DSH036 Hack Squat Machine â€“ Heavy-duty, knee-friendly leg training.

DSH036 Hack Squat Machine dimensions â€“ 87.6" L x 69.8" W x 62.2" H.

Exercises and muscles targeted

Exercise	Muscles Targeted
Hack Squat — Standard Stance	Quadriceps (Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius, primary), Gluteus Maximus (primary), Hamstrings (secondary), Adductors (secondary), Gastrocnemius (stabiliser)
Hack Squat — High Feet Placement	Gluteus Maximus (increased posterior chain emphasis with elevated foot position, primary), Hamstrings (Biceps Femoris, Semimembranosus, secondary), Quadriceps (secondary)
Hack Squat — Low Feet Placement	Quadriceps (maximum quad emphasis with low foot position and greater forward knee travel, primary), Vastus Medialis (VMO, strong emphasis at bottom), Gluteus Maximus (secondary)
Hack Squat — Wide Stance	Adductor Magnus (inner thigh — significant load with wide stance, primary), Gluteus Maximus (primary), Quadriceps (secondary), Gluteus Medius (stabiliser)
Hack Squat — Pause at Bottom	Quadriceps (eliminates stretch reflex, maximum time under tension), Gluteus Maximus, Hamstrings, Adductors (sustained stabiliser load at full depth)

The hack squat trains the same primary muscle groups as the barbell back squat but constrains the movement to a fixed linear track, which removes the balance and bar path variables that limit barbell squat volume and technique consistency under fatigue. Foot placement on the large footplate functions as the primary programming variable, low placement creates a quad-dominant stimulus, high placement shifts load toward the glutes and hamstrings, and stance width adjusts the adductor and gluteus medius contribution. Combining these foot position variables across a training block gives the hack squat the same range of lower body stimuli as several different barbell squat variations.

Who this machine is built for

Serious Home Gym Builders
The DSH036 is one of the largest investments in the DSH series at 87.6" × 70.3", and it is also one of the most training-productive machines per square foot for leg development. It delivers bilateral squat training at 661 lb capacity without a rack, barbell, or spotter, and the dual-axis linear bearing system means the carriage travels as smoothly on the first rep as on the last under any load the plates can produce.

Bodybuilders and Physique Athletes
Quad sweep, VMO fullness, and glute development are all trainable from the DSH036 by manipulating foot height and width across training cycles. The hack squat allows each of these targets to be isolated more deliberately than a barbell squat where the full posterior chain always co-activates simultaneously. The low foot position with deep knee travel creates extreme VMO stimulus that no other machine replicates at this load capacity, and the pause variation eliminates the stretch reflex for maximum time under tension.

Powerlifters and Strength Athletes
Heavy hack squat volume builds the quad and glute strength that transfers directly to competition squat depth and leg drive, without the barbell technique and spotting infrastructure that barbell accessory squat work requires. The 661 lb bilateral capacity handles the working loads needed for serious strength programming, and the 5-level bottom stop allows the exact depth to be programmed and reproduced consistently across every session.

Commercial Gym Owners and Operators
A plate-loaded hack squat at 661 lb capacity is the centrepiece of any serious commercial leg training area. The DSH036's dual-axis linear bearing system distinguishes it from lesser-specified alternatives where carriage binding under heavy loads is a member complaint. At 538 lbs net weight the machine anchors the floor without any additional fixings, and the six loading horns keep plates organised directly on the machine.

University and College Athletic Departments
Bilateral squat pattern strength training in a machine environment gives S&C coaches a supervised, safe squat option for athletes who are not yet technically proficient on the barbell. The 5-level bottom stop sets a consistent depth target, the dual-axis carriage prevents the lateral deviation that injuries from barbell squatting under fatigue, and the six weight horns allow fast plate loading transitions in team training sessions.

Private Personal Training Studios
The spring-assisted safety hook releases with one hand under load, which means a trainer can focus entirely on coaching the client through a set without being physically positioned to assist a rerack at the end. The 5-level bottom stop creates a consistent depth reference that the trainer can use to track squat depth progress across a training programme.

