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Top 5 Glute Ham Developers for Your Home

last updated: Dec 26, 2019

Glute-Ham Developers, otherwise known as GHD machines or Roman Chairs, are finally gaining the respect they deserve as an indispensable piece of training equipment. For decades, the glutes and lower back have been neglected in favor of the more showy muscle groups, like the chest and biceps. The Glute Ham Developer has been developed for both commercial and home gym use. The models on offer for use in the home gym setting range from mediocre to outstanding. We have sifted through what is available to bring you the best of the best. In this review roundup, we’ll cover the 5 best glute ham developers on the market today.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 25 hrs of research

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Marcy Roman Chair
94/100 our score
Features
98
Ease of Use
97
Durability
90
Adjustability
90
Effectiveness
95
Marcy Roman Chair
Why is it better?

Solid construction with 2-inch square, 14 gauge steel framing

High-density padding

Side grip handles

Easy to assemble

Adjustable ankle pads

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Researched Sources
42
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
12k
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
25
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
14
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Features Ease of Use Durability Adjustability Effectiveness By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Features
98 %
Ease of Use
97 %
Durability
90 %
Adjustability
90 %
Effectiveness
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (08.12.24)
Amazon Link
$87.54
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
Features
95 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Durability
89 %
Adjustability
90 %
Effectiveness
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (08.12.24)
Amazon Link
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Features
90 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Durability
87 %
Adjustability
90 %
Effectiveness
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (08.12.24)
Amazon Link
$141.91
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Features
90 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Durability
87 %
Adjustability
90 %
Effectiveness
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (08.12.24)
Amazon Link
$626.99
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
Features
85 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Durability
86 %
Adjustability
90 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (08.12.24)
Amazon Link
$599.99

5 Best Glute Ham Developers

1. Marcy Roman Chair

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Marcy Roman Chair
Amazon Link
Features
98
Ease of Use
97
Durability
90
Adjustability
90
Effectiveness
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$87.54
Pros:

Solid construction with 2-inch square, 14 gauge steel framing

High-density padding

Side grip handles

Easy to assemble

Adjustable ankle pads

Cons:

Torso support pad should be thicker

The Marcy Roman Chair is a versatile piece of equipment which can be used for a wide range of abdominal equipment. It will work on your glutes and hamstring muscles while strengthening your lower back at the same time. Use this equipment to get get the rock hard abs you are working towards.

Read more

At the other end of the price spectrum to the Rogue Monster sits the Marcy Roman Chair. This is a no-frills unit that is designed to effectively work your glutes, hamstrings, and core - and that is precisely what it does.

Marcy Roman Chair is constructed of 2-inch by 2-inch heavy duty 14 gauge framing. The padding is high density, Dulux boxed upholstery. The machine is finished in a stylish gray powder coating. The unit is easy to assemble and comes with full assembly instructions.

The Marcy GHD features adjustable height ankle pads to allow you to adjust the unit to your bodily dimensions. Padded assist handles support when you are in position on the machine.

The Marcy Roman Chair is manufactured by Impex Fitness who have been key players in the home fitness industry since 1980. They offer a 2-year guarantee on the Marcy Roman Chair.

2. CFF Glute Ham Developer

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
CFF Glute Ham Developer
Amazon Link
Features
95
Ease of Use
95
Durability
89
Adjustability
90
Effectiveness
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Solid construction

Easy to assemble

Wheels for easy transport

Handles above foot rollers

Extra long support handles

Band Pegs

Weight horns for enhanced rigidity

Extra thick ankle and torso pads

Cons:

The 72 inch by 29-inch footprint takes up a decent amount of space

The CFF Glute Ham Developer will help you improve your squat and deadlift by helping you build up a stronger back. It will also help you with lower back pain. You will get help developing your legs and hamstrings. This is great equipment to help you build your washboard abs. It is the right height and shape to let you get a full extension on a sit up. It is made of strong steel construction with a black powder coated frame.

Read more

The CFF Glute Ham Developer is a mid-range product between the two extremes of the Rogue Monster and the Marcy Roman Chair. This GHD machine was specifically designed for cross-training. With the feedback received from their original glute ham developer, CFF has added some very helpful features to this unit.

CFF Glute Ham Developer is constructed of durable to 2.5-inch x 2.5-inch 9 gauge steel. The padding is larger than the original model with both ankle and torso pads coming in at 330 PSI. See if you have added band pegs and plate horns to provide extra stability for the machine.

The CFF Glute Ham Developer now features wheels for ease of transport.
The 18 & a half inch handles are slightly angled to make it easier for you to get into position on the machine. There is also a handle above the foot roller to assist you in getting into position for sit-up movements.

3. Powerline Roman Chair/Hyperextension Machine

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Powerline Roman Chair/Hyperextension Machine
Amazon Link
Features
90
Ease of Use
95
Durability
87
Adjustability
90
Effectiveness
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$141.91
Pros:

Very rigid base

Heavy duty steel construction

Adjustable ankle pads

Cons:

Short support handles

Large footprint

Pads are not very thick.

The Powerline Roman Chair has hyperextension to support abdominal, gluteus, hamstring and lower back training. It is made of 2-inch by 2-inch steel construction which is heavy duty with a wide base to keep it from rocking. It also has a durable powder-coated finish.

