Best Nordic Benches (2026): 8 Top Picks to Bulletproof Your Posterior Chain

Formerly called the Nordic Hyper GHD, the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro X easily earns the nod as the best overall Nordic bench because of its unparalleled versatility. With nine machines in one compact profile, this is a fantastic strength training tool for lower-body workouts (and more) because it allows you to perform more than 25 exercises. Offering everything from a Nordic curl bench to a hip thrust station, this freakishly functional machine can even be utilized for upper-body exercises like face pulls, biceps curls, and push-ups, helping it earn an impressive overall score of 4.22 out of 5.

Footprint: 4.5/5

Price & Value: 4.5/5

Construction: 3.5/5

Why We Like the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro X

While the Nordic Hyper GHD was a six-in-one machine, the Hyper Pro X ramps things up with nine modalities, including a glute ham developer, Nordic bench, back extension, reverse hyper, hip thrust, sit-up bench, and a few more options that weren’t part of its predecessor’s arsenal. As the ultimate posterior chain builder, the Hyper Pro X offers plenty of challenging ways to train your glutes, hamstrings, and other lower- and upper-body muscles (plus your core). 

The list of exercises you can perform on this machine is expansive, to put it mildly. Depending on how you set it up, you can go from doing Bulgarian split squats to GHD sit-ups to prone leg curls. You can also use the Hyper Pro X to improve your mobility and flexibility with a variety of stretches, such as the calf stretch, couch stretch (great for opening your quads and hip flexors), and incline pigeon—a personal favorite for loosening up tight hips. 

Based on its $800 price point and array of training possibilities, the Hyper Pro X provides tremendous value, earning a 4.5-out-of-5 rating in this key category. 

“If you’re starting a home gym, this is a fantastic value,” says GGR founder Coop Mitchell. “With everything that this can do, I’m a huge fan.”

In particular, Coop enjoyed the Nordic bench modality, which includes 14 incline increments. When analyzing each component of the Hyper Pro X, he put the Nordic in his S tier (aka, the cream of the crop). 

“This is a better incline Nordic bench than most others that you would use to progressively overload Nordics, because the full pad adjusts,” Coop told me.

Another reason the Hyper Pro X takes home the No. 1 spot is its compact, footprint-friendly design. Weighing a manageable 108 pounds (and with built-in transport wheels), you can store it upright after you’re done training to preserve precious space in your home gym. As a result, we rate it a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.

What We Don’t Like About the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro X

While Coop loves the versatility and value you get with the Hyper Pro X, he does have one callout: its construction. While the steel frame is sturdy and the machine is quite stable, the powder coating and padding didn’t exactly blow our founder away, leading to a construction and durability score of 3.5 out of 5.

However, Coop notes that the budget-friendly price point means you have to make some sacrifices with elements like the padding and powdercoat. So, even though those elements aren’t quite to the standard of higher-end machines, it shouldn’t be a reason to pass on this one.

In addition, the Hyper Pro X’s versatility can be a bit of a double-edged sword. Freak Athlete didn’t make it particularly easy to navigate all the setup possibilities by failing to include clear-cut instructions for changing positions on the machine. As such, we docked several points off the delivery and assembly score, settling on a 2.5 out of 5.

“Freak Athlete could do a better job of having a physical guide,” Coop told me. “If it’s so complicated you can’t even create a guide for it, you have to figure that out. There are definitely easier ways to instruct people on how to adjust it.”

If you don’t need all those options, you can keep more money in your pocket by opting for the BaseBlocks Nordic Plus, which can allow you to save about $300 and still gives you a full-sized Nordic bench.

Testing Breakdown

Here’s how the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro X scored based on our testing methodology. It earned near-perfect scores in critical categories like footprint and portability, stability, and value. 

Vs. The Average

The Freak Athlete Hyper Pro X is more expensive than the average Nordic bench. However, it’s well worth the cost based on all the exercises you can perform. 

Check out our full Freak Athlete Hyper Pro review for more details.

