10 Best Sled Closer Hack Squat Alternatives for No-Sled Training

Ranked Sled Closer Hack Squat Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Sled Closer Hack Squat on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

1. Best match

   Play demonstration

   1. Sled Hack Squat

   96% match

   • Glutes
   • Sled
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   It uses the same equipment and still works the glutes.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Adjust the sled machine to a comfortable position for your height.
   2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform, toes slightly pointed outwards.
   3. Hold onto the handles or bars for stability.
   4. Lower your body by bending your knees and hips, keeping your back straight and chest up.
   5. Continue lowering until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below.
   6. Pause for a moment, then push through your heels to raise your body back up to the starting position.
   7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: two-legged squat, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
2. Play demonstration

   2. Smith Squat

   96% match

   • Glutes
   • Smith-machine
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   A good swap when you have a Smith machine to work with, and it still works the glutes.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Set up the smith machine with the barbell at an appropriate height for your squat.
   2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
   3. Position yourself under the barbell, resting it on your upper traps and shoulders.
   4. Grip the barbell with a wide grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
   5. Engage your core and unrack the barbell, stepping back to clear the rack.
   6. Keeping your chest up and back straight, initiate the squat by bending at the hips and knees.
   7. Lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below.
   8. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then drive through your heels to return to the starting position.
   9. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: two-legged squat, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
3. Play demonstration

   3. Smith Full Squat

   95% match

   • Glutes
   • Smith-machine
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Set up the smith machine with the barbell at shoulder height.
   2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
   3. Step under the bar and position it across your upper back, resting on your traps.
   4. Grip the bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
   5. Unrack the bar and take a step back, maintaining a stable stance.
   6. Keeping your chest up and core engaged, initiate the squat by pushing your hips back and bending your knees.
   7. Lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as low as your flexibility allows.
   8. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then drive through your heels to return to the starting position.
   9. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: two-legged squat, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
4. Play demonstration

   4. Smith Sumo Squat

   95% match

   • Glutes
   • Smith-machine
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Set up the smith machine with the barbell at hip height.
   2. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointing outwards.
   3. Position yourself under the barbell, resting it on your upper back and shoulders.
   4. Engage your core and keep your chest up as you lower your body down into a squat position, pushing your hips back and bending your knees.
   5. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go.
   6. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
   7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: two-legged squat, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
5. Play demonstration

   5. Smith Low Bar Squat

   94% match

   • Glutes
   • Smith-machine
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Set up the smith machine with the barbell at a height that allows you to comfortably rest it on your upper back.
   2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned outwards.
   3. Step under the bar and position it across your upper back, resting it on your traps.
   4. Grip the bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
   5. Unrack the bar by straightening your legs and stepping back from the rack.
   6. Take a deep breath and brace your core.
   7. Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back and bending your knees.
   8. Lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below.
   9. Keep your chest up and your back straight throughout the movement.
   10. Drive through your heels to stand back up, extending your hips and knees.
   11. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: two-legged squat, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
6. Play demonstration

   6. Smith Hack Squat

   94% match

   • Glutes
   • Smith-machine
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Adjust the barbell on the smith machine to an appropriate height for your body.
   2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointed outwards.
   3. Position yourself under the barbell, resting it on your upper traps and shoulders.
   4. Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
   5. Engage your core and keep your chest up as you unrack the barbell.
   6. Take a step back and position your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
   7. Bend your knees and lower your body down, keeping your chest up and back straight.
   8. Continue descending until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below.
   9. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
   10. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: two-legged squat, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
7. Play demonstration

   7. Sled 45° Leg Press

   91% match

   • Glutes
   • Sled
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   The same equipment, done lying on your back instead.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Adjust the seat and footplate of the sled machine to a comfortable position.
   2. Sit on the sled machine with your back against the backrest and your feet shoulder-width apart on the footplate.
   3. Grip the handles on the sides of the seat for stability.
   4. Push the footplate away from your body by extending your legs, keeping your heels on the footplate.
   5. Continue pushing until your legs are almost fully extended, but without locking your knees.
   6. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the footplate back towards your body by bending your knees.
   7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: lying on your back, not standing
8. Play demonstration

   8. Sled Lying Squat

   91% match

   • Glutes
   • Sled
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Adjust the sled machine to a comfortable weight.
   2. Lie on your back on the sled machine with your feet on the footplate.
   3. Position your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly angled outwards.
   4. Grip the handles of the sled machine for stability.
   5. Engage your glutes and core muscles.
   6. Push through your heels and extend your legs to lift the sled.
   7. Lower the sled back down by bending your knees and hips.
   8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: two-legged squat, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: lying on your back, not standing
9. Play demonstration

   9. Smith Leg Press

   85% match

   • Glutes
   • Smith-machine
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Adjust the seat and footplate of the smith machine to a comfortable position.
   2. Sit on the machine with your back against the backrest and your feet shoulder-width apart on the footplate.
   3. Grasp the handles or sides of the machine for stability.
   4. Push the footplate away from you by extending your legs, keeping your back against the backrest.
   5. Pause for a moment at the fully extended position.
   6. Slowly bend your knees and lower the footplate back towards you, returning to the starting position.
   7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
   • Body position: seated, not standing
10. Play demonstration

    10. Smith Front Squat (Clean Grip)

    84% match

    • Glutes
    • Smith-machine
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    How to perform this exercise

    1. Set up the smith machine with the barbell at shoulder height.
    2. Stand facing the barbell with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
    4. Step back and position the barbell on your front shoulders, resting it on your collarbone and deltoids.
    5. Keep your chest up, back straight, and core engaged.
    6. Lower your body by bending at the knees and hips, as if sitting back into a chair.
    7. Continue lowering until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below.
    8. Pause for a moment, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
    9. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches

    • Primary muscle: glutes, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Closer Hack Squat