Hack squats are a popular lower-body strength training exercise designed to target the muscles of the legs while providing added stability and support. What are hack squats, and what are their benefits? Typically performed using a hack squat machine, this exercise involves placing the shoulders and back against a padded support while the feet rest on a platform. The fixed movement path helps guide the body through a controlled squatting motion, making hack squats easier to perform with proper form compared to traditional free-weight squats.