What does fact checked mean?
At SportsRec, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise: Specificity of a Back Muscle Roman Chair Exercise in Healthy and Back Pain Subjects
- Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise: Specificity of a Back Muscle Roman Chair Exercise in Healthy and Back Pain Subjects
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
The Best Roman Chair When Dealing with Back Problems

The so-called Roman chair is little more than a padded hip rest mounted at an angle. On the spectrum of back stabilization exercises, the Roman chair is fairly difficult -- so it isn't always appropriate for those with back problems. If you've been cleared to do this exercise, you'll be best off with a Roman chair that lets you adjust its angle, thus changing the intensity of the exercise.
Proper Form
Adjust the hip pad so it's about 3 inches below your belt buckle, then lean against it and hinge forward from the hips, keeping your back straight. Squeeze your glutes to bring yourself back to the starting position, completing one repetition. Adjustable-incline Roman chairs are best because they're an easy way to adjust your workout intensity; as you adjust the chair toward a more vertical tilt, the exercise becomes easier.
Identify Your Back Problem
Your glutes, or butt muscles, actually do most of the work during a Roman chair exercise. Your back muscles are mostly along for the ride to stabilize your upper body. Although some medical professionals do recommend Roman chair exercises for resolving back pain, it depends on what's causing the pain. So before you start your workout, check with your doctor to get your back problem properly diagnosed.