Weight Training Questions - Proper Technique For Hack Squats

Weight Training Question:
I have a question about the hack squat. The Arnold Schwarzenegger bodybuilding book I have at home says that my feet should be together, toes pointed out and that I should go past parallel on the hack squats. The hack squat exercise demonstration on your site looks like a regular machine squat. Am I doing this exercise incorrectly?

I also read that the hack squat can be performed with a narrow or a wide stance. Where does the narrow stance versus the wider stance concentrate the weight then? Is there a different effect through the quadriceps? I'm just really starting to take my weight lifting seriously and I've been focusing on back squats, lunges and leg curls as my primary leg exercises right now. I also include deadlifts and leg press in my workout rotation once in a while.

Weight Training Answer:
There are a few versions of the hack squat. You can use the machine or do a free weight hack squat. You can also use a combination of a few different techniques to see which one feels the best for you. Some people don't like the narrow stance position and others really feel the narrow stance really hits their quads. It really comes down to your personal preference.

The narrow stance should isolate the front quads more and really work on the "teardrop" area of the quads. The wider stance will involve more of the glutes and will allow you to go deeper. Give both a shot and see which one feels the best.

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