If you own the REP PR-5000 power rack (or a rack with 1-inch holes), you can expand your exercise options for roughly the same price as a tub of your favorite protein powder. At around $55 (for a single attachment), the 5000 Series Leg Roller Attachment offers a compact option for a budget-friendly Nordic curl station in your home gym. Like many other REP products we’ve tested, this attachment checks the boxes for construction and durability, earning a perfect 5-out-of-5 score in this all-important category. 

Value: 5/5

Construction: 5/5

Ergonomics: 3/5

Why We Like the REP Fitness 5000 Series Leg Roller Attachment

Built with 11- and 8-gauge steel, this leg roller does not move at all during use. That was a welcomed surprise for Senior Staff Writer Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1, who hasn’t always enjoyed that same sense of stability with similar products. 

“I’ve had some leg rollers give a little flex when you put a lot of pressure on them for Nordic curls or split squats,” he told me in reference to his 4-out-of-5 stability rating. “The padding feels solid, too, and the vinyl is nice and grippy. It doesn’t feel cheap at all, even if it is a little cheap price-wise.” 

Speaking of the price, you can add a single roller attachment to your setup for roughly $55, or you can purchase a pair for $100, allowing you to save a few bucks. Accordingly, we rate the value at a perfect 5 out of 5.

We also awarded a perfect footprint and portability score since the whole attachment measures just 20 inches long. For such a compact option, we also appreciate that it offers a 600-pound weight capacity—more than enough for heavy Bulgarian split squats. Plus, you can even use it as a leg pad to hold your legs in place for lat pulldowns or similar cable exercises.

What We Don’t Like About the REP Fitness 5000 Series Leg Roller Attachment

While we’re impressed by its build quality and footprint-friendly design, the 5000 Series Leg Roller Attachment isn’t the most ergonomic option on this list. In fact, ergonomics and comfort is the only category in which it didn’t earn at least a 4 or higher. 

While the padding is comfortable and the leg roller turns smoothly through Nordic curls, there’s one issue: the pad length. “The 17.4-inch pad length is a little short for me (an admittedly larger gentleman) to fit both legs comfortably under for a Nordic curl,” Caine told me. “People who are more average-sized should be fine, however.” 

Caine also pointed out that you’ll need a rack with 1-inch holes along the uprights, but you also have to consider how low you can place your leg roller to the ground for effective Nordic curls. 

“Some racks will have bolts and feet in the way of where you’d want the leg roller—an issue I ran into while testing,” Caine explained. “I had to use some blocks and plates to elevate myself for the exercise. A bolted-down rack like the PR-5000 should work fine at any height, though.” 

One final minor callout we have is that while you get a lifetime warranty with the attachment, you only get 30 days on the upholstery. That said, REP Fitness typically provides great customer service, which is why we still awarded a 4-out-of-5 customer experience rating. 

Don’t have a power rack with 1-inch holes? At $249, the Freak Athlete Nordic Mini Pro is still fairly affordable when compared to other options on this list.

Testing Breakdown

The 5000 Series Leg Roller Attachment earned perfect scores in four categories, including construction and durability, which reinforces REP’s reputation for outstanding build quality. 

Vs. The Average

The REP Fitness 5000 Series Leg Roller Attachment is significantly cheaper than a traditional Nordic bench. Surprisingly, though, it offers a higher weight capacity despite its compact design.

If you’re new to Nordic curls and are looking for a bench to get started with, the Nordic Plus by BaseBlocks can be an excellent option. Including its flat position, there are a total of five angle adjustments up to 45 degrees, which will allow for beginners to build up to their first full Nordic curl. Plus, the bench adds versatility by doubling as a 45-degree hyperextension machine, all for less than $500. As a result, we rate the value at a perfect 5 out of 5. 

Value: 5/5

Stability: 5/5

Footprint & Portability: 4/5

Why We Like the BaseBlocks Nordic Plus

Although it doesn’t offer the same versatility as the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro (our top overall pick), the BaseBlocks Nordic Plus still gives you two machines in one. This hybrid bench can be ideal for beginners who want to do Nordic curls and back extensions at home thanks to five incline settings that allow you to choose the pad angle based on your starting strength level. This unique design lets you strengthen the bottom part (the descent toward the pad) of the Nordic curl (the most challenging part) at a lower intensity, paving the way for progressive overload. 

