When it comes to pieces of home-gym equipment that effectively target the glutes and posterior chain, few, if any, fitness machines can hold a candle to the reverse hyper. Designed by the world-famous powerlifter Louie Simmons, the reverse hyper is designed to decompress the spine, strengthen the muscles of the posterior chain, and specifically work the glute muscles. It has become a staple piece of fitness equipment not only in most commercial gyms but also in physical therapy centers for rehabilitating injuries or pain in the back and spine.
Whether you are new to strength training, an experienced lifter, dealing with back pain, or simply want to spice up your fitness routine, the reverse hyper makes for a great addition to any workout program. But when looking to equip your gym space with a hyper, it can be challenging to figure out which one works best for your space, budget, and intended use. And that is where we step in. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has selected the best hyper machines on the market to meet a variety of needs. In this roundup, we provide you with a comprehensive review of each, as well as a guide on what to consider before making your purchase.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
The Best Reverse Hyper Machine - Our Top Picks
By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.
- Best Overall Reverse Hyper Machine: Rogue Z Hyper
- Best Budget Reverse Hyper Machine: Titan Economy H-PND
- Best Compact Reverse Hyper Machine: Titan H-PND
- Best Lightweight Reverse Hyper Machine: Rogue Westside Scout Hyper
- Most Versatile Reverse Hyper Machine: Rogue Donkey
Best Overall Reverse Hyper Machine - Rogue Z Hyper
SPECS
- Weight: 323 lbs.
- Dimensions: 51.5"(D) x 43" (H)
- Loadable length: 10.5"
- Material: 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel
When it comes to reverse hyper machines, Rogue is the only company that Louie Simmons himself endorses and allows to reproduce his famous reverse hyper machine. The Rogue Z Hyper takes his original design and transforms it into one of the most durable and sturdy hypers on the market. Constructed with 11-gauge steel posts, a bolt-together design with an optional cross member, and adjustable front handles, this tank of a machine is built to last. The Z Hyper features oversized 3-inch-thick pads and a back lip, both of which maximize comfort while ensuring the ergonomic positioning of users.
To make getting on the Z Hyper easier, there is a step on each side. Two plate storage posts can be found on this massive machine with a loadable length of 10.5 inches each. If you are looking to strap on bands to add some resistance training into your routine, the Z Hyper's storage posts are also strap-compatible. Be sure to carve out a larger space for the Z Hyper because it stomps out a large footprint. And with a weight over 300 pounds, you don't want to be moving it around. This hyper certainly boasts commercial-grade construction, but Rogue kept the price relatively affordable—a nice perk for those who have the space.
What We Like
- Sturdy construction
- Designed with 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel
- Relatively affordable and high-quality
- 3" thick pads
What We Don't Like
- Size
- Assembly is reportedly difficult
BUY: Rogue Z Hyper
Best Budget Reverse Hyper Machine - Titan Economy H-PND
SPECS
- Weight: 147 lbs.
- Dimensions: 44.5" (H) x 39" (W) x 55" (D)
- Loadable length: 10"
- Material: 2" x 2" steel tubing
Offering a ton of value for a wallet-friendly price, the Titan Economy H-PND is a solid choice for anyone on a budget. Constructed with 2-inch by 2-inch steel tubing, the H-PND features 6-inch adjustable handles with eight different position options, rubber feet to prevent scuffing or slipping, a 2-inch step-up, and a 10-inch loadable sleeve length. The H-PND fits Olympic-sized plates and boasts a 700-pound load weight capacity. Although this machine is built with 2 by 2-inch rather than 3 by 3-inch steel, this machine has the capacity to support the load for the vast majority of potential users.
The cushioning on the oversized pads is less than you will find on higher-end hypers, but users report it is plenty comfortable for frequent use. You will have to practice with some patients when assembling the H-PND; although it weighs only 100 pounds, there are several reports that the holes are slightly misaligned making assembly difficult.
What We Like
- Price
- Compact
- Load capacity is high for its weight
- Eight adjustable options for tailored fit
What We Don't Like
- Holes may be misaligned
- Pads are not impressive
BUY: Titan Economy H-PND
Best Compact Reverse Hyper Machine H-PND
SPECS
- Weight: 250 lbs.
- Dimensions: 44.5" (H) x 52.25" (D) x 41" (L)
- Loadable length: 10"
- Material: 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel
Titan's Hyper Machine H-PND gives truth to the saying "good things come in small packages." Constructed with 3 by 3-inch, 11-gauge steel, this machine is not only super sturdy but relatively compact for a hyper machine. But Titan does not sacrifice quality for size. The H-PND features 6-inch handles and adjusts to eight different positions in 2-inch increments allowing for a customized fit.
