Pro Training Series Officially Launch! Shop Now
A male standing in front of a Major Fitness Smith machine and leg press hack squat machine
· 1

Leg Press vs. Hack Squat - Which Machine Is Best?

Whisper it, but there’s more to lower-body workouts than the traditional squat! The leg press and hack squat are two of the top contenders, and while both promise to have your quads quivering like a bowl of jelly, it’s important to understand the specifics of each machine/exercise. Might one be better for you than the other?

In this blog, we'll explore the differences, pros, and cons of the leg press and hack squat, to help you decide which is best for your fitness goals.

Leg Press

An ever-present in most gyms, the leg press is a machine-based exercise where you push a weighted platform away from your body using your legs while seated. Sounds easy enough but trust us, you’ll feel the burn!

A woman exercising on a Major Fitness leg press machine

Pros:

  • Ease of Use: The leg press provides a stable platform and straightforward technique, making it ideal for newcomers or those recovering from injuries.
  • Isolation: It targets the quadriceps with precision, allowing for isolated muscle engagement and development. The relatively safe setup also makes it easier to add volume to your workout and push to failure.
  • Versatility: With various foot positions available, you can target different areas of the legs, catering to individual preferences and goals.

Cons:

  • Limited Range of Motion: Compared to compound exercises like traditional squats, the leg press offers a shorter range of motion, potentially limiting muscle activation.
  • Less Functional: The leg press lacks the functional benefits of compound exercises like squats, which mimic real-life activities and movements.
  • Risk of Lower Back Strain: Improper form, such as lifting too heavy or rounding the lower back, can increase the risk of lower back strain.

Hack Squat

A great leg day addition, the hack squat is a free-weight exercise where you use a specialized machine or a barbell to perform a squatting motion with the weight behind your body.

A woman exercising on a Major Fitness hack squat machine

Pros:

  • Compound Movement: Why work one muscle when you can work them all? The hack squat engages multiple muscle groups including the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, making it a highly efficient exercise.
  • Functional Strength: Mimicking natural squatting movements, the hack squat can improve functional strength and mobility, while putting less strain on your spine than a traditional squat.
  • Range of Motion: Compared to the leg press, the hack squat typically allows for a deeper squat, which may increase muscle activation and growth.

Cons:

  • Learning Curve: Proper form is crucial to avoid injury, and mastering the hack squat technique takes time, especially for beginners.
  • Risk of Knee Strain: A deep squat position in the hack squat can put significant stress on the knees, especially if performed with improper form or excessive weight.
  • More Limited Access: The fact is, the hack squat machine is not as common in gyms compared to the leg press, so it’s not quite as reliable to include in your routines.

So, what’s the verdict?

The leg press and hack squat offer unique benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your individual fitness goals, experience level, and personal preferences. If you’re a beginner or have specific muscle imbalances or injuries, you might find the leg press to be a safer and more accessible option. On the other hand, if you fancy yourself as a more intermediate or advanced lifter and you’re looking for a more comprehensive movement, the hack squat may be what you’re after.

Ultimately, it’s best to incorporate a variety of exercises into your leg workout routine and that could easily include both the leg press and hack squat. Whatever you’re doing, just remember to prioritize proper form, gradually increase weight and intensity, and listen to your body to avoid injury and achieve optimal results.

We here at Major Fitness are aware that some of you are super keen to get your leg day in. We hear you, and are excited to say we'll have more options for you coming soon - so stay tuned!

Back to blog

Best sellers

Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine

Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine

From $1,499.90
From $1,499.90
Major Fitness F22 All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack Major Fitness F22 All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack

Major Fitness F22 All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack

From $929.99
From $929.99
Major Fitness F35 All-In-One Home Gym Wall-Mount Folding Power Rack Major Fitness F35 All-In-One Home Gym Wall-Mount Folding Power Rack

Major Fitness F35 All-In-One Home Gym Wall-Mount Folding Power Rack

From $949.99
From $949.99
Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01 Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01

Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01

An Expertly Crafted Gym Bench  The PLT01 weight bench has everything fitness enthusiasts want in a workout bench. It’s easily adjustable, allowing you to do a diverse array of incline, decline, and flat exercises at different angles when you pair this bench with a weight set. It’s also made with highly durable metals and with meticulous attention paid to construction and design, so you can workout confidently knowing that this gym bench is built to last! On top of that, it has a staggeringly high weight capacity of 1300 pounds! Finally, the PLT01 adjustable weight bench is made with comfort and ergonomics in mind. Its padding is made to withstand intense wear and tear as well as sweat, and it’s built to be intuitively and easily altered. This bench with a weight set can last a lifetime and you’ll never need or want another one! Support Your Fitness Journey With Benches and Dumbbells Weight benches and dumbbells are the bread and butter of countless different exercises for virtually every part of the body. Whether you’re doing incline bench presses, decline dumbbell presses, bent over dumbbell rows, or seated curls, you’re going to need either a weight bench or dumbbells or both. Playing such a central role in so many exercise routines, Major Fitness strives to provide high-quality products that reflect that importance. That’s why we go the extra mile to make sure our benches with weight sets are built for the long haul. All of our benches and dumbbells are made with high-quality, durable materials and are designed as well as tested to make sure that they can withstand intense use!  When it comes to our commitment to quality, don’t just take our word for it! Major Fitness is committed to providing our customers top-of-the-line home gym equipment, made with durable materials and exceptional attention to detail, all for a competitive price. We take pride in our high rated customer reviews and welcome you to take a look at what our many satisfied customers have to say about our products.
$219.99
$219.99
$259.99
Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension

Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension

The MAJOR Multi-Function Pad, transcending a typical gym seat, offers enhanced support to your training routine. Multi-functional pad for versatile use Fast & easy setup Extensive adjustability for diverse users Boost exercise effectiveness
$389.99
$389.99
$389.99
Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness

Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness

Material: 100% Rubber Color: black & white dots Quantity：16 pcs per box Size/Tile: 20'' x 20'' ( 1.6ft x 1.6ft ) Footprint per tile: 2.7 SQFT Tile thickness: 0.31'' (8mm) GUIDANCE:  Power Rack: 12-16 pcs Smith Machine: 16-20 pcs Weight Bench: 6-8 pcs
$316.99
$316.99
Major Fitness 4ft Olympic EZ Curl Barbell Major Fitness 4ft Olympic EZ Curl Barbell

Major Fitness 4ft Olympic EZ Curl Barbell

Ergonomic Design: A bent shaft is a characteristic of MAJOR Curl Bar (an EZ curl bar) to lessen joint stress. The cambered shape of EZ curl barbells allows for a semi-supinated grip, which reduces strain on the wrists and elbows. It has the same medium-depth knurling as the most popular multipurpose barbells from MAJOR. It has the medium-depth knurling which offers an excellent grip without causing your hands any pain.Specification: This Olympic EZ curl bar is 47.2" in length and 1.1“ in diameter. The bar's loadable sleeve length is 6.5 inches. It Weighs 20.61 pounds and holds weights up to 500 lbs.Durability: This MAJOR EZ curl bar is made of 45 gauge steel. Silver finish material is chrome and black is electrostatic coating. The precise medium-depth knurling gives this bar a grip that feels glued but is not too tough to tear your skin.For 2-inch plate: This barbell is intended for Olympic weight plates with a centre opening of 2“. The bar also has rotating sleeves, which ensures smooth lifting motions and reduces stress on your arms.Versatile: The EZ bar allows for various workouts such as preacher bicep curling, tricep extension and bent-over row. If you're hunting for a curl bar for your home gym arsenal, don't miss this one.Purchase confidently: We offer a 1-year warranty and a 35-day no-reason return policy. Don't hesitate to contact us with questions; we will respond within 12 working hours.
$119.99
$119.99
$149.99
Aluminium Pulley & Weight Stack Bundle Aluminium Pulley & Weight Stack Bundle

Aluminium Pulley & Weight Stack Bundle

Pre-orders for B52 weight stack set will ship on April 10 Every day, you push yourself to make progress and become a better version of yourself. At Major Fitness, we’re here to support that journey with the Aluminum Pulleys & Weight Stacks Bundle – a perfect upgrade to elevate your training experience. What’s New in This Bundle? • Durable Aluminum Pulleys: Enjoy smoother movements, quieter operation, and a sleek, standout look for your Major Fitness all-in-one power racks and Smith machines. • Weight Stack Set: Experience quick, hassle-free weight adjustments, allowing you to focus on your workout without interruptions. Take the next step in your fitness journey with this essential upgrade! Product Features: Aluminum Pulleys for smoother, quieter operation with a sleek design. Weight Stack Set for quick and hassle-free weight adjustments. Each of our racks comes with dedicated aluminum pulleys and weight stacks.
From $669.99
From $669.99
$669.99

Recommended

Squad Up at Home: Create Your Own Fitness Community with a Major Fitness Home Gym
Jhon Kenneth Delos Reyes·
Squad Up at Home: Create Your Own Fitness Community with a Major Fitness Home Gym
Read more
How To Do The Landmine Shoulder Press?
Major Fitness·
How To Do The Landmine Shoulder Press?
Read more
How To Do The Landmine Half-kneeling Shoulder Press?
Major Fitness·
How To Do The Landmine Half-kneeling Shoulder Press?
Read more

All comment(1)

How much is this

Kershon Davis

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.
SHOP
EXPLORE MAJOR
SUPPORT
MAJOR PROGRAM
800-276-8577

Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST

700 Westlake Pkwy SW Ste 760
Atlanta, GA 30336

  • Amazon
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa
© 2022-2025 Major Fitness. All Rights Reserved.
© 2022-2025 Major Fitness. All Rights Reserved.