Although it only has a max weight capacity of 330 pounds, the Nordic Plus still earned a 5-out-of-5 stability rating from former GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC. This can be attributed to its sturdy, powder-coated steel base and thick, leather-enclosed foam pads. 

“If you are looking for a Nordic curl machine, I would choose this one,” she told me. “It’s a great value, offers multiple levels of intensity, and is user-friendly.” 

Furthermore, the Nordic Plus is also footprint-friendly. We rated it a 4 out of 5 in this all-important category for space-conscious home gym owners.

“It doesn’t take up a lot of space when in use,” Lindsay explained. “The whole thing only weighs 54 pounds and is really easy to move around thanks to being so lightweight. It also has wheels on the back of the machine.”

BaseBlocks also deserves a tip of the cap for its excellent customer-oriented warranty and return policies. In addition to free shipping, you get a lifetime warranty where the company will fix any of the functional elements for free. Plus, you can return the Nordic Plus within 100 days for a full refund (minus shipping costs). As a result, we rate the customer experience a perfect 5 out of 5. 

What We Don’t Like About the BaseBlocks Nordic Plus

One of the only areas where the Nordic Plus fell short of expectations was delivery and assembly, as we rated it a 3 out of 5 due to one of the legs arriving bent. However, Lindsay poured some cold water on the idea that it was the result of poor packaging. 

“The box they sent it in was well-packaged and not damaged, so we are thinking it left the factory bent,” she told me. “Overall, the setup is very easy and should take one person about 30 minutes or less.”

We also have one design callout worth mentioning. The back extension portion of the machine may prove difficult for most to get a full range of motion, as many users will likely hit the front pad with their head at the bottom of the movement. Additionally, the pad doesn’t adjust length-wise, so the pad will be too tall or too short for some users, depending on your height. Still, we rate the ergonomics and comfort at a rock-solid 4 out of 5

If you’ve got room to splurge, the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro X offers more versatility and a higher weight capacity (500 pounds). Keep in mind, though, that it’ll cost you about $300 more than the Nordic Plus.

Testing Breakdown

The BaseBlocks Nordic Plus posted excellent scores across the board, with delivery and assembly representing the only category in which it didn’t post a 4 or higher. 

Vs. The Average

The BaseBlocks Nordic Plus is right on par with the average Nordic bench from a price perspective. It’s also close in size, weighing just 8 pounds less than the average Nordic bench.

Check out our complete Nordic Plus review for more in-depth information on this beginner-friendly bench. 

Our pick for the best portable Nordic bench goes to Freak Athlete’s Nordic Mini Pro, which is a redesign of the brand’s original Nordic Mini. While we haven’t tested out the updated Pro version, the main difference is the featured dual ankle rollers that can help better secure your feet while performing Nordics.

At a maximum length of 40 inches, the Nordic Mini Pro certainly fits the profile of compact exercise equipment, and it also stands upright when not in use, saving valuable floor space in your home gym. As a result, GGR founder Coop Mitchell rates the footprint and portability at a 4.5 out of 5. 

Footprint: 4.5/5

Value: 4/5

Durability: 3.5/5

Why We Like the Freak Athlete Nordic Mini Pro

Tipping the scales at a lightweight 44 pounds, the Nordic Mini Pro is built with portability in mind. Plus, it has wheels at the front, making it very easy to roll on or off your lifting platform between uses.

“It won’t take up much space at all, especially when stored vertically,” Coop told me. Just how little room does the Nordic Mini Pro command in that position? When stored vertically, you can reduce the footprint to just 1 square foot. 

At about $249, the Nordic Mini Pro is constructed well, albeit with some budget-friendly padding. The bench pad uses a grippy nylon upholstery, reminiscent of older, traditional weight benches, which can add enough padding to the board to keep your knees comfortable while in use. Although the ankle rollers aren’t the best material, Coop still rates the value at a 4 out of 5.

