Guide To Buying A Hyperextension Bench
A hyperextension bench or roman chair uses your body weight as resistance to work your back, gluteal muscles, hamstrings, and abdomen. You can also add weights to make exercises on the bench more challenging. Whichever bench you buy should have a sturdy frame, correctly designed structure, and a way to adjust it to your height.
Product Comparison Table
What To Look for
20/02/2020
The bench shouldn’t feel unbalanced or awkward to use.
- If possible, try to perform a few exercises on the bench before buying it. If your form is correct, you should feel some tension on the targeted muscles.
- However, if you seem to spend more time balancing yourself on the bench rather than effectively working your muscles, the structure is improperly designed.
Look for an adjustable stomach pad or foot rollers.
- Depending on the type of bench you’re considering, it should have an adjustable stomach pad or foot rollers so you can set the bench in the optimum position for your exercises.
- Ideally, you should be able to comfortably press the lower part of your abdomen against the stomach pad, and the foot rollers should hold your feet in place firmly but without too much strain on the heel.
Divided stomach pads reduce the pressure on your pelvis.
- If you suffer from pain in your pelvic area or find it difficult to put pressure against your lower abdomen, go for a bench with a space in the center of the stomach pad.
- A gap in the stomach pad will decrease the tension on your abdomen and pelvic area and transfer it to your legs.
Additional considerations.
- Choose a steel frame to ensure durability.
- The stomach pad should be supportive but still soft enough to avoid undesirable pressure on your abdomen when using the bench.
- The thicker the foot rollers, the better since heavily padded foot rollers will be more forgiving on the ligaments and tendons in your feet.
Top Picks
Best Hyper-Extension Bench For Commercial Gyms
TuffStuff CHE 340
For $699.00
- Highly adjustable
- Remains steady when in use
- Wheels are installed in the frame to conveniently move it around
Best Commercial Grade Hyperextension Bench
Body-Solid 45 Degree Back Hyper Extension
For $369.00
- Easy to adjust
- Remains steady when in use
- Supportive cushioning makes it comfortable to use
Best Hyper-extension bench For Home Gyms
Bodycraft F670 Hyper-Extension/Roman Chair
For $349.00
- Works as a both a 45 and 90 degree bench
- Thick padding
- Lifetime warranty
- Slightly Overpriced
Best Hyper-extension bench for Small spaces
Stamina Hyper Bench
For $129.00
- Easy to store
- Lightweight but does not slip
- Reasonably priced
- Feels a bit flimsy
Best Hyper-extension bench on a budget
Marcy Hyper Bench JD-3.1
For $89.99
- Quality construction
- Great Price
- Easy to adjust
Best Hyperextension Bench On A Tight Budget
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6629
For $72.99
- Ergonomic design for optimal hyperextension position
- Foldable, easy to store
- Durable HD foam hip pad
- 250lb weight capacity
Best Hyperextension Bench On A Tight Budget
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6629
For $72.99
- Ergonomic design for optimal hyperextension position
- Foldable, easy to store
- Durable HD foam hip pad
Common Questions
Q:Is the hyperextension bench the same as a Roman chair?
Yes. The hyperextension bench gets its name from the hyperextension exercise; however, it is the same as a Roman chair. Roman chairs have several types, and they come in a 90-degree or a 45-degree version.
Q:Which muscles does the bench target?
The hyperextension exercise mainly targets the lower back, but it also works your abs, obliques, glutes, and hamstrings. Done consistently, this exercise creates a dynamic stretch on your lower back. The exercise also helps prevent lower back injury.
Q:How do I use the hyperextension bench?
- Lie/stand face down on the bench and use the foot brace to keep your feet locked.
- Ensure that your waist is clear of the support so you can bend your torso at the waist.
- Cross your arms over your chest and then lower your body by bending at the waist.
- Exhale on the way down and continue until you feel a full stretch on your lower back and strain on your hamstrings.
- Bring your body back to the starting position and inhale as you do so.
Q:How is the hyperextension bench different from a Glute Ham Developer (GHD)?
The machines differ on setup and the muscles they target. Hyperextension bench works your lower back the most, with some targeting of your glutes. The GHD developer strengthens your posterior chain with the primary focus on glutes and hams.
Q:Can I use the bench for sit-ups?
Yes, you can. However, only those who are adept at doing sit-ups should try this exercise, as it is one of the most difficult sit-ups. The hyperextension bench (or roman chair) can be used to perform the Roman chair sit-ups. Sit on the chair and lock in your feet under the pad. Now lower your body until your hips are extended and then raise your body back up.
Online Sources:
- https://garagegympower.com/best-roman-chairs/#What_to_Look_for_before_Buying_a_Roman_Chair
- https://www.fitrated.com/best-roman-chair-hyperextension-bench/
- https://www.fitandme.com/best-roman-chair-reviews/
- https://garagegympower.com/best-roman-chairs/
- https://getfitwithdoncook.com/best-roman-chair/
- https://www.jenreviews.com/best-roman-chair/
- https://abmachinesguide.com/roman-chairs-hyperextension-benches/