Gym Equipment Explained: Roman Chair

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Have you ever seen a crazy chair like contraption at the gym that resembles, as does most gym equipment, some kind of torture device? Well that contraption is called a Roman Chair and you can really get a fabulous workout using one.

What: A roman chair is a piece of stationary exercise equipment used mainly for hyperextension of the lower back and general strengthening of trunk muscles that consists of a padded bench and a pair of roll pads. The height and distance between the bench and pads can be adjusted according to each user and the exercise being performed. Most roman chairs allow for adjustable angles to enable the user to increase the difficulty level of their exercise program.
Area of body it works: It depends on the exercise but a Roman Chair is mainly used to train the abdominals, back, core and even glutes.
Why: Roman Chairs are often referred to as Hyperextension Machines because of the movement they allow. Since you have to use your trunk muscles to perform any sort of exercise on Roman Chairs, they are a great choice for toning and strengthening core muscle groups.
How: From sit ups to legs lifts to back extensions, there are numerous exercises you can do on a roman chair. Reverse sit ups are easy to do and a great back and ab exercise. To learn how to do them just

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Gym Equipment Explained: Roman Chair