“This isn’t as nice of a foam as what you’d see from some of the higher-end options, but I think for the price point, it’s actually pretty nice,” he explained. 

Luckily, Freak Athlete covers the Nordic Mini Pro with a lifetime warranty. This should give you confidence about investing in this tool for bulletproofing your hamstrings. In addition, we like that this product is HSA/FSA-eligible, meaning you can use pre-tax dollars to fund your purchase. And with a military and first responders discount available as well as financing options through After Pay, we rate the customer experience a 4 out of 5. 

What We Don’t Like About the Freak Athlete Nordic Mini Pro

Because of its compact nature, the bench isn’t as stable as other Nordic benches we’ve tested, only earning a 3.5 out of 5 for stability. In use, larger athletes may tip the Nordic Mini while leaning forward. Fortunately, Freak Athlete added a weight plate holder that can hold up to 90 pounds behind the footplate—all to act as a counterbalance. 

As mentioned earlier, we do have some mild durability concerns with the padding, as well. Although there was no cracking or deterioration from repeated use during testing, there’s a chance it may crack down the road. As such, we docked some points off the construction and durability score, settling on a 3.5 out of 5. 

For a more rugged Nordic bench, check out the Rogue Floor Glute. Although it’s more expensive, it earned a much higher construction and durability rating, making it a great long-term investment.

Testing Breakdown

The Freak Athlete Nordic Mini Pro performed well in testing, earning at least a 4 out of 5 in all but two categories. Even then, it still earned above-average scores of 3.5 for construction and durability, as well as stability. 

Vs. The Average

The Freak Athlete Nordic Mini Pro is roughly half the cost of the average Nordic bench. Its compact design results in a lighter frame, too, but also a lower weight capacity. 

You can check out our Freak Athlete Nordic Curl review to get all our thoughts on the original Freak Athlete Nordic board.

If you have space for a power rack in your home gym, but not enough to also try and squeeze in a full-sized Nordic bench, the Rogue Monster Lite Leg Roller Attachment is a great option that adds versatility without taking up precious real estate. Once you’ve hooked it into one of the Monster Lite’s uprights, simply lay down an exercise mat, hook your legs underneath the roller, and you’re good to go. This inexpensive, compact training tool earns a perfect 5-out-of-5 value score since it only costs $100.

Value: 5/5

Construction: 4.5/5

Stability: 4/5

Why We Like the Rogue Monster Lite Rack Mount Leg Roller

Sean Rigsby, USA Weightlifting Junior National Team Coach and owner of Charlotte Strength commercial gym, uses the Rogue Monster Lite Leg Rollers on his power racks for his athletes, and he’s been impressed with the level of quality and durability. 

“I have a rugby team using the leg roller attachments for accessory work multiple times each week, and the leg rollers still look brand new after three months of consistent use,” he told me. 

The leg rollers are made with powder-coated steel and a heavy-duty, urethane-coated, vinyl-upholstered foot pad that measures 5 inches in diameter and 13 inches across. The attachment has the same level of quality as other Rogue products we’ve tested, earning a near-perfect 4.5-out-of-5 rating for construction and durability.

At $100, the Monster Lite Leg Roller is an inexpensive alternative to a Nordic bench, as well, as long as you have a Monster Lite rack with 3-inch-by-3-inch steel uprights and 5/8-inch holes. For 2-inch-by-3-inch uprights, Rogue offers a Monster Lite to Infinity Retrofit Kit for an additional $35. 

Another plus is that Rogue covers this attachment with a limited lifetime frame warranty. You also get 90 days of coverage on the upholstery. Plus, the Monster Lite Leg Roller is HSA/FSA-eligible—a nice bonus if you want to use pre-tax dollars to fund this home gym upgrade. As a result, we rate the customer experience at a 4.5 out of 5.

What We Don’t Like About the Rogue Monster Lite Rack Mount Leg Roller

After trying out the leg roller attachment, GGR Senior Staff Writer Caine Wilkes had some mixed feedback. 

“Although the pads are constructed well and seem to be lasting very well in spite of a lot of use, the total pad length is 13 inches, which may be short for some larger athletes like me,” he explained.

