|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
PH-R
45 Dual Hyperextension Roman Chair
by Powertec
|
$299 |
Back extension or crunch sit-ups target abs, buttocks, hamstrings
& back.
|
beginner
to
advanced |
Excellent! Easy height and incline adjustments
for changing exercise difficulty. Progress through dual levels. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
12 gauge steel and
4"
X 2".
Warranty:
Lifetime
warranty for home use.
Body weight capacity:
500-lb. |
 |
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
I love this
machine!
This is the top machine I have reviewed. It is the closest you
will get to a gym quality back hyperextension machine. Very solid
and heavy duty. You will feel safe on this model. The dual
angles change between 53 degrees and 90 degrees, so you can change the
intensity of workouts. It adjusts for tall and small users and has
a 500-lb weight capacity. My "stars" rating shows how I feel about
the Powertec model; I have done a side-to-side comparison and craftsmanship
and materials used far exceed the competition.
What does Powertec say?
Strengthen your lower back, glutes and abs in a comfortable and precise
position. This is the only hyperextension of it's kind that
provides multiple variations. The dual system allows you to lock in at
the 45-degree angle, or you can use the adjustable foot roller system
and set the adjustable seat in the flat position to perform traditional
hyperextensions. |
|
#2. 45/90 Degree Roman Chair by BodyCraft |
|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
7824-600
Medic Back Trainer
by Kettler
|
$419 |
Back extension targets the back extensors primarily and also gluteus maximus.
|
beginner
to
advanced |
Excellent! Easy height and incline adjustments
for changing exercise difficulty. Progress through 6 levels. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
gauge of steel not disclosed and
2"
X 2".
Warranty:
3-year
residential on parts, lifetime for frame.
Body weight capacity:
330-lb. |
 |
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
I highly recommend this model for those looking to
rehabilitate their back pain... I have one in my physical therapy
clinic for me and my patients. Why?
Because it targets your lower back
and mid back muscles
during workouts while helping you to improve your lumbar
range of motion. Medic Back Trainer adjusts for optimal comfort for any size user. Performing back
exercise on this roman chair is a lot less strenuous because it targets
the back extensor muscles, not the hamstrings. How? 1. The
user
kneels on the comfortable knee stand which cuts down
on the strain to the back of the thighs (hamstrings) while effectively exercising back
(primarily) and
buttocks (secondarily). 2. The rounded pelvic pad maximizes the
correct sequence of motions while providing the best support for the
pelvis at every stage. It also has rollers and folds up for easier storage. |
|
#3. Heavy Duty Roman Chair by Body Solid |
|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
GRCH322
"gray"
(formally WRCH322)
Heavy Duty
Roman Chair
by Body-Solid
|
$249 |
Back extension or crunch sit-ups target abs, buttocks, hamstrings
& back.
|
intermediate
to
advanced |
Good!
Improved
comfort & convenience with variable positioning of foam rollers:
adjustable up & down and out & back. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
"Heavy" gauge steel and
3"
X 2".
Warranty:
Lifetime
warranty for home use.
Body weight capacity:
500-lb |
|
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
Quick release pop pin to accommodate any size user. Good for multiple
users if workout partner is shorter or taller, because it is quicker to set-up & has more variable positioning
of foam rollers. Improved
safety with extra sturdy frame: 2" X 3" frame (instead of the
typical 2" X 2" frame). Two super-thick thigh pads made of DuraFirm with
double-stitched upholstery. |
|
#4. Glute/Ham Developer
Roman Chair by Yukon |
|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
HYP-156
Roman Chair
by Yukon
|
$249 |
Back extension or crunch sit-ups target abs, buttocks, hamstrings
& back. Glute/ham developer. |
intermediate
to
advanced |
Good!
Foam rollers are
fully adjustable up & down and out & back
to accommodate any size user. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
12 gauge steel and
2"
X 2".
Warranty:
Lifetime
warranty for home use.
Body weight capacity:
330-lb |
|
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
This
is by far our number one seller. It was fairly simple to put together
and it felt sturdy enough for my 235 lbs body weight. The foam rollers are adjustable--up & down and out
& back--to accommodate any size user. Good for multiple users,
because it is quicker to change & has more variable positioning of foam
rollers, if workout partner is shorter or taller. Thick 8" rounded pad for extra comfort.
Yukon includes a non-slip
footplate built-in for safety and ease of use. |
|
#5. 45/90 Degree Roman Chair by BodyCraft |
|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
F670
45/90
Degree Roman Chair by BodyCraft
|
$299 |
Back extension or crunch sit-ups target abs, buttocks, hamstrings
& back.
|
beginner
to
advanced |
Excellent!
Adjust
the exercise angle from 45o
to 90o
position to make your workouts harder. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
12 gauge steel and
2"
X 2" square.
Lifetime
warranty for home use.
