Mighty Logo
Mighty
← Back to library
Last updated March 5, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsAbductorsGlutes

Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)

Face the machine pad. Squat down by pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Keep your spine straight and drive up through your heels.

Quick facts

Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
Compound
Force
Push
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Moderate
Hypertrophy
Very High
Calorie Burn
High

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

Quads

Secondary

Glutes (max)

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

Weight Machines / Selectorized

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Standing

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Adjust the machine seat so that your back is comfortably supported and your feet are positioned on the platform.
    • Ensure that the shoulder pads are resting on your shoulders and that your feet are shoulder-width apart.
  2. Step 2Position Your Feet
    • Place your feet on the platform with your toes slightly pointed outward.
    • Your heels should remain flat on the platform throughout the movement.
  3. Step 3Engage Your Core
    • Before starting the movement, engage your core muscles to stabilize your body.
    • Keep your back pressed against the pad and your chest up.
  4. Step 4Lower Your Body
    • Begin the movement by bending your knees and lowering your body down towards the floor.
    • Keep your back straight and avoid leaning forward as you descend.
  5. Step 5Reach the Bottom Position
    • Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below, depending on your flexibility.
    • Ensure that your knees do not extend past your toes during the descent.
  6. Step 6Push Back Up
    • Press through your heels to push your body back up to the starting position.
    • Keep your movements controlled and avoid locking your knees at the top.
  7. Step 7Repeat
    • Perform the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout each rep.
  8. Step 8Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully step off the machine.
    • Ensure you adjust the machine settings back to their original position if necessary.

Alternatives & variations

Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.

View all exercises
Bent Over Hip Extension (Band)

Bent Over Hip Extension (Band)

Glutes (max)
Box Squat (Barbell)

Box Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)

Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)

Quads
Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)

Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Deadlift (Barbell)

Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)

Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift - (Trap Bar)

Deadlift - (Trap Bar)

Quads
Glute Kickback (Cable)

Glute Kickback (Cable)

Glutes (max)
Frog Reverse Hyperextension

Frog Reverse Hyperextension

Glutes (max)
Front Squat (Barbell)

Front Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Front Squat (Smith)

Front Squat (Smith)

Quads
Glute Press (Machine)

Glute Press (Machine)

Glutes (max)
Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)

Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)

Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)

Quads
Hack Squat

Hack Squat

Quads
Hack Squat (Barbell)

Hack Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Hack Squat - Close Stance

Hack Squat - Close Stance

Outer Quad
Hack Squat (Smith)

Hack Squat (Smith)

Quads
Hip Extension (v2) (Machine)

Hip Extension (v2) (Machine)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)

Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Smith)

Hip Thrust (Smith)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)

Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Kickback - Kneeling, Straight Leg

Kickback - Kneeling, Straight Leg

Glutes (max)
Landmine Deadlift

Landmine Deadlift

Hamstrings
Lateral Lunge (Barbell)

Lateral Lunge (Barbell)

Quads
Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)

Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)

Quads
Leg Press - Horizontal, Seated (Machine)

Leg Press - Horizontal, Seated (Machine)

Quads
Leg Press (Smith)

Leg Press (Smith)

Quads
Lunge (Barbell)

Lunge (Barbell)

Quads
Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)

Quads
Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)

Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)

Quads
Pause Deadlift (Barbell)

Pause Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Pistol Squat (Machine)

Pistol Squat (Machine)

Quads
Pull Through (Cable)

Pull Through (Cable)

Glutes (max)
Pull Through (Cable: Rope)

Pull Through (Cable: Rope)

Glutes (max)
Rear Decline Bridge

Rear Decline Bridge

Glutes (max)
Rear Kick - Standing (Machine)

Rear Kick - Standing (Machine)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Glute Bridge (Band)

Resistance Glute Bridge (Band)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)

Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Leg Kickback (Band)

Resistance Leg Kickback (Band)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Shuttle (Band)

Resistance Shuttle (Band)

Quads
Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)

Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)

Quads
Sled Side Leg Press

Sled Side Leg Press

Quads
Squat (Band)

Squat (Band)

Quads
Squat (Barbell)

Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Squat (Smith)

Squat (Smith)

Quads
Squat - Wide (Barbell)

Squat - Wide (Barbell)

Quads
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)

Hamstrings
Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)

Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)

Quads
Sumo Deadlift (Smith)

Sumo Deadlift (Smith)

Quads
Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)

Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Sumo Squat (Barbell)

Sumo Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)

Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

Quads
Swing (Kettlebell)

Swing (Kettlebell)

Glutes (max)
Zercher Back Extension (Barbell)

Zercher Back Extension (Barbell)

Lower Back
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025