Hack Squats Instead of Back Squats

[quote]SteelyD wrote:
One of the gyms I go to has the HS Linear Hack:
http://www.lifefitness.com/commercial/hammerstrength/plateloaded/lowerbodytorso/hackpress.html

This machine is GREAT because your lower back (lumbar) is supported right in the nook of the seat. You grab the handles below your back and there is essentially no load on your back. The legs are hit effectively and you can get pretty deep with this machine.

Every bit as good as a traditional leg press or shoulder loaded hack squat-- at least for me.[/quote]

Funny that you like that machine so much, I ABHOR it. To me the traditional hack squat machine feels so much better and easier on the knees.

[quote]kingbeef323 wrote:

[quote]SteelyD wrote:
One of the gyms I go to has the HS Linear Hack:
http://www.lifefitness.com/commercial/hammerstrength/plateloaded/lowerbodytorso/hackpress.html

This machine is GREAT because your lower back (lumbar) is supported right in the nook of the seat. You grab the handles below your back and there is essentially no load on your back. The legs are hit effectively and you can get pretty deep with this machine.

Every bit as good as a traditional leg press or shoulder loaded hack squat-- at least for me.[/quote]

Funny that you like that machine so much, I ABHOR it. To me the traditional hack squat machine feels so much better and easier on the knees.[/quote]

It’s not so much that I prefer it over the traditional hack squat as much as I have to train around a screwy lower back and SI and train smart. I try not to load my lower back when I don’t have to (exception: squat variations, deads, rackpulls, bb shrugs). I don’t do BB rows either(fwiw).

That machine allows me to hit the legs without more back loading than what I need. For that reason, it’s gold to me.