Site Icon Sam’s Review: ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650

27/03/2026
A woman performs a back extension exercise on an ATX hyperextension bench. She wears a black sports bra and red leggings. The background features the Sam’s Fitness logo and website, with bold text reading ATX HYPEREXTENSION.

This is the best AND cheapest hyperextension that I have ever sold.

Normally when it comes to gym equipment it is a case of bigger is better. However, the evolution of the ATX Hyperextension has resulted in the most compact version yet.

However, the evolution of the ATX Hyperextension has resulted in the most compact version yet. If you have been watching my videos on gym equipment you will know that I am not big on the fancy stuff – I didn’t use it myself in most of my years training and really want people to know that it is not essential.

A black, adjustable Roman chair exercise bench, perfect for a multi-station home gym, features padded supports and footrests. Ideal for back extensions and core workouts, this essential piece of home gym exercise equipment is set against a plain white background.
The Old Hyper Extension Design
Using the ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650 in the gym, a person performs a back exercise with a resistance band. They are dressed in red leggings and a black sports top, set against a backdrop of brick walls and surrounding workout equipment.

That is why I love this little thing so much. It does everything it is meant to. It is solid as a rock and has been the cheapest hyperextension we have sold – despite the all the recent inflation. Even though it is the cheapest, it is also the best build quality.  

All this was done by clever German design. 

Starting off with the pads. Some people may say they are too firm. If you are recovering from a leg workout you may be reminded that you did a heavy squat session the day before. It may be a little more comfortable on a softer pad, but honestly if that is going to hold you back serious training is not for you.

A person in a gym uses the ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650 while wearing a black tank top and red leggings, facing a textured brick wall. Various fitness equipment is visible in the background, including resistance bands.
foam roller
Powermaxx Foam Roller

If you think that hurts, try rolling your glutes or hammys with a baseball ball or similar. You will find that the pain is well worth it.  

The reason why the firm pads are a good thing is that they will last a lot longer. Hyperextension pads can wear fast. Most of your weight is on the top of the pad. If this is nice and soft, the pad will condense under load. Then it will expand and reform. It feels better but the pad can’t do that process for ever. The upholstery will eventually stretch & split, or the foam will deteriorate.

Close-up view of the ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650, featuring a black padded section that resembles a Roman chair. It includes a sturdy metal frame with two curved handles, designed to provide support during hyperextension workouts.
A gym setup featuring the Ironmaster Hyper Core Attachment, commonly referred to as a Roman chair, alongside an 18 kg kettlebell. The equipment rests on a rubber floor, while shelves and cardboard boxes can be seen in the background.

I don’t know how long we have had this hyper, but it would be well over a year. My guess is at least 2 years. It gets used a lot and the pads are as good as new. Trust me, unless you like changing over pads, ATX have got the balance right on this one.

Just like the footplate, the pads sit on a laser cut mounting plate. This is an example of how ATX can deliver a better product cheaper. With new manufacturing technology both the plates are simpler and stronger. And they look better too.

Close-up of the ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650, an adjustable weight bench with padded cushions and a sturdy metal frame secured with bolts. The black padding contrasts beautifully with the metallic structure, emphasizing its durable design for gym or home use.
Side view of the ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650, featuring an adjustable black back extension bench with a footplate and arched backrest. The illustration shows a range of motion through a dotted arrow, highlighting its suitability for exercises targeting the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.

Moving down, the pad has 9 height positions. The height is adjusted by way of a commercial pull pin. This is a great exercise for kids. So, when I am training with kids it is dead easy to adjust for different heights. The positions are numbered using laser etching.

The adjustment tube slides within the custom ATX sleeves. Another great innovation. Previous designs had nylon sleeves that slipped over the ends, and were anchored in place with a small raised cylinder. If that anchor point got knocked off, the sleeve would pop out when you adjusted. With this system the sleeves themselves and the anchor points are significantly bigger

Close-up of the ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650, a black adjustable metal stand equipped with a screw knob for height adjustment. The stand showcases visible bolts and prominently displays the ATX logo on its side.
The image shows the ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650, commonly referred to as a roman chair. It is a sleek black exercise bench that includes padded support and adjustable angle settings. Designed for fitness workouts, it features stabilizing feet and a textured foot platform to facilitate effective back extensions.

Plus the material is much more stronger. Once the slide tube is pushed in, the sleeves are stuck in position. Everything about this system – smoothness, durability and appearance is better.

At the base of the adjustment tube there is a bolt which prevents the pad assembly being taken out. This is a great feature if you put this into a gym.

Even though it is small and light, this is a solid unit thanks to reinforcement brackets. The footplate has a raised lip which anchors you into position. Which is handy when you start applying resistance – at the front there are some band pegs. Leaving the best till last, there are a pair of wheels that make it dead easy to move around your gym.

In a fitness studio, an individual performs a barbell row exercise on an incline bench, wearing a black sports top and red leggings. In the background, the ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650 is positioned against the brick wall, accompanied by various pieces of gym equipment.
A person in a red sports outfit is performing a barbell bent-over row on a gym bench. Behind them, the gym, with its exposed brick walls and various fitness equipment, features an ATX® Hyperextension Machine 650, adding to the dynamic workout setting.

Hyperextensions were once regarded primarily as a lower back exercise. You will notice when Lee Priest does them he is using a shorter range of motion. That is what a lot of trainers’ think is the sole hyper exercise.