Eccentryx / Exercise Atlas / legs

Hack squat

Shoulder pads locked, heels mid-plate, knees track over toes.

Muscles

Primary
quads
Supporting
glutes

Mechanics

Pattern
squat
Equipment
machine
Geometry
90° Alignment
Energy model
Glycolytic Pathway (10-90s)
Target feel
Quads load through full range without lower back involvement.
Progression
Add load when depth and knee tracking hold across all sets.
Regression
Leg press if shoulder pad position is uncomfortable.

Watch for

  • Stopping short of parallel — cuts quad recruitment
  • Heels raised high — shifts load off quads
  • Knees caving inward on the drive

Substitutions

  • Leg press
  • Goblet squat
  • Pendulum squat
Open Hack squat in the app →