With a weight of 250 pounds, Titan does not disclose the loadable weight capacity as the H-PND's heavy-duty frame can support just about any weight you throw at it. Its 10-inch loadable sleeve fits Olympic-sized plates, but we do wish it were slightly longer. The step measures 3 by 3 inches making mounting and dismounting simple. One callout is the pad on the H-PND: While not terrible, it is nothing to write home about.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty frame
- Price
- Adjustability
- Size
What We Don't Like
- Sleeve length
- Padding
BUY: Titan H-PND Reverse Hyper Machine
Best Lightweight Reverse Hyper Machine - Rogue Westside Scout Hyper
SPECS
- Weight: 86 lbs.
- Dimensions: 38" (D) x 27.5" (W with pad) or 32"(W with pop pins) x 43.5" (H)
- Loadable length: 5.25"
- Material: N/A
Weighing just 86 pounds, the Rogue Westside Scout Hyper is an affordable, lightweight, and functional foldable reverse hyper machine, making it a great choice for those with smaller spaces. Thanks to its lightweight and folding design, this portable machine can be stored when not in use taking up a depth of just 13 inches. The unique design features hinging legs that lock into place with pop pins, a standard-sized round-edged pad, nylon webbing hyper straps, and two weight posts with a 5.25-inch loadable length. The sleeve length is noticeably smaller so won't hold many plates especially if using bumper plates.
The Scout Hyper is equipped with rubber feet to minimize sliding or scuffing of the floor and a rubber-covered step for safe mounting. Although the rubber feet are intended to enhance stability, some users do report shaking. Users appreciate the simple pull-out pop-pin design which folds easily and is simple to set up. Rogue does recommend storing the unit flat when not in use.
What We Like
- Functional folding design
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Can be stored out of the way
- Easy set-up
What We Don't Like
- Shakes
- Short loadable sleeves
BUY: Rogue Westside Scout Hyper
Most Versatile Reverse Hyper Machine - Rogue Donkey
SPECS
- Weight: 500 lbs.
- Dimensions: 74"(L) x 44" (W) x 54.5" (H at the footplate) or 45" (H pad height)
- Loadable length: 10.5"
- Material: 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel
Combining the functionality of Rogue's Z-Hyper and Abram GHD 2.0 glute-ham developer, the Rogue Donkey takes the top spot as the most versatile reverse hyper machine. Whether you are looking to include some GHD sit-ups or hip extensions, the Donkey has you covered. This hybrid machine is available on its own as a stand-alone unit or as a conversion kit for the Z Hyper.
Constructed with 3 by 3-inch, 11-gauge steel, and a bolt-together design, the Donkey weighs a whopping 500 pounds. While it boasts an impressively heavy-duty frame, its overall dimensions and weight will not work for every home-gym owner. The premium design features a diamond-tread GHD footplate, 3 by 3-inch steps on the front and back, built-in side handles a swing-arm adjustment system with 10 different settings, and two loadable hyper posts which measure 10.5 inches each. The pads measure 3.5 inches thick with a curved design and removable middle insert pad for maximum comfort and functionality. The premium build does come with a premium price which may be overwhelming for most.
What We Like
- Versatility
- Sturdy
- Combines the benefits of GHD and Reverse Hyper in one machine
- Padding
What We Don't Like
- Size
- Weight
- Cost
BUY: The Rogue Donkey
What to Look for in a Reverse Hyper Machine
When outfitting your gym space with a reverse hyper machine, there are a few key specs to consider. Let's take a look at each.
Weight
The weight of the machine is important for two reasons. First, it is an indicator of how sturdy the machine will be and of its load capacity. If you have a particularly large user or experienced lifter, you likely want a heavier machine. Second, most reverse hypers require assembly. If you live on a fifth-floor walk-up, you don't want to be carrying up 500 pounds of parts to put together.
Dimensions
It is simple really—if you don't have the space for a given reverse hyper dimension, you can't get it. Most hypers are not portable so it is important to measure out the dedicated space for your new machine. Narrow down your list of reverse hyper machines to ones with a footprint that is smaller than this space.
Loadable Length
The loadable length speaks to how many weight plates you can store and how much weight the machine can support overall. Those who plan to use a lot of weight or need extra storage want to look for longer lengths, typically 10.5 inches or more.
FAQs About Reverse Hyper Machines
Is a reverse hyper machine worth it?
Reverse hyper machines enable athletes to target the glutes and overall posterior chain muscles in a way that most other machines do not. Strengthening these muscle groups is extremely beneficial and can even serve to decrease back pain. Given the benefits, we do believe a reverse hyper machine is worth it.
How often should you use a reverse hyper machine?
The answer to how often you should use a reverse hyper machine is dependent on why and how you are using it. This machine can be used anywhere between three to five days a week as part of your warm-up, main workout, or stretching routine. If you are using the reverse hyper machine to rehabilitate a back injury, we recommend following the guidance of your medical professional.
Do reverse hyper machines work glutes?
Yes, reverse hyper machines specifically target the glutes. While this machine can be used to strengthen the entire posterior chain, its primary function is to work the glutes.
About the Author
Kristine has been immersed in the fitness world for nearly 20 years. She has competed in marathons and Ironman races and earned a spot to compete in the 2012 Age Group National Championship Olympic Triathlon.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article