How to setup and use

Setting Up the DSH036 Hack Squat

Load Olympic plates evenly across the six weight horns, two long horns and four standard horns keeping amounts equal on each side for bilateral balance through the carriage.
Set the 5-level bottom stop to the position that corresponds to your intended squat depth using the pop pin on the compression spring component confirm the stop will catch the carriage at the correct position before loading heavy.
Step under the shoulder pads and position the upper trapezius and rear shoulders against the ergonomic tilted pads so the load distributes evenly across both contact surfaces.
Place feet on the dual-angle footplate in your chosen position low and narrow for quad emphasis, high and wide for glute and adductor emphasis with heels fully grounded.
Engage the safety hook release to unlock the carriage from the racked position, confirming both hooks release simultaneously before beginning the descent.
Load with Dynasty Fitness Urethane Grip Plates for a clean plate setup across all six horns that protects the loading surfaces and complements the matte black frame finish.

Performing the Exercise

From the standing starting position with the carriage unlocked and bodyweight supported through the shoulder pads and footplate, lower into the squat by bending the knees and allowing the carriage to travel down the guide rods at a controlled rate.
Keep the back fully in contact with the backrest throughout the descent — if the lower back loses contact with the pad, reduce the depth or load until the back stays anchored through the full movement.
Descend to the bottom stop position or to full comfortable depth, then drive upward by pressing evenly through the full foot surface until the knees reach full extension.
Control the descent over at least two seconds and drive upward with deliberate force rather than relying on a bounce from the bottom stop.
After the final rep, engage the safety hooks by pressing the release lever to lock the carriage in the racked position before stepping out from under the shoulder pads.

Owner's Manual

Access the complete assembly guide, parts list, and maintenance schedule below.

Download Owners Manual

Shipping & Delivery

All Dynasty Fitness equipment ships free across the 48 contiguous US states via freight carrier. If the product description says preorder, we'll send you an estimated delivery date via email.

Estimated delivery: 7–14 business days from order confirmation. You will receive a tracking number and a delivery window confirmation call before your shipment arrives. Deliveries are curbside standard, white glove delivery to room of choice is available at checkout.

Returns: Free within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in original condition and packaging. Refunds processed within 5 business days of return receipt.

Questions? Contact our team at:
📧Email: info@thedynastyfitness.com
📞Call: +1 (213)-584-0858

Need a buying guide?

Looking for one to one support before making final decision?
Feel free to contact us. Our expert support team would love to assist you.

Need Installation Help?

We have partnered with another company to help provide installation around the country. Please use the link below to see the price per machine for installation
See Installation Rates

Payment & Security

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Save 10%

Hack Squat DSH036

$2,379.00

$2,379.00 ~~$2,649.00~~ 10% off (Save$270.00 )

Commercial Grade
Pay With HFA/FSA

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The Dynasty Fitness DSH036 Hack Squat is a plate-loaded lower body machine that delivers bilateral quad-dominant squatting through a precision dual-axis linear bearing system, using two φ35×1588mm guide rods with four linear motion bearings to produce a carriage travel path that is smoother and more stable than any single-rail alternative. High-resilience ergonomically tilted shoulder pads, a wide backrest with contoured headrest, and a dual-angle oversized footplate support the full range of squat depths and stance widths, while a 5-level adjustable bottom stop and spring-assisted safety hook release give solo athletes full control of the range of motion and safe rerack under any load. Built from PT60×120×2.5mm steel with a 661 lb bilateral capacity and six plate loading horns, the DSH036 is built for commercial gyms, elite performance facilities, and serious home gym setups where heavy guided bilateral squat training is a primary training investment.

