11 Best Roman Chairs

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When it comes to exercise equipment, a Roman chair can be a valuable tool if you’re looking to improve the strength and resilience of your posterior chain. It allows you to work on your glutes, core, hamstrings, and lower back. But which one is the best option on the market?

Finding the right one can be complicated, as there are a lot of factors to consider. Roman chairs come in different sizes, weight capacities, and angles, which can make researching and buying one confusing. Luckily, we did all the research for you so you can make the best choice for your needs. 

The 11 best Roman chairs are:

1. Titan Hyper/Roman Chair V2 – Best Overall
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Hyperextension Roman Chair – Best Budget Roman Chair
3. Stamina Hyperextension Bench – Best Foldable Roman Chair
4. FINER FORM Multi-Functional Adjustable Weight Bench – Best Roman Chair With a Weight Bench
5. Marcy Adjustable Hyperextension Roman Chair – Best 90° Roman Chair
6. CAP Barbell Hyperextension – Best Adjustable Heights
7. Body-Solid Roman Chair – Best Premium Roman Chair 
8. Stamina Ab Hyperextension Bench Pro – Best for At-Home Workouts
9. Stamina 4-in-1 Fitness Bench – Best Multi-Functional Roman Chair
10. Body-Solid Powerline 45-Degree Hyper Bench – Best Commerical-Grade Roman Chair
11. ComMax Roman Chair – Best Adjustable Angle Roman Chair

In this article, I’ll go through what features to look for when shopping for a Roman chair, how this piece of equipment will benefit your training, and which ones are the best for their category. On top of that, you’ll get Roman chair reviews for each one on the list. 

By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make the best decision for you, your training needs, and your space. 

Featured Products

• Titan Hyper/Roman Chair V2 – Best Overall
• Sunny Health & Fitness Hyperextension Roman Chair – Best Budget Roman Chair
• FINER FORM Multi-Functional Adjustable Weight Bench – Best Roman Chair With a Weight Bench

What Is a Roman Chair?

A Roman chair machine, also known as a hyperextension machine, is a piece of equipment you use to target the lower back, glutes, hamstrings, and core. It usually has a small bench with pads and rollers to support the legs and hips. Most models are angled at either 45 or 90 degrees.

Most Roman chairs can be adjusted to accommodate people of different heights and sizes. They can be used by people of varying fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, to do back extensions, side bends, and, in some models, sit-ups.

What Muscles Does the Roman Chair Work?

Erector Spinae Muscles

The erector muscles run the length of your back from your head down to your lower back. They work to extend the spine while performing hyperextensions on the Roman chair.

Glutes

Your glutes, or butt muscles, are the largest muscles in your body. They are responsible for hip extension.

When you perform exercises like hyperextensions on the Roman chair, you engage your glutes to lift your hips off the seat.

Hamstrings

The hamstrings are the muscles that run down the back of your thigh and are responsible for knee flexion (bending) and hip extension (straightening).

When you lift your upper body on the Roman chair during hyperextensions, you’ll engage your hamstrings to lift your body.

Core

Your core muscles make up a 360-degree view of the torso. They are responsible for stabilizing the spine during movements like side bends and sit-ups. The core muscles are made up of the:

• Transverse abdominus – a deep ab muscle that wraps around your waist
• Rectus abdominus – your “6-pack” ab muscles
• Internal and external obliques – the muscles on your sides that aid in rotation
• Erector spinae – the muscles of the back that run on either side of your spine

11 Best Roman Chairs

1. Titan Hyper/Roman Chair V2 – Best Overall

Rating: 4.8/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 24” W x 45” D x 40”- 48” H
• Material –  11-Gauge Steel
• Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
• Angle – 45°

Pros

• Foldable for easy storage
• Easy to assemble
• Soft, durable cushion at the hips and ankles

Cons

• Low weight capacity

The Titan Fitness Hyper/Roman Chair is the best overall Roman chair because it’s foldable, which will save you space when you’re not using it, and affordable.

