Better Leg Exercise - Squat Vs Hacksquat
I cannot stress enough that everyone is different.
With so many different machines and exercises, everyone's body responds differently to different kinds of training.
Changing the angle of a particular exercise even slightly, can alter the muscles being affected.
Recently I was asked by a gym regular, which was the better leg exercise for quadriceps, the squat or the hack squat.
Both the squat and hack squat are beneficial to any leg workout routine.
As far as one being better than the other, well that all depends on you.
What goal are you trying to accomplish or what sport are you participating in.
There are several different training methods, and the machines and exercises that will get you the greatest gains are contingent on what you want for your body.
If you are into competitive body building or just trying to become a mass monster, the squat is going to be one of the most beneficial leg exercises, primarily because it incorporates a larger number of muscles, including your lower back, which is part of your core and increases your strength and stability building.
So what's the down side? Research has shown that performing heavy squats on a consistent basis puts a greater degree of stress/pressure on your knees and lower back, making them more susceptible to injury.
If you have not done squats before or are just beginning, I recommend keeping your hips tight and sitting back into the squat, rather than leaning forward.
Use a bench or a box under your butt until you are comfortable without one.
This will alleviate some of the stress put on your knees.
Some people may not be familiar with the hack squat, it almost appears to be a smith machine laying down at a forty five degree angle with a lot of back support.
There are many advantages of the hack squat, Similar to the sissy squat, it builds your front quads and your hamstrings evenly, it offers support and protection to your lower back that the free standing squat does not, and it allows you to take a much narrower stance without the complications of being unbalanced.
Using a full range of motion, bringing your butt down to the floor and coming back up until your legs are almost straight, without locking it out.
If you haven't tried the hack squat, they are extremely challenging and difficult.
Me personally, I incorporate both in my workouts, sometimes on the same leg day and sometimes not, as I am constantly changing my workouts.
As both are beneficial and would be a great addition to any routine, regardless of your fitness goals.
With so many different machines and exercises, everyone's body responds differently to different kinds of training.
Changing the angle of a particular exercise even slightly, can alter the muscles being affected.
Recently I was asked by a gym regular, which was the better leg exercise for quadriceps, the squat or the hack squat.
Both the squat and hack squat are beneficial to any leg workout routine.
As far as one being better than the other, well that all depends on you.
What goal are you trying to accomplish or what sport are you participating in.
There are several different training methods, and the machines and exercises that will get you the greatest gains are contingent on what you want for your body.
If you are into competitive body building or just trying to become a mass monster, the squat is going to be one of the most beneficial leg exercises, primarily because it incorporates a larger number of muscles, including your lower back, which is part of your core and increases your strength and stability building.
So what's the down side? Research has shown that performing heavy squats on a consistent basis puts a greater degree of stress/pressure on your knees and lower back, making them more susceptible to injury.
If you have not done squats before or are just beginning, I recommend keeping your hips tight and sitting back into the squat, rather than leaning forward.
Use a bench or a box under your butt until you are comfortable without one.
This will alleviate some of the stress put on your knees.
Some people may not be familiar with the hack squat, it almost appears to be a smith machine laying down at a forty five degree angle with a lot of back support.
There are many advantages of the hack squat, Similar to the sissy squat, it builds your front quads and your hamstrings evenly, it offers support and protection to your lower back that the free standing squat does not, and it allows you to take a much narrower stance without the complications of being unbalanced.
Using a full range of motion, bringing your butt down to the floor and coming back up until your legs are almost straight, without locking it out.
If you haven't tried the hack squat, they are extremely challenging and difficult.
Me personally, I incorporate both in my workouts, sometimes on the same leg day and sometimes not, as I am constantly changing my workouts.
As both are beneficial and would be a great addition to any routine, regardless of your fitness goals.
