Welcome back to another one of our home gym reviews. Today, we are going to talk about one piece of equipment that most of us have seen. Many have used it, but few know what it is and what you can actually do with it. And if you have not guessed it, we are talking about the Roman chair.
Mostly, Roman chairs are machines that have 2 pads. One of them is broader and higher, which is used for hip support. The other one is smaller, lower, and used to hook your legs for leverage. The primary usage of a roman chair is to strengthen the lower back. However, you can also target the glutes, hamstrings, and abdominal muscles in the process.
In this article, we are bringing you the top 5 Roman chairs on the market that you can implement into your home gym for some back and abs workouts. Now, without further ado, let’s get to the top 5.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick!  |
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Editor’s Choice  |
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Best Value  |
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Runner Up  |
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Runner Up  |
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The Best Roman Chairs on the Market
1. Marcy Adjustable Hyperextension Roman Chair
The Marcy JD-3 Roman chair is an easy-to-assemble, compact, and safe platform for you to work your six-pack abs, back, and glutes. The secret to its comfortability lies in its high-density foam on the handle and leg holders. Also, the machine is said to “stand the test of time” thanks to its deluxe upholstery and heavy-tubing steel frame with a powder-coated finish.
Price:
Pros
- Easy to put together
- Padded foam rollers are ergonomic and comfortable
- Fits in a small corner when it’s not in use
- Affordable price tag
- Compact and functional design
- Good build quality
- Great value for money
- Very light equipment
- Very stable despite the lightweight
- The handlebars are very useful
Cons
- Only comes in gray
- Compact size might be an issue for bulkier users, for example, people over six feet tall
- Lack of adjustability limits versatility
- The narrow frame might mean it is less stable
- Average design and materials
- Hard to set up for sit-ups
Special Features
- Adjustable Height Ankle Pads
- Assist Handles
- Tube Frame
- Comfortable Pad
Who is it best for?
As mentioned, the best users for the Marcy JD-3 are those under six feet tall. You can find an even better deal for this one than the Powerline, so it is undoubtedly affordable. If you do not have a lot of space, the Marcy JD-3 should also serve you well.
2. Powerline Roman Chair/Back Hyperextension
The Powerline by Body-Solid allows you to train your backs, abs, glutes, and hamstrings safely and comfortably. This is thanks to their 2-pad hip support and sturdy structure with 2 x 2 inches steel tubing.
Price
- On the homepage
- On ironcompany.com
- On fitnessfactory.com
Pros
- Fairly inexpensive.
- A great alternative to paying for a gym membership
- Easy to put together, straightforward assembly
- Sufficient double-stitched paddings.
- Sturdy structure with 2 x 2 inches steel tubing for safety
- Adjustable height footrest
- 350 lbs. max weight
- A gap in the hip pad for comfort
- The 2-pad hip support
- Great stability
- Nice overall finish
- Very compact and lightweight
Cons
- The instructions are a bit complicated
- A set of socket wrenches is required for assembly
- May not reach commercial gym’s quality
- Not recommendable for those with existing back problems
- Some athletes complain that the handlebar should be a bit longer
- The ankle pads move a little when you exercise
- Ankle support is too narrow
- Will not fit tall users
- Only 1-year warranty for the pads
Special Features
- 2 x 2 inches heavy-gauge steel construction
- Extra-wide base eliminates rocking
- Electrostatically applied powder coat finish
Who is it best for?
The Powerline Roman chair does not fit tall users. If you are not too tall and looking for a relatively inexpensive Roman chair that requires a small space, this should be a good fit.
3. Body-Solid GHYP345 Back Hyperextension
The Body-Solid GHYP245 is the first one on this list that can adjust to different heights. However, the angle is fixed at 45 degrees. This could be a good or a bad thing, and that is up to you to decide.