Plate-loaded hack squat with a precision dual-axis linear bearing system, two guide rods and four linear motion bearings delivering carriage travel that stays smooth and jam-free under maximum load
661 lb bilateral load capacity across six plate loading horns handles the heaviest commercial hack squat training without approaching a practical ceiling for any member population
5-level adjustable bottom stop sets the descent limit precisely for each user's leg length and squat depth so range of motion is consistent and controlled across every set
Dual-angle oversized footplate accommodates the full range of stance widths and ankle flexion angles so narrow quad-emphasis and wide sumo positions are both accessible from the same machine setup

Limited time offer

Get 20% off when you order 4 or more pieces of equipment!

Exercises and muscles targeted

Exercise	Muscles Targeted
Hack Squat — Standard Stance	Quadriceps (Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius, primary), Gluteus Maximus (primary), Hamstrings (secondary), Adductors (secondary), Gastrocnemius (stabiliser)
Hack Squat — High Feet Placement	Gluteus Maximus (increased posterior chain emphasis with elevated foot position, primary), Hamstrings (Biceps Femoris, Semimembranosus, secondary), Quadriceps (secondary)
Hack Squat — Low Feet Placement	Quadriceps (maximum quad emphasis with low foot position and greater forward knee travel, primary), Vastus Medialis (VMO, strong emphasis at bottom), Gluteus Maximus (secondary)
Hack Squat — Wide Stance	Adductor Magnus (inner thigh — significant load with wide stance, primary), Gluteus Maximus (primary), Quadriceps (secondary), Gluteus Medius (stabiliser)
Hack Squat — Pause at Bottom	Quadriceps (eliminates stretch reflex, maximum time under tension), Gluteus Maximus, Hamstrings, Adductors (sustained stabiliser load at full depth)

Who this machine is built for

How to setup and use

Setting Up the DSH036 Hack Squat

Load Olympic plates evenly across the six weight horns, two long horns and four standard horns keeping amounts equal on each side for bilateral balance through the carriage.
Set the 5-level bottom stop to the position that corresponds to your intended squat depth using the pop pin on the compression spring component confirm the stop will catch the carriage at the correct position before loading heavy.
Step under the shoulder pads and position the upper trapezius and rear shoulders against the ergonomic tilted pads so the load distributes evenly across both contact surfaces.
Place feet on the dual-angle footplate in your chosen position low and narrow for quad emphasis, high and wide for glute and adductor emphasis with heels fully grounded.
Engage the safety hook release to unlock the carriage from the racked position, confirming both hooks release simultaneously before beginning the descent.
Load with Dynasty Fitness Urethane Grip Plates for a clean plate setup across all six horns that protects the loading surfaces and complements the matte black frame finish.

Performing the Exercise

From the standing starting position with the carriage unlocked and bodyweight supported through the shoulder pads and footplate, lower into the squat by bending the knees and allowing the carriage to travel down the guide rods at a controlled rate.
Keep the back fully in contact with the backrest throughout the descent — if the lower back loses contact with the pad, reduce the depth or load until the back stays anchored through the full movement.
Descend to the bottom stop position or to full comfortable depth, then drive upward by pressing evenly through the full foot surface until the knees reach full extension.
Control the descent over at least two seconds and drive upward with deliberate force rather than relying on a bounce from the bottom stop.
After the final rep, engage the safety hooks by pressing the release lever to lock the carriage in the racked position before stepping out from under the shoulder pads.

Owner's Manual

Access the complete assembly guide, parts list, and maintenance schedule below.

Download Owners Manual

Shipping & Delivery

All Dynasty Fitness equipment ships free across the 48 contiguous US states via freight carrier. If the product description says preorder, we'll send you an estimated delivery date via email.

Returns: Free within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in original condition and packaging. Refunds processed within 5 business days of return receipt.

Questions? Contact our team at:
📧Email: info@thedynastyfitness.com
📞Call: +1 (213)-584-0858

Need a buying guide?

Looking for one to one support before making final decision?
Feel free to contact us. Our expert support team would love to assist you.

Need Installation Help?