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The Powerline Roman Chair is a solidly constructed unit made from 2-inch by 2-inch square steel framing. It features a wider than usual solid base to provide rigidity when exercising.

Powerline Roman Chair comes in an electrostatically applied powder coated finish. Ankle pads are fully adjustable. This unit will support anyone up to 250 pounds in weight.

4. Titan Fitness Glute Hamstring Developer

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Titan Fitness Glute Hamstring Developer
Amazon Link
Features
90
Ease of Use
90
Durability
87
Adjustability
90
Effectiveness
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$626.99
Pros:

Great for cross training

10 adjustment settings

Heavy-duty steel construction

Cons:

Maybe too short for taller guys

Titan Fitness is dedicated to helping customers reach and surpass their fitness goals. This is revolutionary equipment which will help you isolate the muscle areas in your lower body. Use it for situps, knee curls, raises and so much more. The cushioned padding will protect your ankles and the extra large roller will help with stability during your workout.

Read more

The Titan Fitness is the perfect piece of equipment to help you tone your glutes and hamstrings. This bench helps you work isolated muscle groups for the ultimate workout. You can do a wide variety of exercises on this machine, which is an additional reason to have a Glute Ham raise at home. It is good for cross-training and helps you to increase your range of motion.

This machine is similar to the Roman chair, but it provides more support and stability while you are doing sit-ups and back extensions. The roller has nice padding that holds your feet in place while you work on your lower body muscles. It is easily adjustable and will work for people of any size. It has 10 adjustment settings so this machine will match your needs.

5. Cap Strength Roman Chair

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
Cap Strength Roman Chair
Amazon Link
Features
85
Ease of Use
90
Durability
86
Adjustability
90
Effectiveness
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$599.99
Pros:

Features oversized footplate

Adjustable and easy to use

Made of heavy gauge steel

Cons:

Does not arrive with very good instructions

Cap Strength Roman Chair will help you build stronger posterior muscles and functional strength. This chair will help you work on your hamstrings, glutes and your lower back. When you develop these muscles you can reduce injuries. It has a step up footplate and is built sturdy to last. This machine comes partly assembled.

Read more

The Cap Strength Roman Chair will help you to develop hip flexors and posterior muscles. This machine will help you get stronger lower body muscles. This machine has many advanced features and adjustments, band pegs and a step up footplate.

You can adjust the footpad horizontally with one hand, move it up and down and lock it into place. It has added stability. This machine is made of heavy powder coated steel and the base is nice and stable. High-density foam padding and durable vinyl add to the quality of this unit.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Features

Features are important to research when you are getting ready to purchase a new piece of equipment. Make sure the chair you are looking at is able to help you with all of the exercises you are ready to focus on. Make sure it is made of good materials. Take a look at the size to be sure it will work with your body frame and with the space you plan to put it in.

Ease of Use

When looking for a machine which is easy to use, make note how easy it will be to get on and off of. Check to make sure the cushioning is comfortable to protect your feet or ankles. It should also be easy to adjust so you can easily get the resistance you need.

Durability

You want a machine which is sturdy and durable. It is nice to be able to feel stable and secure when you are doing your exercises up on the machine. Look for equipment made of solid steel with powder coating finish and padding which is thick and will stay in place.

Adjustability

It is nice to find a machine which is easily adjustable so you can set it up to fit your stature perfectly. It is also nice to have adjustable resistance so you can give yourself more of a challenge as your muscle tone improves.

Effectiveness

For your equipment to be effective, it needs to fit your needs. You should be able to use it for the exercises which are going to help you reach your goals. Hopefully, it is adjustable so it works with you and maybe even comes with instructions and exercise suggestions.

expert tips icon
Learn how before you jump on

You may think the machine is a no brainer, but if you do not use the machine correctly it can actually lead to injury. If you take the time to learn how to use it correctly though, you will be able to take advantage of all the exercises it can offer.

Learn how to do a GHD raise

We see most athletes using this machine for situps and back extensions but that is actually not the exercises it was designed for. It was designed for raises. If you learn how to do those, it will help develop your Olympic lift, dead lifts or squats.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What muscles does the glute ham raise work?

a:

The GHR is stellar for your lower body. It works glutes, hamstrings, and calves as well as strengthening your lower back.

q: What exactly is a Glute Ham Developer?

a:

The GHD is an effective tool for doing various bodybuilding exercises which are hard to find anywhere else. It builds strong lower body muscles and promotes core to extremity power, and is excellent for owning a Glute Ham raise at home.

q: What exercises can you do on the GHD?

a:

It is great for many exercises including hip and back extensions, raises, situps, and Russian twists. That is only a few of many.

q: Is the GHD good for my back?

a:

This machine can help strengthen your lower back but if you have back problems you probably should not use it at all. The Glute Ham Developer will put a lot of strain on your back and on your spinal cord.

q: What about the quadratus lumborum?

a:

The quadratus lumborum goes from your pelvis up into your 12th rib. When you are using this muscle there is a risk that you can cramp it up. This is because it does not perform well in that position.

Sources

  1. Staff, Glute Ham Developers, Article
  2. Staff, Rep GHD, Article
  3. Staff, The Older I Get, Article
  4. Staff, Glute Ham Developer, Article
  5. Staff, The Glute Ham Raise, Article