Price
Pros
- Extremely well built
- High-quality materials
- Adapts easily to different heights
- Easy storage
Cons
- You can’t adjust the angle/intensity
- Cumbersome equipment (too heavy)
Special Features
- Commercial 2 x 3 inches heavy-gauge steel construction
- Extra-thick 3 inches DuraFirm support pads
- Ideal for home and commercial use
Who is it best for?
The Body-Solid GHYP245 is explicitly said to do the following:
- Relieves back pain
- Increases flexibility
- Improves circulation
- Strengthens back and abdominal muscles
So, if any of those match your needs, feel free to bring the machine home.
4. CAP Strength Roman Chair
The CAP Roman chair is equipped with padded handles and adjustable leg holders. These allow you to perform strenuous exercises without a spotter or trainer. The main attraction, however, lies in its price.
Price
Pros
- Affordable
- Made of high-quality steel, Very durable
- Has a unique ankle/shin support system
- 300 lbs. weight capacity
- 2 sets of ankle rollers.
- A gap in the hip pad for the pelvic area
- Powder coating for scratch resistance
- Wide choice of exercises that can be done with it
- Very adjustable
- Very stable, safe, and secure
Cons
- Isn’t designed for people over six feet tall
- Is too large to fit in a corner
- Doesn’t fold for secure storage
- The ankle pads are adjustable, but you cannot move them closer together
- Acceptable wobbling
- Requires careful assembly as Some parts may be misaligned after assembly
- The feet have no rubber caps
Special Features
- Heavy-duty steel frame for long-lasting performance
- Comfortable, high-density foam pads and rollers for supportive workout surface
- Ideal for home use
- The compact size makes this roman chair suitable for rooms both large and small
- Maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Weighs 39 pounds
Who is it best for?
The CAP Roman chair is another great deal for people on a budget. Still, there is a catch. That is, you have to be under six feet tall, much like many other chairs on this list.
5. XMark 11-Gauge Roman Chair XM-7456
The XM-7456 is known for its DuraCraft padding and vinyl ankle roller pad that relieve pressure on sensitive points of your hip and upper thighs.
Price
- On eBay
Pros
- Premium built quality
- Will fit most users
- High-grade steel construction
- Powder coating for scratch resistance
- Frame designed for stability and to prevent wobbling
- Heavily padded for comfort
- Adjustable foot rollers to make it versatile
- Also features dip bars
- Easy to assemble as everything is correctly marked
- The horseshoe-shaped base ensures that the equipment is stable and eliminates any chance of wobble.
- Allows alteration of resistance as 10 roller pad height adjustments are offered
- It offers excellent value for money.
- Lifetime warranty on frame, mechanical parts, and pads
Cons
- The ankle support might be a bit narrow
- Takes some time to assemble
- The finish seems average and may require some touch-up
- Taller people may face difficulties while using this equipment
- Pads and feet hooks are non-adjustable, which may cause discomfort for some people
- Paint, finish, and vinyl are not covered under any warranty
Special Features
- Ten roller pad height adjustments
- Hailed as one of the best lower back exercises
- Oversized 8 x 4 inches vinyl-covered rollers
- 11-gauge steel 2 X 3 inches mainframe construction with scratch-resistant powder coat finish
- Features triceps dip handles
- Broad, horseshoe-shaped base
- 10 roller pad height adjustments
- 3 inches thick DuraCraft midsection pads covered with tear and sweat resistant DuraGuard vinyl
- Angled rubber grip handlebars with molded finger grips
Who is it best for?
The pad and feet hooks are not adjustable. Therefore, XM-7456 works best for people who find those comfortable.
The Takeaway…
So, there you have it, our picks of the top 5 Roman benches on the market. Overall, the CAP Strength is the most affordable chair. Yet, if you want more comfort padding, the Body-Solid or XMark might be better for you.
If you enjoy this article, make sure to check out our other review. We have tons of analysis available on home gym equipment and fitness exercises. As someone who loves working out at home, you wouldn’t want to miss them.
Benefits of Using Roman Chairs
Improves Posture
A Roman chair is a hyperextension bench. This means you can actually strengthen your lower back muscles with it.
