Before the focus on their reverse cousin or when talk shifted to glute-ham raises, a simple truth was proven in gyms around the planet: hypers (the regular ones) are great for rehab, warm-ups and cool-downs, but most importantly, they also build the sort of lumbars that back up and boost the heaviest weights. No wonder a lot of the guys who have snatched 200 kg or cleaned and jerked 250 kg make hypers a regular part of their training.

If you want to get a back that performs--in daily tasks as well as limit lifts--put hyperextensions at the top of your list.

You'll appreciate the HCHB's fully adjustable height; variable distance for your legs; and secure anchor system for your feet with a brace that makes your lower body as rigid as you'd like it. Height of front 36" - 40" and back 32-1/2" - 36-1/2"; overall length of base 64-1/2"; width of base 31".

You can buy the complete unit, or if you already own IronMind's Pillars of Power II or II+*, you just need the hyperextension attachments and midsection pad.

No. 1227-H set of 3 hyper bench attachments: foot brace w/solid bar, midsection support, and H-base $389.95

*for use only with a Pillars of Power II or II+ Base (with crosstube); we're sorry but the Hyperextension Attachments do not work with our original Pillars of Power (two free-standing racks)