Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below
Doing Hack Squats instead of Squats
- Thread starter Lee
- Start date
scotty green
New member
more than likley no. Standard squats will require the use of more muscles. I use both in my training. But remember that everyone is different and it may work for you.
Aussie Juga naught
New member
NO...
Curious George
New member
Nope. Hacks actually create a bit more shear pressure on the knee. You do not need to use stabilizer muscles on them or support any weight with your core, aside from keeping it tight to remain erect.
I would try and develop a love/hate relationship with squats. You will value the hard work in the long run.
I would try and develop a love/hate relationship with squats. You will value the hard work in the long run.
SofaGeorge
New member
Hacks don't seem to do much. I'm doing two sets of hacks in my current leg routine... I'm not impressed with them.
endpoint
New member
Lee said:
http://www.olympus.net/personal/cablebar/BadGood.htm
make sure your knees are travelling the same way your feet are pointed
The Red Dragon
New member
more muscle recruitment = more mass gained
I think the hardest part of squats is stabilizing the bar.
I think the hardest part of squats is stabilizing the bar.
collegiateLifter
New member
endpoint said:
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.
Curious George
New member
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.
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.
The Red Dragon
New member
lol very true
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.
--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.
Lee
New member
i think i figured out why i failed on squats so easily last time i tried em. i had me feet wider then my shoulders. i asked my friend what stance he uses (he reps 405 3 times on a pyramid set) and he said he does feet exactly shoulder width with a medium grip, i had a narrow grip with feet wider then shoulders. tommorow ill try again
Lee you are tall therefore your natural stance should be a little wider... having a narrower stance is actually counterproductive. Learn how to do wall sits first then sit back onto a box or bench with just bodyweight, learn to squat with good form before you make any decisions about the usefullness of them.
endpoint
New member
Curious George said:
Sorry i missed your post.....i found it just then!
I dont hack squat.
I HAVENT had problems with my knees since i started squatting.
If you re-read my post.....it says the barbell squats improved my knee health and made them strong.
I owe it to squating with very strict form. The Olympic shoes i wear now seem to increase the strength in my knees and the tracking too.......must be the VMO activation, the muscle is getting bigger every day.....and pouring over my knee cap! sweeeet
I dont consider my self to have knee problems.......but i still avoid contact sports, grappling/ground fighting, being a dick and jumping off stuff or chasing things (posums and girls)
T
The Shadow
Guest
squat if you can.....
I do mainly hacks and stiff deads as my main movemenst...but I got my size for squats
I do mainly hacks and stiff deads as my main movemenst...but I got my size for squats
