please be careful not to tilt your head back.
- 3. Please keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
For a full Hip Thrust Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hip Thrust Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Hack Squat Machine or Hip Thrust Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Hack Squat Machine and Hip Thrust Machine need?
Hack Squat Machine needs a machine, and Hip Thrust Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Hip Thrust Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Hack Squat Machine once your form holds up.
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