Technogym Pure Hack Squat | Italian Fitness Innovation

For Italian wellness brand Technogym, that idea took shape in a garage in 1983, when founder Nerio Alessandri created the company’s first piece of gym equipment: the Hack Squat. More than four decades later, the machine that started it all has been reimagined as the Pure Hack Squat, bringing together Technogym’s design heritage, advanced engineering and contemporary approach to strength training. The Technogym Pure Hack Squat represents the evolution of this original innovation, combining the brand’s heritage with modern fitness technology.

Back in the early 1980s, the fitness industry was largely dominated by American gyms and bodybuilding culture. Alessandri saw an opportunity to do things differently, creating equipment that combined effective training with thoughtful design, innovative technology and an understanding of how the body moves.

It marked the beginning of a distinctly Italian approach to fitness, one that would eventually develop into Technogym’s Wellness philosophy, encouraging a balanced lifestyle built around physical activity, healthy eating and mental well-being.

Pure Strength

Today, the Pure Hack Squat carries that original vision forward as part of Technogym’s Pure Strength collection, a range of plate-loaded equipment developed for serious strength training.

Drawing on the company’s experience as Official Supplier to eight consecutive Olympic Games, the collection combines advanced biomechanics with ergonomic design, durability and safety. Every detail is considered to help users train effectively while maintaining natural movement patterns.

The Pure Hack Squat is particularly suited to lower-body training, allowing users to perform different squat variations, squat jumps and lunges. Its extra-large foot platform offers positioning flexibility, while an emergency handle with an automatic stop adds an important safety feature.

For experienced athletes looking to challenge themselves, the machine accommodates a maximum load of 400kg. Optional elastic bands can also be incorporated to adjust resistance throughout the movement, offering greater flexibility in how exercises are performed.

Technogym’s Scientific Research Centre conducted extensive research, testing equipment on people with different physical characteristics. This helps refine the movement trajectory and resistance distribution, supporting a more natural and controlled training experience.

The Pure Hack Squat also forms part of Technogym’s dedicated Glute Circuit Training offering, alongside equipment such as the Belt Squat, Deadlift, Hip Thrust, Standing Abductor, Standing Leg Curl and Rear Kick. Together, these machines provide a varied approach to strengthening and developing the lower body.

While its origins are firmly rooted in traditional strength training, the Pure Hack Squat is a contemporary piece of equipment.

Integrated into Technogym’s digital wellness ecosystem, it connects users to exercise guidance and training programmes through the Technogym App. A QR code on the machine provides immediate access to instructions, while the app lets users follow workouts, record exercises and track progress.

It’s a fitting evolution for the product that launched Technogym’s story. From a garage-built innovation in 1983 to an advanced strength-training machine used in modern fitness facilities, the Hack Squat reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to combining Italian design, scientific research and technology.

More than 40 years on, the original idea continues to evolve, showing how thoughtful engineering and a passion for movement can turn gym equipment into a lasting design icon.

Visit Technogym for more.