The Nordic back extension machine by the Tib Bar Guy is one of a kind.
It’s a combination of a full size nordic curl bench, mini nordic bench, and lower back extension machine.
So I can do lower back extension, Nordic curls, and QL stretches making it a killer posterior chain trainer.
Let’s check it out!
Specs
Table of Contents
- Weight: 99 lbs
- Dimensions: 58″ L x 27″ W x 19″ H
- Weight capacity: 550 lbs
- Build: Heavy duty steel and premium padding
- Adjustable Nordic bench: 0 – 45 degrees with 9 levels of regression
- Adjustable low back extension machine: Adjusts vertically and angle wise (37-45 degrees)
- Vinyl: Premium leather
- Padding: Premium foam
Features
Full Size Nordic Bench
This bench can be used as a full sized Nordic bench with both pads on.
Above you see the low back extension pad at the top (shown on the left) and knee pad at the bottom.
And by removing the knee pad, I can convert this into a mini Nordic bench too.
Yup, you heard that right…
Mini Nordic Bench
Once I remove the knee pad, I slide down the back extension pad to use this as a mini Nordic bench.
Having the ability to use this as a mini nordic bench is great for people with small spaces.
And because of the smaller design, a counter balance weight horn was added to the back of the foot plate (similar to the Nordic Mini).
For heavier or taller people, just add any Olympic sized weight plate to the back to prevent the bench from tipping when you lean forward.
They also threw in a barbell clamp to secure the weight plate down.
Leg Support
The leg rollers are comfortable and can be adjusted in height so my legs and ankles don’t move.
Rollers are easy to adjust with a pin and made with premium molded foam so it’s comfortable around my Achilles’ tendon.
And the diamond plated foot plate has plenty of room to keep my feet planted for added stability.
Adjustable Low Back Extension Machine
Cool feature when I convert the Nordic bench into a low back extension machine is that I can adjust the angle of extension.
Most lower back extension machines only adjust the height of the pad to fit people of different heights but the angle doesn’t change.
It can adjust between 37 and 45 degrees depending on the level of difficulty I want to train at.
If you look at the arrow above, there’s notches on the frame of the bench.
I can insert the support leg in different notches to change the degree of extension.
The further I move the leg away from the foot plate, the smaller the angle of back extension.
I personally like to do low back extensions at 45 degrees but this gives people options.
And it’s stable enough to supported weighted lower back extensions without a problem.
Rounded Pad
The rounded pad at the top of the lower back extension set up is comfortable.
Notice the large handles to help out when setting up for lower back extensions
Whether I’m doing low back extensions or QL exercises, there’s no straight edges shoving into my abdomen or hips.
Smart and comfortable design by The Tib Bar Guy.
Nordic Curl Progression / Regression
A huge benefit the Nordic back extension machine has over other similar products is having full Nordic range of motion at 9 levels.
This is something I haven’t seen before in Nordic curl benches even in the Tib Bar Guy’s own Nordic weight bench.
If you look above, I’m doing Nordic curl progressions but my hamstrings aren’t fully straight so I’m not training them optimally.
But with the Nordic back extension machine, you can regress at any level while getting full range of motion in your hamstrings.
Look at the pic above and you’ll see what I mean.
The angle of the Nordic bench is around 45 degrees and the hamstrings are fully engaged throughout the whole exercise.
I can angle the Nordic bench from 0 to 45 degrees.
Here it is at 45 degrees for those just starting out on their Nordic curl journey.
As your hamstrings get stronger and you progress, the Nordic bench can be lowered for a heavier load on the hamstrings.
And eventually as you get stronger and Nordics become too easy, you can use the same progression to get one legged Nordics.
Now that’s next level hamstring strength!
RELATED: Nordstick NordBench Review
Storage
I really like that the Tib Bar Guy designed this bench with the ability to be store upright.
At almost 6 feet in length, it would take up way too much space in my garage gym.
By standing straight up, it only sticks out 19″ from the wall.
Even in gyms with a lot of equipment where there is little space, the Nordic back extension machine doesn’t need much room for storage.
And with the bench being 99 lbs, it’s actually easy to stand upright.
One end has a handle.
And the other end has floating wheels.
All you do is lift the bench by the handle til the wheels touch and it’s easy to roll around and stand it up.
Nordic Back Extension Machine Alternatives
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro
An alternative to the Nordic Back Extensions machine is the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro (Previously known as the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper GHD).
Freak Athlete’s Hyper Pro is 9 machines in 1 (when you add the Leg Developer and GHD pad) and has similar capabilities as Tib Bar Guy’s.
It all comes down to what exercises you do and what equipment you already own that might overlap.
The Nordic Hyper is also $300 more than the Nordic Back Extension.
The NordBench
The NordBench is a 5-in-1 Nordic curl bench created by The NordStick.
It is the most compact of all these benches making it easy to hang on a wall, store in a closet, or under a bed.
A unique feature of the NordBench is the rotating footplate that turns into a slant board which is a great idea!
Shogun Sports Nord-Ex
Another alternative is the Shogun Sports Nord Ex.
This one is strictly for lower back extensions and Nordic curls.
Out of all these machines, this one is the most expensive one and that’s because it is commercial grade.
Only thing I’m not a fan of, is the partial Nordic curls (I prefer full range of motion).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cost: 1/3 of the cost of a Nordic bench and low back extension machine combined
- Adjustable: Both Nordic bench and low back extension set ups can be adjusted
- Scalable: 9 levels of regressions so even beginners can progress at their own pace to a full Nordic
- Storage: Can be stored upright to take up minimal space (only takes 19″ from the wall)
- Versatile: I can do low back extensions, Nordic curls, QL stretches
- 3-in-1: Can be used as a full sized Nordic bench, mini nordic bench, and low back extension machine
- Back extension pad: Not having a cut out on the lower back pad makes it comfortable for QL raises and offers better back extension support
Cons
- Back extension pad: Some people may not like not having a cut out but for the majority of people this is not an issue at all
Tib Bar Guy Promo Code
The Nordic back extension machine currently sells for $649 but…
I’m not gonna let you pay full price.
Click here and use promo code SHREDDED at check out for a discount.
That’ll give you 10% off or close to $65 (you’re welcome).
Nordic Back Extension Machine Review
The Nordic back extension machine is for people who are serious about bulletproofing their posterior chain.
It’s made with quality materials, comfortable, adjustable, and scalable for athletes at every level.
Nordic curls give you strong calves, hamstrings, and healthy knees.
Lower back extension build strong glutes and lower backs.
And QL raises make for a solid core.
This 3-in-1 machine gets my two thumbs up.
Check Out The Nordic Back Extension Machine Here
Nordic Back Extension Machine
Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews
WHAT IS THE CUT OUT MENTIONED ABOVE THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT LIKE?
I’m guessing you’re talking about the cutout on the hip support pad. Some guys like to have a cutout so their junk has room and others don’t complain about it.