Body weight capacity:
400-lb |
|
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
This roman chair hyperextension by Body-Craft is an adjustable 2-in-1 model
that allows you to select either a 45 degree or a 90 degree (flat) exercise
angle. This means you can start with easier workouts at the 45 degree
exercise angle, then progress to heavier workouts at the 90 degree exercise
angle which increases the load on your abs or back extensors, buttocks, and
hamstrings. The BodyCraft has a comfortable pad that is one solid
piece with a groove down the middle. The frame is much lighter than
its competition. So, if you are light-weight this may be a plus.
The BodyCraft model is not as sturdy as the Powertec model (listed
above). In fact, if you weigh more then 200 lbs, you will feel safer
on the Powertec. So, if you are under 200-lbs. and can't decide between a
roman chair at the 45 or 90-degree exercise angle, and want a lighter/smaller machine, then get this one and there is no need to buy two! |
|
#6. Back Extension/Slant Board by Yukon |
|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
BAM-160
Back Extension/Slant Board by Yukon
|
$239 |
Back extension plus ab slant board target abs, buttocks, hamstrings
& back.
|
beginner
to intermediate |
Good!
Fully adjustable back and leg supports to accommodate users of all sizes. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
12 gauge steel and
2"
X 2".
Warranty:
Lifetime
warranty for home use.
Body weight capacity:
300-lb |
|
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
With this roman chair you get 2 exercise machines for the price of one in a
unique space saving design. This 45 degree roman chair is morphed with a slant
board for ab workouts. Sit ups slant board has variable inclination
positions for exercise progression. Thick, comfortable pads and
rollers improve your experience. Easier to perform back extension
exercise because of 45°
exercise angle. |
|
#7. 45-Degree Hyperextension by Cap Barbell |
|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
FM-G3007
45
degree
Hyperextension
by Cap Barbell
|
$179 |
Back extension side crunch, or sit-ups target obliques, buttocks, hamstrings
& back. |
beginner
to intermediate |
Fair.
Five position thigh pad adjustment will
quickly accommodate all users. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
12 gauge steel and
?"
X ?".
Warranty:
1 year
for home use.
Body weight capacity:
300-lb Powder-coated
for a scratch-resistant, rust-resistant finish.
|
|
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
Warning! Not recommend for larger users.
I weigh 235 lbs. and I would not recommend this model for anyone
over 180lbs. Under my weight the frame swayed back and forth as I
climbed on and off. I felt unsafe and was concerned it might break.
Also, the factory outlet reps won't admit this... but, the back "T" of the
base has been shortened from the previous model that is shown in internet
photos and on the box it comes in. It is a decent model for the lower
price tag, but I only recommend it for smaller users. I like the sleek design of this roman chair
with traction foot plate for secure positioning during use.
The 45 degree exercise angle of this roman chair makes it easier
to perform back extension exercises resulting in less intense workouts.
One draw
back is lower quality thigh pads and rollers. This does not make as
much difference in comfort at the 45 degree exercise angle as it would at 90
degrees, and if you are smaller it shouldn't be much of a problem. |
|
#8. Heavy Duty 45-Degree Hyperextension by Body Solid |
|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
GHYP345
Heavy-Duty 45-Degree Hyperextension
by Body-Solid
|
$299 |
Back extension side crunch, or sit-ups target obliques, buttocks, hamstrings
& back. |
beginner
to intermediate |
Good!
Telescoping thigh pads adjust for any size user. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
"Heavy" gauge steel and
3"
X 2".
Warranty:
Lifetime
warranty for home use.
Body weight capacity:
500-lb |
|
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
Warning: This
model is poorly designed or manufactured: Body Solid named this one
"heavy-duty" but maybe it should be called "rocking chair." I put it
together correctly (I even took it apart and tried it again with the same
result) and the base does not sit flat on the floor. When I climbed on
the machine and leaned over onto the thigh pads, it rocked forward. I
called the factory outlet and the rep said that you must put a exercise mat
underneath it to make it so it doesn't rock. I called and talked to
another Body Solid rep and he checked their showroom model and he stated
that it did not sit flat either. They would not replace the part of
the frame that I believed was bent, so we returned the item (they made us
pay for the shipping). |
|
#9. Roman Chair by Powerline |
|
|
budget |
target muscles |
difficulty level |
adjustability |
durability |
overall
ranking |
|
Model#:
PCH24X
Roman Chair
by Powerline
|
$249 |
Back extension or crunch sit-ups target abs, buttocks, hamstrings
& back.
|
intermediate
to
advanced |
Fair. Telescoping foam roller to
accommodate all users. |
Frame strength
and dimensions:
gauge of steel not disclosed and
2"
X 2".
Warranty:
One year warranty for home use.
Body weight capacity:
???-lb |
|
|
Is design optimized for comfort, ease
of use, and targeted exercises? |
This roman chair is comparable to other less
expensive roman chairs. This
back extension bench will work fine for light weight individuals. I
do not recommend this unit for people over 160lbs. For heavier users it will
be uncomfortable secondary to less cushion in thigh pads. |