I love that the build quality makes it super durable, and we've had one at my gym for years.

The chair's padding is adjustable, allowing your hips to sit in the right position for a better-executed back extension. It also provides a lot of cushioning for the hips and ankles, making it easy for you to concentrate on the exercises you want to perform and not worry about being uncomfortable. 

But I don't like that the weight capacity is only 250 lbs. I never recommend it to my larger clients, even though it's perfect for anyone under 225 lbs or so.

The setup process was overwhelming for me at first, but the manual makes it simple enough.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness Hyperextension Roman Chair – Best Budget Roman Chair

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 38″ D x 33″ W x 24″ H
• Material – Alloy Steel
• Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
• Angle – 45°

Pros

• Foldable
• Floor stabilizers keep it steady
• Adjustable hip pad

Cons

• Low weight capacity
• No foot pad

Sunny Health & Fitness delivers a solid product with this Roman exercise chair. In my research, I've found it has a ton of value at this price point. This Roman chair is a 45-degree foldable piece of equipment that can easily fit into your budget compared to other models.

It has a solid steel frame and foot stabilizers to keep it stable, which can help me feel safe and secure while using it. I also won’t have to worry about it wobbling if I recommend it to clients during their workouts.

The hip pad is adjustable with a simple pin adjustment system, so you can get a perfect fit for your height.

One drawback is that the low weight capacity makes it hard for heavier lifters to use. Additionally, the lack of a split in the hip padding makes it slightly uncomfortable on the hips, particularly for men.

Wondering what the differences are between back extensions and glute ham raises? Check out Back Extension vs Glute Ham Raise: Differences, Pros, Cons.

3. Stamina Hyperextension Bench – Best Foldable Roman Chair

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 16″ D x 24″ W x 5″ H
• Material – Carbon Steel
• Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
• Angle – 45°

Pros

• Foldable
• Adjustable heights
• Thick padding

Cons

• Low weight capacity
• Wobbly for heavy users

The Stamina Hyperextension Bench is one of the top choices for a foldable Roman chair, as you can easily store it when it's not in use. Simply pull out the lock pin, fold it, and slide it under your bed or stand it up against a wall in your home gym where it will be out of the way.

I recommend this to clients who don't have a lot of space at home.

The height adjustments for the hip and ankle pads allow you to get into an ideal position for your workouts. The pads themselves are made of high-density foam for added comfort.

I noticed that heavier users' low-weight capacity gets wobbly, so I knocked a few points off for stability issues. I prefer the Titan Fitness Hyper and think it's better for most users since it's more durable.

4. FINER FORM Multi-Functional Adjustable Weight Bench – Best Roman Chair With a Weight Bench

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 60.5″ D x 19.75″ W x 16.5″ H
• Material – Alloy Steel
• Weight Capacity – 660 lbs
• Angle – 45°

Pros

• Thick comfortable padding
• High weight capacity
• Adjustable

Cons

• The bench is short for tall lifters
• Takes up a lot of space when set up

The Finer Form Bench is your top pick if you’re looking for an all-purpose bench/Roman chair combo. It serves as a heavy-duty Roman chair for back extensions, but you can use it for other exercises like bench presses or rows and get a full-body workout.

With a weight capacity of 660 pounds and eight height adjustment positions, it's durable, stable, and adaptable to fit just about any lifter.

Our research showed that the bench part of this machine was too short for taller lifters to use, even if you detach the hyperextension pads from the machine by sliding them out of their attachment.

However, the Roman chair function works well, and you should be able to get a full range of motion for back extensions when you lower the bench portion to its full decline position. 

It also has a large footprint, so make sure you have space for it to be set up.

Hyperextensions are one of the best exercises you can do to improve your deadlift. If you’re looking for more movements to help you get a stronger deadlift, check out 18 Exercises To Improve Deadlift Strength (Science-Backed).