While Caine was doing Nordic curls, he found it challenging to hook both of his feet underneath the leg roller. That may not be the case for everyone (hence the 4 out of 5 ergonomics and comfort rating), but it’s also not something that you can ignore, either.

“I think larger athletes may run into the same issue with the pad length,” Caine told me. “It’ll work great for one-legged movements, though, like Bulgarian split squats.” 

Unfortunately, this attachment is only compatible with the Monster Lite rack series. That means you won’t be able to pair it with something like the Rogue HR-2 Half Rack—a compact power rack that’s ideal for space-conscious home gym owners. So, if you don’t already own a Monster Lite rack, you’ll need to consider other options on this list.

If you’re looking for a simple rack attachment, you could also consider the REP Fitness 5000 Series Leg Roller Attachment. Just be aware, though, that you need a rack with 1-inch holes to take advantage of its functionality. 

Testing Breakdown

The Rogue Monster Lite Rack Mount Leg Roller performed remarkably well, earning at least a 4 out of 5 in every category. Here’s a full scoring breakdown. 

Vs. The Average

The Rogue Monster Lite Rack Mount Leg Roller is substantially cheaper and smaller than the average Nordic bench, though it’s worth pointing out it’s an attachment rather than a dedicated machine.

If you’re looking for a high-quality Nordic bench that can be tailored exactly to your liking, the Shogun NORD-EX is your best bet. It’s super-stable, offers excellent construction, and has a compact footprint that should appeal to space-conscious lifters. Earning a 4.5-out-of-5 rating for construction and durability, the NORD-EX made a strong impression on GGR founder Coop Mitchell. 

“If you’re looking at a Nordic curl board and a back extension, I highly recommend this one,” he told me. “I don’t often say that, but this has really impressed me.”

Value: 4.5/5

Footprint: 4/5

Construction: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Shogun NORD-EX

While the NORD-EX boasts a premium look, it’s also incredibly functional. Coop gave it a near-perfect ergonomics and comfort score of 4.5 out of 5, noting that you can perform progressive Nordic curls at 15-, 30-, or 45-degree angles. This is particularly useful for beginners who aren’t ready for the most challenging versions of this taxing exercise. As such, we recommend taking advantage of the highest 45-degree angle, at first, until you can comfortably control your full range of motion. 

Thanks to its high degree of adjustability, you’ll also be able to perform hyperextensions at a variety of angles from 35 to 55 degrees. Both Nordic curls and hyperextensions can help activate your glute muscles and ensure your hamstrings and glutes function properly—an essential aspect for daily activities.

Plus, while the bodyweight versions of both exercises are challenging on their own, you can ramp up the difficulty and overall intensity with dumbbells and resistance bands. 

“Dumbbells are a great choice for beginners, as they are relatively easy to handle and can be used for a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups,” explains GGR expert contributor Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD.

If you want to use the NORD-EX for back extensions (an underrated exercise, in my opinion), you can look forward to a stable experience. Coop didn’t experience any wobbling or shaking, even when he performed weighted versions of this popular posterior chain builder. 

“While using it, I’ve never worried about it not holding up to the weight,” he told me, rating the stability at near-perfect 4.5 out of 5.

What We Don’t Like About the Shogun NORD-EX

At a list price of roughly $1,279, the NORD-EX is quite expensive compared to other options on this list. However, we still feel the price is fair based on the build quality and performance, which is why we rate the value at a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5. 

That said, spending nearly $1,300 on a machine that’s designed for posterior chain exercises may not be a wise move if you’re just beginning your home gym journey. After all, you could get far more versatility for your money by investing in a budget-friendly squat rack, barbell, and set of weight plates. You may even have room to add an adjustable kettlebell to the mix for more versatility.

Furthermore, Shogun’s warranty policies aren’t exactly the best. You only get three years on the metal parts, welds, and cushions, and just 90 days on the finish and plastic/rubber parts. Some Nordic bench manufacturers provide lifetime coverage, so this seems lackluster, especially given the high investment cost. As a result, we docked a point off the customer experience score, rating it a 4 out of 5. 

