Doing Hack Squats instead of Squats

[The Red Dragon]

more muscle recruitment = more mass gained
I think the hardest part of squats is stabilizing the bar.

 

[collegiateLifter]

http://www.olympus.net/personal/cablebar/BadGood.htm

make sure your knees are travelling the same way your feet are pointed

only thing i don't like about that page is the hand placement. I do a fairly wide grip as it feels more natural and in control to me, even on a highbar OL squat.

 

[Hannibal]

only thing i don't like about that page is the hand placement. I do a fairly wide grip as it feels more natural and in control to me, even on a highbar OL squat.

I would agree...I squat with my hands out to the plates.

 

[endpoint]

I would agree...I squat with my hands out to the plates.

me too......it feels much more comfortable

 

[Curious George]

Endpoint.....You have dislocated your knees before right? That should tell you that you shouldn't do the hack with bad knees.

Directly from Mel Siff, "Facts and Fallicies of Fitness:"

"Hack Squat machines can impose excessive shearing forces on the knee and are a poor, insafe substitute for the free standing squat: if you use them, you should ensure that a partner helps you start with your knees extended and that you control the movement carefully at all times."

If you have knee problems, I would stay away from hacks and heavy leg extensions. The barbell squat, once proper form is taught and corrected will strengthen your knees.

 

[bigstve12]

Theres no substitute for squats...there never will be. I do 2 sets of hacks after my 5X5 w/ regular squats. I kinda like em, but then again i like any exercise that i can add weight to every week!

 

[jubei]

If there was a way to get the results from squats without feeling like your gonna throw up where would the fun be?

 

[The Red Dragon]

lol very true

 

[jubei]

Make this a sticky:

--Notice--

When trying to build muscle mass there is no substitute for squats, despite it being the most common post on elite fitness "squat alternatives". If after performing squats you feel like your gonna puke and or pass out you have chosen the correct exercise.

 

[Nonerz]

Yaay for Jubei!

DON'T REPLACE SQUATS FOR ANYTHING!

No, it's NOT the same thing!