And the hack squat a popular variation you perform on a machine is no exception.
But how does the hack squat stack up against its machine-free counterparts?
C.On an exhale, press through feet to straighten legs and return to standing.
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“They isolate the quad muscles for optimal growth,” adds McCall.
But be warned: All that extra emphasis on your knees isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Other squat variations distribute the work more evenly among your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
“This switches the emphasis from your quads to your hamstrings and glutes,” says Wilson.
In that case, you could replicate the hack squat on the Smith machine, says Saint-Louis.
(Experts generally agree thatmost workout machines can be risky or ineffectivefor the same reason.)
Want to give your quads a little extra oomph?
