Body-Solid (PCH24X) Back Hyperextension Machine for Lower Back Extension, Ab Crunch, Glutes and Hamstrings Exercise, Roman Chair for Abdominal and Core Training, Home and Commercial Gym Equipment

I purchased this on recommendation from a fitness store I have worked with before. They didn't have this in stock, and it was less expensive on Amazon anyway, but of course, I had to assemble it myself. Important: if your lower back has any problems at all, you really should not use this chair without consulting with a physician or at least a trainer. You can seriously hurt yourself otherwise. Every piece of exercise equipment carries that warning, but it is particularly important for something that works your back muscles.QUALITY OF THE CHAIR:It's excellent for a piece of home equipment. After proper assembly (emphasis on the word "proper"), it is sturdy and can hold a medium-to-large person very well. The foot rest is adjustable so that you can get the level of hyperextension that is good for you. This type of bench will help with lower back muscles and glutes when you're in the downward-facing position, and will give you a great ab workout when you're in the upward-facing position. I used to use one of these chairs back when I was a gym rat and always liked the intensity of the benefit I got from it. One reason I bought one now was that I have a desk job and a long commute in the car, so I need to do something for my lower back. This helps a lot, and having it in my house means I can do a quick spot-training whenever I want. It also doesn't take up too much space, which is nice.ASSEMBLY:The assembly instructions are fairly comprehensive by today's standards. I did a parts inventory before getting started, and I couldn't find a couple of the smaller parts initially (one bolt and one knob), because they were already installed in their respective frame pieces, but everything was there. Make sure you understand which parts are which. There are three different sizes of hex bolts, and two of the sizes are only 5 mm different. The instructions say you should not tighten the bolts until after you have put the entire bench together, and that's good advice. You will need a standard set of wrenches to assemble this bench. The instructions aren't clear that you only need a standard set of wrenches - nothing unusual. I used a few different sizes, and I feel comfortable saying that an adjustable wrench would not be sufficient. There are a couple of tight spots where a clunky adjustable wrench probably wouldn't fit. I also made use of my rubber mallet to "encourage" the plastic end caps and rubber grips into place. As you are going along, look at the diagram of the fully assembled bench so you can make sure you are inserting each piece exactly where it needs to go. I almost set the bench up backwards on the base, and that would have resulted in the bench toppling over when I used it. Assembly probably took me 2-3 hours, doing it by myself. (I'm an average-sized woman with reasonably good DIY skills.)

This type of Roman Chair is best for working your back. Shipping was quick.At first I was intimidated by the amount of parts that had to be assembled. Unpack and check off all the parts needed first before trying to assemble. The assembly instructions are very detailed and even give you a correct size picture of small items like screws bolts and nuts. Then they give you a picture of what that step looks like once you have completed it. I'm glad I was the one assembling and not husband, he doesn't like using instructions, lol.I was concerned about the fit since I am barely 5' tall but it was perfect.This is a VERY STURDY Roman Chair, highly recommend over others.

stable and sturdy, easy to assemble

Not too bad. Seems built ok as far as the frame goes, but the padding is on the thin side. Otherwise, easy to assemble and it is stable on carpet. Feels safe.

You can work your abs and lower back with this product. It is easy to put together if you read and take your time. I have some changes I would like to make to it, but that's another conversation. You may not be sturdy, but the product is very sturdy. If your tall or short, adjust the footrest to accommodate your height. If your completely out of shape, do sit-ups on the floor successfully before trying this product. If you expect exercising on this product to be easy, you are not serious about using it, and you would be wrong. This machine is made to work you hard in less time. Built-up to 100 situps, you will be in shape, and your waist will be much smaller. Expect a lot of pain before you get to 100 sit-ups on this product.

It was relatively simple to assemble but needed two people to tighten all bolt but thats because I didn’t have a socket wrench. That would have been much easier. But works great!

Excellent piece of equipment for your home gym. It arrived a day late, but I think was UPS's fault, not Amazon's. It arrived with a few minor scratches, but they provide touch up paint, so no problem. It only took about 30 min. to put together, but you definitely need about 11mm socket and you could get away with using a 3/8'' drive for tightening. It will be wobbly if not tightened extremely tight. I first used a set of channel locks and wrench and this wasn't enough. I was impressed because all of the holes matched up perfectly and I was not missing any hardware. It does not require 2 people to assemble. Oh, and for those other reviewers who talk about the pads needing to be softer, that probably means you aren't doing the exercise right. After about 10 reps of doing back extension and abs, my entire mid section was burning. You don't even notice the softness/firmness of the pads. I do like that it has two separate pads. Also, it is awesome that the foot attachment is adjustable. This machine offers awesome versatility. This piece of equipment is everything I expected, no more and no less. I would recommend it if you are serious about working out. If you are only using it occasionally then go with the Marcy chair or something less expensive. This is a serious piece of equipment that will get you the results you are looking for if you are willing to put in the work! I highly recommend this product.