A strong back translates to better posture. You will be able to stand more upright and relieve any further pressure put on the back.
Alleviate Back Pains
Apart from bad posture, a weak core is also responsible for back pain.
Fortunately, you can train both your back and abs with the Roman chair. As a result, you will have better mobility in your back and firmer abs, thus relieving the stress on your spine.
Possible Exercises with A Roman Chair
We have put together a total of 9 exercises that you can do on a Roman chair. You will find their name and targeted muscle groups in the following list.
- SIDE BEND obliques
- WEIGHTED SIDE BEND obliques
- INCLINE PUSH UP lower chest exercise
- HANGING DIP chest and triceps exercise
- KNEELING PREACHER CURL biceps exercises
- BACK EXTENSION glutes, hamstrings, and erector spinae
- WEIGHTED BACK EXTENSION glutes, hamstrings, and erector spinae
- ALTERNATING SIDE BACK EXTENSION glutes, hamstrings, and erector spinae
- WEIGHTED ALTERNATING SIDE BACK EXTENSION glutes, hamstrings, and erector spinae
Precautions
Of course, the Roman chair would not be called controversial for anything. This equipment can provide excellent strength training only if you follow the safety precautions.
- You must follow the proper form of the exercise. The lower back is a sensitive area, yet it carries the weight of the whole torso. You would not want to injure it (or any other parts of your body).
- You must not move too fast OR hyperextend your back. Though this is not extremely dangerous, it will wear your spine out, making them more prone to injuries. Nobody wants to get weaker from working out, right? Keep in mind that you should only go up until your body forms a straight line. Any movement beyond that is considered hyperextension.
- You should adjust the chair according to your height and the length of your torso. This not only protects you from injuries but also improves the efficiency of the exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Roman chair good for?
Roman chairs are excellent for building muscle in your back and abs. Regular exercise on a Roman chair can also help alleviate pain in the lower back and spine, so it can be very beneficial for people with these ailments.
A Roman chair can also boost your sports performance for most activities, improve your balance and posture, and help you workout while preventing any injuries. Being able to strengthen your back and core also helps you to prevent muscle injuries in the future.
Which is better – a 45- or 90-degree Roman chair?
This depends on your certain situation and personal preference. 90-degree Roman chairs give you a full range of motion during a back extension, hitting as many muscles as possible as you work. This can also help you strengthen your body quicker, with better joint stability and balance.
Most 90-degree Roman chairs also come with bars to give you more flexibility with your workouts. You can hit your arms and shoulders with this as well as your back and core. Plus, you can do Roman chair crunches, sit-ups, twists, or side bends to hit more of your abdominal muscles.
However, a downside to 90-degree Roman chairs is that they are larger and therefore take up more space, and they are better for advanced athletes.
On the other hand, 45-degree Roman chairs are better for beginners and are more compact which is better for people with less space. They often come with a sit-up bench which allows you to use them for many more exercises.
You won’t get as impressive a range of motion with a 45-degree Roman chair; however, so the stronger you get, the more you might need to level up to a 90-degree Roman chair.
Are Roman chairs bad for the back?
No – in fact, they’re very good for the back. Roman chairs allow you to have more freedom with your exercises. You can improve your back muscles – a typically difficult to reach area – to strengthen your back. This can alleviate aches and pains in the area and prevent you from damaging it more through other forms of exercise.
Roman chairs also strengthen the core which can improve your balance and posture. This can help your back remain healthier and less painful through slouching.
Why is it called a Roman chair?
Professor Sig Klein, who is responsible for popularizing the Roman chair, recalls a Roman lifter who visited the professors’ gym who demonstrated exercises on a device similar to the Roman chair.
This gave the professor the idea to build the Roman chair, and the inspiration became what the exercise equipment was named after.
Is Roman chair safe?
Yes, Roman chairs are considered to be safe for when you’re using correct techniques for every exercise you use them for. Not everyone will have the same abilities, so you need to use the Roman chair according to what you can do at your current level.
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