Appears in642 Workouts*

Sled Hack Squat

Build powerful legs with the Sled Hack Squat! This machine-based exercise targets your quads, glutes, and hamstrings for serious strength gains.

The Sled Hack Squat is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads, with help from the glutes & hips, calves / shins and hamstrings. You'll need: hack squat machine or weight plates.

Sled Hack Squat demo video 2
Sled Hack Squat demo video 3
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Required Equipment

Hack Squat Machine
Hack Squat Machine
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Sled Hack Squat Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris)

Secondary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Upper Calf (gastrocnemius); Hamstrings

How to do the Sled Hack Squat

Exercise Instructions for the Sled Hack Squat

Step 1: Load the sled machine with the appropriate amount of weight for your strength level and fitness goals.

Step 2: Position yourself on the sled machine by placing your back against the pad and your shoulders under the shoulder pads.

Step 3: Place your feet on the platform slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing slightly outward.

Step 4: Release the safety handles on the sides of the machine to unlock the weight.

Step 5: Take a deep breath, brace your core, and slowly lower your body by bending your knees until your thighs are approximately parallel to the platform.

Step 6: Push through your heels and extend your legs to drive the weight back up to the starting position while exhaling. Keep your back flat against the pad and your head facing forward throughout the movement.

Step 7: Complete the desired number of repetitions, then safely lock the weight back in place using the safety handles.

Always start with a lighter weight to assess your comfort level and ensure proper technique before gradually increasing the load. Avoid locking your knees at the top of the movement to keep tension on the muscles and protect your joints.

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Sled Hack Squat FAQs

What muscles does the Sled Hack Squat work?

The Sled Hack Squat mainly works the quads, with help from the glutes & hips, calves / shins and hamstrings. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris.

What equipment do you need for the Sled Hack Squat?

Hack squat machine or weight plates.

Is the Sled Hack Squat a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Sled Hack Squat go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Sled Hack Squat variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Hack Squat, Lever Hack Linear Squat, Lever Reverse Hack Vertical Squat and Sled Power Drag.

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