What Is a Hack Squat Machine?
A hack squat machine is a device designed to simulate the movement of the hack squat — a free weight exercise that targets the muscles of the lower body. The machine itself is a large steel frame equipped with a sliding back and head rest. Lifters rest within the frame and flex and extend the knee joints to move the platform along a single plane of motion. Like all squats, a hack squat works the quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors, abductors, and gluteus muscles, while employing the core muscles and calves as synergists. Hack squats have several advantages over conventional squats, including ease of execution and increased lifting capacity.