5. Marcy Adjustable Hyperextension Roman Chair – Best 90° Roman Chair

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 27.5″ D x 43.5″ W x 37.5″ H
• Material – Iron
• Weight Capacity – 308 lbs
• Angle – 90°

Pros

• Cushioned pads
• High weight capacity
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Can be a challenge to get on
• Can’t adjust the horizontal length

The Marcy Roman Chair is one of the best hyperextension benches that comes with a high weight capacity due to its solid metal frame. This keeps the machine stable as you’re using it, so you’ll always feel secure during your workouts. 

The 90-degree Roman chair allows you to use more range of motion for your back extensions, which challenges the muscles of the hamstrings, glutes, and back more. This can result in stronger muscles. 

The comfortable ankle pads can be adjusted for your height so you can be in an ideal position for your Roman chair exercises. However, there is no way to adjust the horizontal length, so it may be too tall or too short for some lifters.

Although made with comfortable foam, the hip pad can also be uncomfortable for some male lifters.

Overall, for its price point and weight capacity, this equipment gets the nod for the best 90° Roman chair.

6. CAP Strength Hyperextension – Best Adjustable Heights

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 56″ D x 29″ W x 43″ H
• Material – Alloy Steel
• Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
• Angle – 45°

Pros

• High weight capacity
• Footplate
• Adjustable heights

Cons

• Hard padding
• Wobbly

The CAP Strength Hyperextension machine gets high marks for its steel frame and 300-pound weight capacity, which means it is durable. It also has an easy pull pin and bolt to adjust the height of the hip pads to accommodate anyone between 5 ft and 6.5 ft tall.

The combo foot plate and ankle rollers are made for a secure fit for the lower body when working out, so you don't have to worry about falling out of the machine. 

However, we did find that it became wobbly as we approached certain weights that were close to its capacity during exercises like back extensions.

This means that someone who weighs 220 lbs might be approaching the upper limits of this Roman chair’s weight capacity and stability if they did weighted back extensions.

Although the padding is split for a comfortable design, the pads themselves are hard and don't have much give to them. Additionally, the rectangular shape of the padding digs into the hips as you do hyperextensions. It would have been nice if they were shaped with the hips in mind.

7. Body Solid Hyper Extension – Best Premium Roman Chair 

Rating: 4.7/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 46″ D x 25″ W x 36″ H
• Material – 2×3 Heavy-Gauge Steel
• Weight Capacity – 396.8 lbs
• Angle – 90°

Pros

• Wheels for easy transport
• Split hip pad for more comfort
• Heavy steel frame for high-weight capacity

Cons

• No horizontal adjustment

The Body-Solid Hyper Extension machine is one of the best hyperextension machines on the market, as it has a sturdy steel frame to maximize its weight capacity and keep it from wobbling. The wheels on the end make it easy to move around the room, which can be helpful when you need to store it when it's not in use.

The padding on the hips and ankles is durable and comfortable and will keep you secure as you work out. The ankle pads can be adjusted vertically, which can add variety to your workouts with exercises like back extensions and ab crunches. The split in the hip pads allows you to easily get into an ideal position for hyperextension. 

Having long handles in front makes getting in and out of the equipment easy, so you won’t struggle to set yourself up.

The lack of horizontal adjustment on this Roman chair equipment is where it gets some negative marks, as the length isn’t ideal for really tall or really short users.

If you want to add more variety to your routine while training the same muscles that hyperextensions target, check out our favorite hyperextension alternatives.

8. Stamina Ab Hyperextension Bench Pro – Best for At-Home Workouts

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 56″ D x 27″ W x 35″ H
• Material – Carbon Steel
• Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
• Angle – 45°

Pros

• Adjustable ab bench
• Foldable
• Padding is comfortable

Cons

• Not a lot of height adjustability
• Low weight capacity

The Stamina Ab Hyperextension Bench is great for at-home workouts because it’s a 2-in-1 piece of equipment. It can be used as a bench for ab exercises like crunches, upper body exercises like rows and chest presses, and as a Roman chair with a 45-degree hyperextension bench. You can get a full-body workout without having to change pieces of equipment.

