Pistol Squat vs Hip Thrust Machine
Maximizing Your Leg Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Hip Thrust Machine more often — 4,197 sessions vs 86. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Leg Workout: Explore the Benefits of Pistol Squat and Hip Thrust Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Pistol Squat vs Hip Thrust Machine : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Hip Thrust Machine more often — 4,197 sessions compared to 86 for Pistol Squat.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Pistol Squat and Hip Thrust Machine differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Pistol Squat and Hip Thrust Machine Differ
| What differs | Pistol Squat | Hip Thrust Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 86 sessions | 4,197 sessions |
How to Pistol Squat
Pistol Squat muscles worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Lower your leg lifted off the ground until it is parallel to the floor.
- 2. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hip joints in sequence, and return to the starting position.
- 3. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to excessively lean your upper body 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 stick 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pistol Squat, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pistol Squat Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Hip Thrust Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Hip Thrust Machine Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Pistol Squat or Hip Thrust Machine?
Planfit users log Hip Thrust Machine more often — 4,197 sessions against 86 for Pistol Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Pistol Squat and Hip Thrust Machine need?
Pistol Squat needs bodyweight only, and Hip Thrust Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Hip Thrust Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Pistol Squat once your form holds up.
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

