Hack Squat Machine vs Smith Machine Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Squat more often — 15,451 sessions vs 5,707. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Hack Squat Machine and Smith Machine Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Hack Squat Machine vs Smith Machine Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Squat more often — 15,451 sessions compared to 5,707 for Hack Squat Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hack Squat Machine and Smith Machine Squat 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 Squat Differ
| What differs | Hack Squat Machine | Smith Machine Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | Smith-machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,707 sessions | 15,451 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 Squat
Smith Machine Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Naturally bend your knees and lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, and return 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 back.
- 3. Don't excessively arch your back 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 Smith Machine Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Hack Squat Machine or Smith Machine Squat?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Squat more often — 15,451 sessions against 5,707 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 Hack Squat Machine and Smith Machine Squat need?
Hack Squat Machine needs a machine, and Smith Machine Squat needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Hack Squat Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Squat once your form holds up.
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