The bench is foldable, which is great if you’re looking for something that doesn’t take up space or can easily be stored.

It does run into problems with its low weight capacity of 250 pounds, which can cause safety or stability issues if you’re a heavier lifter. It also lacks options for height adjustability, as there are only four varying heights. It is best suited for people less than six feet tall.

9. Stamina 4-in-1 Fitness Bench – Best Multi-functional Roman Chair

Rating: 4.7/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 49” L x 20” W x 35” H
• Material – Steel Frame
• Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
• Angle – 90°

Pros

• Several adjustable features
• Foldable for storage
• Wheels for easy transport

Cons

• Low weight capacity

The Stamina 4-in-1 Fitness Bench packs a lot of value as a multi-functional unit. The bench can be used for upper body exercises like chest presses, or you can switch over to the sissy squat pad and do lower body exercises like sissy squats where you’ll isolate your quads and give them a good workout.

The comfortable ankle and hip padding can be adjusted to fit your needs when doing exercises like hyperextensions.

If you want a Roman chair that can be easily stored, this model can be folded to save space, and it has wheels for you to move it around hassle-free. No struggling to move it out of the way when you’re not using it. 

It does lose points for its low weight capacity, coming in at 250 pounds. But for the value you get with this equipment, it's easy to overlook.

10. Body-Solid Powerline 45-Degree Hyper Bench – Best Commerical-Grade Roman Chair

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 50″ D x 26″ W x 36″ H
• Material – Commercial 2×3 heavy-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity – 325 lbs
• Angle – 45°

Pros

• Footplate for added stability
• Extra thick padding
• Height adjustments

Cons

• Takes up a lot of space
• No ankle pegs

The Body-Solid 45-Degree Hyper Bench is equivalent to the equipment you would see at a commercial gym, which is why it's the pick for the best commercial-grade Roman chair on Amazon. It’s made with heavy-gauge steel, which brings its weight capacity to 325 pounds. There's no need to worry about stability or durability issues. 

One of the highlights of this Roman chair is that the height can be adjusted quickly and easily with the pull of a pin. The foot plate at the bottom is a great addition for added stability in place of the ankle rollers you see on other models. 

The hip padding is three inches, which is more than any other Roman chair on the market and makes doing your exercises comfortable and easy. 

Two drawbacks to this Roman chair are that it has a large footprint and it’s not easy to move. Additionally, some people prefer ankle supports for better security than foot plates. If you fall into that camp, you may want to choose a different option.

11. ComMax Roman Chair – Best Adjustable Angle Roman Chair

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 42.13″ D x 18.5″ W x 27.95″ H
• Material – Alloy Steel
• Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
• Angle – 30°, 40°, 50°

Pros

• Three adjustable angles
• Divided support pads
• Foldable

Cons

• Uncomfortable for taller lifters 
• Footplates are at an awkward angle

With most Roman chairs on this list, the angle is set at either 45 or 90 degrees. The ComMax Roman chair has three adjustable angles to vary your workouts and strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.

The adjustable angles also allow you to customize your routine to your strength and ability. If you’re just starting out using Roman chairs for abs or other exercises, start with 30 degrees, as you’re lifting less of your body weight during exercises like back extensions. As you progress, you can level up to the other angles.

The support pads have a gap in between them for added comfort for your hips, especially for men. The other thing that gives this Roman chair high marks is that it folds up easily when you’re not using it, so it won’t take up a ton of space on your floor. 

It has ankle pads for added security and stability, but they are flimsy compared to other models. The padding on the hip pads is the same.

This Roman chair also has footplates, but they are at an uncomfortable angle if you have mobility issues in your ankles. You could use a small plate to rest your heels on or stand on your toes as a workaround if ankle mobility is an issue for you.

The ComMax Roman chair also lacks stability and tends to rock from side to side, especially if you use heavier weights. But it is still a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly Roman chair with unique angles.