The Shogun NORD-EX isn’t a traditional weight bench, so if you’re looking for a weight bench that allows for Nordic curls, we recommend the Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench.

Testing Breakdown

The Shogun NORD-EX performed well across the board, earning a 4 or higher in every category. Here’s a complete scoring breakdown.

Vs. The Average

The NORD-EX is a premium-priced product that’s much more expensive than the average Nordic bench. It’s also roughly double the weight of the average Nordic bench. 

Check out our Shogun NORD-EX review for more details.

This pick is for the people who already have their home gym outfitted with Olympic barbells, dumbbells, and weight benches, yet there’s still plenty of room for a splurge purchase. If you’re not concerned about taking up floor space or having a machine with too much versatility, there’s the Rogue Floor Glute—a 62-inch-long Nordic bench made to do one thing—Nordic curls—albeit very well. 

So, if you’re operating without any financial constraints, this high-end bench (that earns an overall 4.6-out-of-5 rating) can add to the aesthetic and functionality of your home gym. 

Footprint: 4/5

Construction & Durability: 5/5

Stability: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Rogue Floor Glute

At nearly $700, this certainly isn’t the pick if you’re on a tight budget. However, you get what you pay for, and Rogue didn’t skimp on any of the details with this premium Nordic bench. As a result, we rate the construction and durability at a perfect 5 out of 5.

“This is a well-thought-out design by Rogue, and they have made sure that it is as comfortable as possible for the user,” GGR founder Coop Mitchell told me. “The pad is really nice and gives a good cushion for your knees, and the material that they used to wrap the pad is grippy in the best way. It allows you to feel locked in to focus on the rep.” 

Furthermore, Coop appreciates how stable the Floor Glute is during use, especially when compared to similar products.

“This makes you feel glued to the floor while you are using it without having to have a counterweight like the Freak Athlete Mini Nordic Bench,” he explained. 

Adjusting the Floor Glute is fairly straightforward, too. The pop-pin design makes it easy to set the foot pad exactly where you need it. Plus, Coop told me the foot pad glides as you make your adjustments. We rate the ergonomics and comfort at a perfect 5 out of 5.

What We Don’t Like About the Rogue Floor Glute

Despite having transport wheels, this machine isn’t the easiest to move around. At 108 pounds, it’s quite hefty, and unfortunately, it’s not built for vertical storage. As a result, we docked a point off the footprint and portability score, resulting in a 4-out-of-5 rating.

“It cannot stand straight up to store out of the way when it is not in use,” Coop told me. “You would have to almost engineer something for it to lock into in order to keep it upright if you wanted it out of the way.”

Although this isn’t the priciest product on our list (that honor belongs to the Shogun NORD-EX), it also doesn’t have the versatility of some other expensive Nordic benches. You cannot adjust the thigh pad angle, for example, which could be beneficial for exercises like back extensions (or even beginner-friendly Nordics).

If you value versatility, you may want to consider something like the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro X—a nine-in-one machine that’s roughly $115 more than the Rogue Floor Glute. 

Testing Breakdown

The Rogue Floor Glute made a strong impression on our team, earning a 4 or higher in every category. Here’s a complete scoring breakdown. 

Vs. The Average

The Rogue Floor Glute is nearly $200 more expensive than the average Nordic bench. It’s quite a bit heavier, though, weighing nearly 50 pounds more than the average profile. 

A dedicated Nordic bench isn’t for everyone; some people need versatility to add a product to their home gym. If you’re interested in versatility and Nordic curls, you may want to consider our pick for the best weight bench for Nordic curls: The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench.

This inexpensive adjustable weight bench has a leg roller attachment by the seat of the bench. The seat pad is also a little wider to accommodate placing your knees on it. Once situated in the leg roller, the user can lean forward onto the bench, performing a Nordic curl. And because it’s an adjustable bench, the bench can be adjusted for Nordic progressions, even with the back pad completely vertical. This unique two-in-one training tool allows you to maximize your training potential in a footprint-friendly package, earning a near-perfect 4.5-out-of-5 rating in this category.

