Body-Solid (GHYP345B) 45 Degree Hyperextension Bench - Adjustable Back & Abdominal Exercise Machine with Thick Support Pads for Home and Commercial Gym, Black

I own a different bench that isn’t as adjustable or soft padded. I am short statured so I was nervous after reading reviews. This bench is the most comfortable to use for me and closest to working for my 5’3 height. It also feels very sturdy. The seller is easy to contact and very helpful.

Several reviews have commented negatively about packaging. Mine came recently, and the packaging was excellent. Box in good shape, parts strapped down, and nothing moving around. I did notice, as did another reviewer, that a few of the parts were already assembled. For example, the pads were on the handles, while the instructions had a step for installing the pads on the handles. A couple of other items were like that. Could be repackaging a return, but also could be that something that BS has done since the last instructions were printed. BTW, assembly is easy. I'm a klutzy 69 year old. So I took my time. 1.5 hours start to finish, with lots of coffee breaks along the way. People with normal abilities can do it much faster. The instructions are very, very clear, and all the bolts and washers are clearly numbered and labeled. Really easy. In terms of the equipment, my preliminary impression is very favorable. I used to have a Powerline 90degree unit (PCH24X). It was not a good fit, and I had to discontinue use. At least for me, this unit with its 45 degree angle and excellent footpad (allows the legs to be straight) is much gentler on the back. Maybe it is not as good of a workout for the lower back, but that is a compromise I will accept happily. I'll update this review after a few months of use Update after 2.5 years - still looks like new after continuous use for nearly three years. It has had the intended effect of strengthening my lower back, and I also find using the side bends a terrific way to exercise the obliques. No regrets whatsoever on this purchase.

Nice packaging, the item is on the heavy side, but it was in good condition with only a couple small chipped paint spots. Nice sturdy metal, metric hardware. Easy to assemble, maybe 45 minutes. To those that say it's difficult to assemble, don't quit your day job lol. It don't much simpler than this. It is from china like so many things, but I'm good with it, the pads are nice and thick and comfortable. The base bolts are a little on the short side to reach through the nylon lock nuts fully, but it will work as is.

Cons: My only real complaint about this piece of equipment is that I wish it had an actual brace between the base and 45 degree bar instead of the small side gussets. I am 6' 2" and WAS 255lbs. I could certainly see the stress that I put on the unit, but my guess it that most users probably are not my size. Even with my weight the machine still held up just fine and certainly did not warp. Now that I'm down to 215lbs I notice less strain on the hyper extension machine. Pros: This certainly helped me to tone up my mid-body. I have a ways to go still, but coupled with cardio on my treadmill I've lost a lot of weight and about 4-6" off of my waist. Awesome for your abs, back and obliques. Just rotate your body 90 degrees!

This did not disappoint. We were looking for a gym quality sturdy machine that was not cheap and flimsy like a lot of the other ones for sale. Heavier than expected but I fully expect this thing to last a long time with no issues. The packaging from the manufacturer is less than desirable so by the time it made it here UPS had tossed it around enough that some of the bolts had come loose out of the box. Gronk fitness helped me out and took care of it no questions asked during covid quarantine times. My fiancé is super stoked to have her favorite machine in our basement gym. Couldn’t be happier. Side note. I am very careful with directions and follow directions by words and pictures but the pictures are somewhat deceiving. I had to take the base apart and flip it because the drawing shows three holes on the bottom of the main support but you need to pay attention to the holes for the vertical support to get it right.

The product is strong, sturdy, and easy to set up. The problem is the packaging/shipping of the equipment. The equipment is quite heavy and similar to the experience of another reviewer, the box it was packed in was heavily damaged and half of the bolts/screws were missing as a result of the damage. The bolts/screws are specific and expensive. It cost me $50 dollars to replace the lost pieces at the local HW store.

Solid piece of equipment for home. I’m about 5”5’ and it might be a little too long for anyone shorter because my hips JUST meet the edge of the pads at the lowest setting. Solid build and easy to operate. Great for back, ab & oblique exercises and it cracks my back like MAGIC... When I lean forward into a hang and push against the hip pads, it separates all the little compressions in my spine :) It’s one of my favorite pieces in the gym and I’m excited to have access to it at home. Highly recommend if you don’t mind putting some “elbow grease” into assembling it!

This back extension bench far exceeded my expectations. As solid and sturdy as any I’ve used in a gym. With all of this sitting during quarantine and my gym closed, my back was starting to bother me. The back extension was the only gym exercise that I couldn’t do a good workaround at home. So I bought this and assembled in under an hour. Body Solid and Gronk Fitness were very responsive to my questions. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny.

There are a bunch of core muscles around the back and sides that most gyms don't seem to have the kit to help you work out. This machine fills that gap. It is also very very good quality - better than the machine at the Fitness First I use in London. Its very solid and has an industrial quality to it - I can see it still being in my cellar gym in 10 years time. However if you're looking for a bit of kit that you can fold away, or discretely push to one side in a spare room, or landing then this probably isn't for you as it's industrial quality comes with size and permanence that won't be easily concealed.