Why You Should Trust PowerliftingTechnique

Our team is composed of powerlifting coaches, certified personal trainers, and other fitness experts who have helped athletes and clients compete at the highest levels. Making sure we invest in the right equipment is vital to the success and safety of our athletes.

Through our years as coaches, we’ve tested and tried multiple Roman chairs and read thousands of Roman chair reviews. We know which ones will provide the best bang for your buck and fulfill everything you need to enjoy safe, effective workouts.

How We Tested the Roman Chairs

To choose the best hyperextension benches, we researched many options to ensure they held up to a particular standard. Through our practical knowledge, we based our choices on a few select criteria:

• Quality
• Stability
• Comfort
• Adjustability
• Weight Capacity
• Angle
• Price

Considering these factors, we created a list of the 11 best Roman chairs for sale. We also took into account that everyone’s needs vary. As you go through the list, you can pick the one that best suits your training preferences and available space.

Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Roman Chair

Quality

You want to make sure that your Roman chair is made from sturdy, high-quality materials and can support you plus any weight or equipment you want to hold.

The frame of the machine ideally should be made of steel that's 14-gauge or lower. The gauge measures the thickness of the metal, so the lower the gauge number, the thicker and more durable the metal is.

Stability

A critical component of a Roman chair is a secure, stable base. You don’t want to be in the machine and have to worry about it wobbling or moving as you work out. 

Comfort

The best hyperextension bench for your gym should be padded in two key areas: the hips and ankles. The pads should be made with dense foam. This way, you can focus on the exercises you’re performing, not the equipment's discomfort. There’s nothing worse than trying to do an exercise and being distracted by being uncomfortable. 

Adjustability

In addition to having comfortable padding, a Roman chair should also be adjustable to accommodate people of different heights.

You want to be able to customize the positioning of the padding so that the top of the padding lines up with your hip bones. This way, you’ll be able to bend over properly without your stomach hitting the pad or your motion being restricted. This will ensure maximum comfort and results.

Weight Capacity

When buying a Roman chair, you want to be aware of its weight capacity. Ideally, you’d want it to be 50 pounds more than your weight for maximum safety, especially if you plan on doing weighted movements. 

Size

The perfect Roman chair equipment isn't worth it if it doesn't fit in the space you have in your gym, so make sure the dimensions are right before buying. The Roman chairs on this list come in all kinds of sizes, with some folding up to save space.

Angle

Typically, you will find Roman chairs with angles of 45° or 90°. The 45-degree machine is great for beginners learning how to do back extensions. A 90-degree machine offers more functionality and range of motion but takes up more space and leans towards the more expensive side.

Price

When buying a Roman chair, you’ll want to choose one that fits your budget. You should also consider how much you’ll use it. If you know you’ll use it often, it might be worth it to invest in a higher-quality Roman chair. 

Benefits of Roman Chairs

Build Low Back Strength

Roman chairs are a great way to train the lower body muscles by doing exercises like hyperextensions. This will improve the strength and endurance of the low back muscles, glutes, and hamstrings.

Improve Posture

A big part of posture is having stronger back and core muscles. If those muscles are weak, there's a good chance you also have poor posture, especially if you sit a lot. Stronger spinal muscles mean more spine support, leading to a more upright posture.

Prevent and Reduce Back Pain

By performing exercises on the Roman chair that target the posterior chain muscles, you can improve those muscles' strength, endurance, and resilience, which will better support your spine. Having more resilient muscles can decrease pain or, in some cases, prevent it from popping up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

When considering all the factors that went into deciding on the best Roman Chair, the Titan Hyper/Roman Chair V2 is my top choice. It folds up to save space when it's not in use, has comfortable padding, and is easy to use. 

If you’re looking for an all-in-one Roman chair that doubles as a full workout station with a bench, look at the FINER FORM Multi-Functional Adjustable Weight Bench. You get multiple stations for a full-body workout in one machine.