Construction: 3.5/5

Value: 4/5

Stability: 4/5

Why We Like The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench

Based on its roughly $299 price point, you get good value given all the things you can do with the Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench. After all, this full-body strength training tool can work well for everything from lat pulldowns to Nordic curls to incline bench presses. As a result, we rate the value at a solid 4 out of 5.

Although it doesn’t have a foot pad like most traditional Nordic benches, this design allows you to perform a wider range of exercises. So, while some people may find this less comfortable, others may view it as a positive from a versatility standpoint. 

We also appreciate the compact design and portability of this bench. It only weighs 38 pounds—nearly half the amount of the average weight bench we’ve tested. Despite its rather svelte design, it offers a 700-pound weight capacity, which should be more than enough for most users to perform lower- and upper-body exercises. 

It is worth mentioning that this is not the most rugged bench, but GGR founder Coop Mitchell still thinks it’s a solid addition. 

“The bench loses some points on sturdiness, but it is stable enough for people to do traditional bench workouts in its horizontal position,” he told me. 

What We Don’t Like About The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench

As an adjustable weight bench, there are a couple of design issues that Coop had to address in his testing of the Nordic Weight Bench. To accommodate for nine back pad positions and five seat pad positions, the bench has a significant back pad, although Coop said most people may be able to avoid it by laying on just the back pad during bench press.

Additionally, the weight bench isn’t made with the highest-quality materials, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in construction and durability and leading Coop to compare it to the popular budget-priced FLYBIRD Adjustable Bench. It makes for a lightweight adjustable bench that has some definite wobble while in use.

“I like the addition of the Nordic curl feature, but the quality and stability leave it a bit lacking,” Coop told me, rating the ergonomics and comfort at a 3.5 out of 5.

If you’re not looking for Nordic curls on a weight bench, then there are better options available with higher-quality materials that provide a more comfortable experience.

Looking for a sturdier setup? We recommend the Rogue Floor Glute, which earned a perfect rating for construction and durability, as well as a 4.5 out of 5 for stability. 

Testing Breakdown

Here’s a category-by-category scoring breakdown of The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench. 

Vs. The Average

The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench is roughly $200 cheaper than the average Nordic bench, making it a solid option if you’re on a tighter budget. 

Read our The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench review for more information on this unique piece of equipment.

To identify the best Nordic benches on the market, our team tested a dozen different machines after researching top brands and products. We rated the following categories between 1 and 5 after taking each item through several workouts and assessing a brand’s return and warranty policies, as well as online customer reviews.

Construction and Durability

What type of materials is the bench constructed from? We look for durable metal (preferably, 11-gauge steel) that won’t bend or break under heavy loads. The padding and upholstery should also be of sufficient quality in that they won’t rip with repeated use.

To earn a 3 out of 5, the materials are good but not necessarily top of the line. For example, a bench may have a sturdy frame, but the padding may be less than stellar. Higher scores go to benches made with excellent materials that should hold up for years. 

Footprint and Portability

How much room does the bench take up? Some are space-efficient, while others command quite a bit of real estate. We also assess how easily you can move and store a bench when you’re not using it.

To earn a 3 out of 5, the bench may be a bit sizable, but it can fold or be easily moved as needed for storage. We award higher scores to benches that have a compact footprint or are easy to roll, fold and store. 

Ergonomics and Comfort

Does the bench feel comfortable for Nordic curls and other exercises? Can you easily adjust various settings—such as the incline level—to customize the bench to your body type? 

To earn a 3 out of 5, the bench feels reasonably comfortable and can adjust a few settings, but it may not suit all users. Higher scores go to the most comfortable benches that offer a variety of settings and angles that fit users of various heights. 

Stability

Does the bench feel secure while in use? We take note of any wobbling, shaking, or slippage that may cause discomfort or distract from your experience.

To earn a 3 out of 5, you may notice some movement, but the bench feels safe to use, overall. We award higher scores if the bench stays firmly in place and you feel well-supported for all types of movements.

