Leg Extension vs Hack Squat Machine
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Hack Squat Machine works multiple joints at once, Leg Extension isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Leg day.
Compare the benefits of Leg Extension and Hack Squat Machine and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Leg Extension vs Hack Squat Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Extension more often — 49,848 sessions compared to 5,717 for Hack Squat Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Extension and Hack Squat Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Leg Extension and Hack Squat Machine Differ
| What differs | Leg Extension | Hack Squat Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| Machine type | pin-loaded | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 49,848 sessions | 5,717 sessions |
How to Do Leg Extension
Leg Extension Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please lift until your knees are fully extended.
- 2. Please contract from the front of your thigh close to your knee up to the upper thigh near the hip joint.
- 3. Slowly lower down until the angle of your knees is 90 degrees while resisting the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please do not give any momentum as it may injure your knees.
- 2. Please be careful not to fully bend or straighten your knees.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips and back separate.
For a full Leg Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Leg Extension exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Leg Extension or Hack Squat Machine?
Planfit users log Leg Extension more often — 49,848 sessions against 5,717 for Hack Squat Machine. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Leg Extension and Hack Squat Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Extension loads quads, and Hack Squat Machine loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Leg Extension and Hack Squat Machine need?
Leg Extension needs a machine, and Hack Squat Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Extension is the easier place to start. Move to Hack Squat Machine once your form holds up.
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