We have partnered with another company to help provide installation around the country. Please use the link below to see the price per machine for installation
See Installation Rates

Payment & Security

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Hack Squat DSH036

$2,379.00

$2,379.00 ~~$2,649.00~~ 10% off (Save$270.00 )

Key Features

Dual-Axis Linear Bearing System

Two φ35×1588mm guide rods carry four linear motion bearings that support the carriage through the full squat travel path. The dual-axis configuration means the carriage is guided simultaneously on both left and right sides, preventing any lateral tilt or rotation under asymmetric loading. Unlike single-rail systems where the carriage can develop slight binding under heavy loads or when plate distribution is uneven, the dual-axis arrangement maintains consistent travel resistance from the top to the bottom of the squat regardless of load magnitude.

5-Level Adjustable Bottom Stop

A compression spring component with a pop pin sets the bottom catch position to five distinct height levels across the carriage travel range. The spring mechanism allows the stop to be adjusted with one hand and provides a consistent, cushioned catch that stops the carriage at the selected depth without a hard mechanical impact. Unlike fixed-depth machines where all users descend to the same bottom position, the 5-level range accommodates users of different leg lengths and squat depth preferences without compromising the lower rep quality.

Spring-Assisted Safety Hook Release

The safety hook is operated via a pull rod connected to a compression spring, which reduces the hand force needed to engage and release the catch under load. The spring assist keeps the release force consistent whether the carriage is empty or at maximum plate loading, which is the condition where reliable hook operation matters most. Unlike direct-mechanical hooks that require significant grip strength to operate when the shoulders are fatigued from a heavy working set, the spring-assisted design maintains safe, one-handed operation throughout.

Ergonomic Shoulder Pads and Headrest

Two shoulder pads on independent left and right brackets are tilted to follow the natural slope of the trapezius and posterior shoulder, distributing the plate load across the full contact surface without concentrating it at a single pressure point. A contoured headrest supports the cervical spine and head in a neutral position during the squat descent. Unlike machines with a single flat pad across both shoulders, the independent bilateral pads adapt to different shoulder widths and provide consistent contact for each user without manual adjustment.

Dual-Angle Oversized Footplate

The large footplate presents two surface angles across its area, allowing the foot to be placed at positions that suit both standard dorsiflexion mobility and more limited ankle ranges without requiring heel elevation accessories. Low foot placement with greater forward knee travel emphasises the quadriceps, particularly the VMO at the bottom of the squat. High foot placement reduces forward knee travel and increases glute and hamstring activation. The oversized dimensions accommodate wide sumo stances without the feet approaching the plate edges, giving full access to the complete stance width range.

Six Plate Loading Horns

Two long weight holders and four standard weight holders provide six total loading surfaces for bilateral plate distribution. Spreading the working weight across more horns reduces the plate diameter stack height on any single horn, which keeps the outermost plate's distance from the frame manageable and prevents the plate geometry from interfering with the squat arc at maximum loading. Load all horns in matched pairs with Dynasty Fitness Urethane Grip Plates to maintain bilateral balance and protect the horn surfaces under daily commercial loading and unloading.

Product Information
Product Name	Hack Squat
Model	DSH036
Series	DSH Plate Loaded Series
Product Type	Plate-Loaded Hack Squat Machine
Primary Function	Bilateral guided hack squat — quadriceps and glute development on linear rail
Target Muscles	Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus (primary), Hamstrings, Adductors (secondary)
Grade	Commercial
Colour	Matte Black
Dimensions and Weight
Length	87.6 in (222.5 cm)
Width	70.3 in (178.6 cm)
Height	62.1 in (157.8 cm)
Net Weight	538 lbs (244 kg)
Load Capacity
Maximum Load Capacity	661 lbs (300 kg) — 330 lbs (150 kg) per side
Loading System	Plate-loaded — Olympic plates, 2 long weight holders and 4 standard weight holders (6 total)
Carriage and Rail System
Guide Rods	2 x φ35×1588mm — dual-axis precision rails
Linear Motion Bearings	4 x linear motion bearings on carriage
Copper Bearings	φ45×φ32×15mm x2 — additional carriage guidance
Adjustability and Safety
Bottom Stop Positions	5 levels — compression spring component with pop pin
Safety Hook System	Spring-assisted pull rod release — single-hand operation under load
Pads and Footplate
Shoulder Pads	2 x high-resilience, ergonomically tilted — independent left and right brackets
Back Pad and Headrest	Wide backrest with contoured headrest — full spinal support
Footplate	Dual-angle oversized anti-slip — supports full stance width range
Frame and Construction
Main Frame Tubing	PT60×120×2.5mm rectangular steel
Floor Mats	3 x rubber mats
Levelling Foot	1 x adjustable
Finish	Matte black powder coat
Indoor Use Only	Yes

