How to Decide on a Hack Squat Machine for Your Home Gym

Do you want versatility?

Hack squat machines normally come in two varieties. You'll often find them bundled with leg press machines because the design of both machines is so similar. Alternately, you can buy a hack squat machine by itself without the leg press. There is also a similar machine called the "leverage squat" that essentially works the same way as the hack squat. Which one you pick completely depends on how you plan to use the machine.

Leg presses are a good way to mix up your workout if you often get tired of doing the same exercises over and over. They are performed by laying on a padded bench and pushing the weight above you with your legs.

Hack squats are performed by standing on a platform with your shoulders under two padded harnesses. You then release the weight with a lever and proceed to squat as you would with a normal squat bar. The difference is between hack squats and traditional squats is that hack squats are much more controlled. The machine allows for a steady, smooth movement.

There's not a huge difference in the movements of a hack squat vs. a leg press. They both work your upper legs and glutes and both can be used for calf exercises. It really comes down to personal preference and our next topic, cost.

How much do you want to pay?

High end leg press/hack squat machines can cost over $2000, so you should be sure you need the leg press functionality if you go the combo route. On the other hand, a basic leverage/hack squat machine can cost as little as $400, giving you an affordable option for your home gym. Be sure to read some reviews of the machine before you make your purchase. The build quality can differ greatly and you should be careful to get one that will hold up for many years.

How much do you want to lift?

The final consideration when buying a machine is the amount of weight it can hold. Do you need 300 pounds or 1000 pounds? If you squat 1000 pounds then you'll need to look for a heavy-duty machine that can hold that much. Some of the lower end machines can only safely hold 500 pounds.

So, which one should I get?

Only you can decide which machine is right for you. If in doubt, get slightly more than you need. It's always nice to have a good, solid machine to use. You can always ignore the features you don't need.

Good luck!

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