Narrow Stance Hack Squats

Learn how to do narrow stance hack squats with a clear setup, controlled movement, and a technique you can repeat.

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Narrow Stance Hack Squats: matching illustrations comparing the setup and movement positions
01Set your position02Make the movement

How to do narrow stance hack squats

  1. Place the back of your torso against the back pad of the machine and hook your shoulders under the shoulder pads provided.
  2. Position your legs in the platform using a less than shoulder width narrow stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Your feet should be around 3 inches or less apart. Tip: Keep your head up at all times and also maintain the back on the pad at all times.
  3. Place your arms on the side handles of the machine and disengage the safety bars (which on most designs is done by moving the side handles from a facing front position to a diagonal position).
  4. Now straighten your legs without locking the knees. This will be your starting position.
  5. Begin to slowly lower the unit by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up (back on the pad at all times). Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calves becomes slightly less than 90-degrees (which is the point in which the upper legs are below parallel to the floor). Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
  6. Begin to raise the unit as you exhale by pushing the floor with mainly with the heels of your feet as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Narrow Stance Hack Squats exercise illustration

Narrow Stance Hack Squats: muscles worked

Primary focus: quadriceps and glutes.

Better reps before more weight.

Start with a version you can control. Record the same setup and range each time. Add reps or a small load increase when you can repeat the movement without changing the technique.

Plan your next set

Frequently asked questions

How do you do narrow stance hack squats?

Place the back of your torso against the back pad of the machine and hook your shoulders under the shoulder pads provided. Position your legs in the platform using a less than shoulder width narrow stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Your feet should be around 3 inches or less apart. Tip: Keep your head up at all times and also maintain the back on the pad at all times. Place your arms on the side handles of the machine and disengage the safety bars (which on most designs is done by moving the side handles from a facing front position to a diagonal position).

What muscles does narrow stance hack squats work?

Narrow Stance Hack Squats primarily trains the quadriceps and glutes. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

What is the best technique for narrow stance hack squats?

Use a stable stance and keep the working foot supported. Lower through a range you can control, with knees and hips moving together. Repeat the same depth instead of shortening the movement to add weight.

What can I do instead of narrow stance hack squats?

Related options include Narrow Stance Leg Press, Hack Squat, Narrow Stance Squats. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.

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