Hack Squat Machine vs Smith Machine Lunge
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Hack Squat Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Leg form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Hack Squat Machine and Smith Machine Lunge and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Hack Squat Machine vs Smith Machine 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 4,124 for Smith Machine Lunge.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hack Squat Machine and Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Lunge Differ
| What differs | Hack Squat Machine | Smith Machine Lunge |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | Smith-machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,707 sessions | 4,124 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 Smith Machine Lunge
Smith Machine Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please lower down 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. Complete the repetitions on one leg and then proceed to the other side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. When bending your knees, please be careful 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 Smith Machine Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Lunge exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Hack Squat Machine or Smith Machine Lunge?
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 Smith Machine Lunge need?
Hack Squat Machine needs a machine, and Smith Machine Lunge needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Hack Squat Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Lunge once your form holds up.
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