Delivery and Assembly

Does the bench arrive ready to go out of the box, or does it involve a labor-intensive assembly process? To earn a 3 out of 5, the setup isn’t terrible, but you may face some challenges and the process could be time consuming. We award a 5 out of 5 if the bench is easy to assemble, requiring no more than 60 minutes for proper setup. 

Price and Value

While attachments can cost as little as $55, a traditional Nordic bench can range in price from approximately $250 to more than $1,000. When you get on the higher end of the scale, you should expect a product to offer significantly more versatility, such as what you get with the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro.

To earn a 3 out of 5, the bench feels priced appropriately. It may not be a great deal, but you’re getting your money’s worth. On the other hand, we give a 4 or 5 if it offers exceptional value, meaning even if it’s expensive, it can still earn a high rating if its performance warrants the cost. 

Customer Experience

What type of warranty and return policies does the manufacturer offer? Can you easily get in touch with customer service to address any shipping issues or product defects? 

To earn a 3 out of 5, the company offers a warranty between three to five years, at least a 30-day return policy, and has multiple contact options. We award a perfect score to brands that are super responsive, have an easy ordering process, and offer a warranty of five years or more.

Customer Reviews

We value what real-world customers have to say about their experience with a particular Nordic bench. In addition to the official company website, we check Amazon and other retailers (when appropriate) to see the average rating. We take note of both common critiques and points of praise to get a full grasp of a customer’s journey. 

The Nordic bench is perhaps the best way to perform the Nordic hamstring curl—a very challenging exercise that predominantly involves the hamstring and glutes. To master this exercise takes time, so I’d say the first benefit is learning a bit of patience as you slowly work toward a full Nordic curl. Below are a few additional perks that can come from this challenging yet interesting movement

Strengthen the Posterior Chain

As I said, the Nordic curl isolates the posterior chain; particularly, the glutes and hamstrings. The eccentric movement of the Nordic curl can give you a solid workout, but having the strength to bring the upper body back up to the starting position requires a lot of hamstring strength. Because of this, working on Nordic progressions can strengthen the glutes and hamstrings over time, much like any other strength training exercise with progressive overload.

“This continual challenge helps your muscles grow stronger,” explains Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “It’s important to start with manageable increments to prevent injury.”

RELATED: Best Glute Workouts

Improved Athletic Performance

A study from March 2023¹ had collegiate athletes add additional Nordic hamstring exercises or sprinting to their lower-body workouts for seven weeks, plus a control group who just completed the standard lower-body workout. The athletes who added the Nordics or sprinting had significant increases in overall athletic performance at the end of the seven-week period over the control group.

The posterior chain is the center for power in athletes, as these muscles are the most important for athletic and dynamic movements, like jumping and sprinting. Working Nordic curls can help strengthen these muscles. 

As an experienced personal trainer who’s worked with many athletes, GGR Senior Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, offers a friendly reminder about why you need to take a holistic approach to training if you care about your performance on the field, court, or wherever you compete.

“A lot of people primarily train the muscles they can see in the mirror, but for athletic performance, you need to train your entire body, particularly your posterior chain,” he explains. “Using exercises like Nordic curls or hip thrusts, which train the hamstrings and glutes, can strengthen the muscles that help you generate more power when jumping and sprinting.”

RELATED: Best Hamstring Exercises

Reduced Risk of Injury

Strengthening the hamstring can also help prevent hamstring-related injuries in athletes. A 2019 review² showed that implementing Nordic hamstring exercises into an athletic program or strength training program can help improve the hamstrings’ tolerance for higher-volume training—all while reducing the risk of a hamstring strain. The review also makes the argument that the best results come from lower, more consistent volume training of Nordic hamstring exercises.

Matt echoes this sentiment, noting that strengthening your hamstrings can help prevent muscle imbalances. 

“The hamstrings are often neglected in comparison to other muscles, and if they’re not properly trained, you’re more likely to strain a muscle when you try to sprint,” he explains. “Having stronger glutes and hamstrings can also help keep your hips and lower back from tilting forward, often anterior pelvic tilt, which may cause lower back pain.”

RELATED: How to Do the Pelvic Tilt Exercise