Q: What is the difference between a hack squat and a leg press?
A: A hack squat positions the body upright with the back against the pad and the feet below, driving the carriage upward through a standing squat pattern that closely mirrors a barbell squat. A leg press reclines the body and pushes the feet away horizontally on an angled sled. The hack squat produces greater quad activation at the knee through deeper knee flexion, trains more of the VMO at the bottom of the movement, and creates a more transfer-specific squat pattern for athletes who also barbell squat. The leg press allows heavier absolute loads and distributes work more broadly across the posterior chain.

Q: How do foot position and height affect which muscles work?
A: Low foot placement on the footplate allows greater forward knee travel, which creates maximum knee flexion depth and concentrates load on the quadriceps, particularly the VMO at the bottom of the squat. High foot placement reduces forward knee travel and shifts the hip hinge deeper, increasing glute and hamstring contribution. Wide stance adds adductor and inner glute involvement. Narrow stance concentrates load on the outer quad. Rotating through these positions across a training block trains the full lower body musculature rather than a single loading emphasis.

Q: How do I set the 5-level bottom stop correctly?
A: Set the stop to the level where the carriage catches just at or below your intended working depth before loading working weight. Perform two or three unloaded reps to confirm the catch activates at the right point. The stop should interrupt a failed rep cleanly without catching a correctly executed rep before full depth is reached. Taller users typically use a lower stop position; shorter users a higher one. Readjust whenever you change your foot placement significantly, as foot height changes the effective squat depth relative to the carriage position.

Q: Does the dual-axis system make a practical difference during training?
A: Yes, at heavy loads. Single-rail hack squat machines allow the carriage to develop a slight rotational tilt when plate loading is not perfectly balanced or when the user's drive through the squat is asymmetric. This produces a binding sensation through part of the travel range that interrupts set quality. The dual-axis system on the DSH036 constrains the carriage on both sides simultaneously, which prevents rotational tilt and keeps the travel consistent regardless of minor bilateral load or drive asymmetries.

Q: Does this machine need to be anchored?
A: No. At 538 lbs net weight before plates are loaded, the DSH036 stays firmly grounded during heavy bilateral squat training without floor anchors. The three rubber floor mats under the frame contact points prevent sliding on smooth surfaces and protect both the frame and the flooring. Load the machine with Dynasty Fitness Urethane Grip Plates distributed evenly across all six weight horns for balanced bilateral loading.

Q: What Dynasty Fitness machines pair with the DSH036 for a complete lower body area?
A: The DSH036 covers bilateral guided squat training on a linear rail. Pair it with the Pendulum Squat DSH033 for a pendulum arc squat as a complementary movement pattern, and the V-Squat DSH038 for dual-direction training that covers both quad-dominant and glute-dominant squat positions. The Hip Thruster DPB401 or Hip Thruster DSH031 adds horizontal hip extension for posterior chain work that the hack squat does not address at the same muscle length. For isolated quad and hamstring work after compound squatting, the Leg Extension Prone Leg Curl DSA031 completes the lower body training area.

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Every machine that leaves Dynasty Fitness carries the same promise: it is built to the commercial standard that professional training environments demand, priced so that standard is no longer exclusive to them, and backed by the support and warranty coverage that a long-term training investment deserves.

We are committed to equipment that stands the test of time — and to making sure the people who train the hardest have access to the tools that match their effort.