How safe are Roman Chair exercises for a person with swayback posture?

Hey Beverly,

I have to agree with Shawn! Here are two great articles that were recently released in the IDEA Fitness Journal regarding the topics of Swayback posture vs. lordosis and appropriate program design:

http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/designing-a-program-for-swayback-...

And

http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/corrective-exercises-swayback-pos...

If you don't have access to these articles drop me a message and I can send them to you through Fitness Connect.

The primary reason that I do not select the Roman Chair for the majority of the population is because of the fulcrum (pivot point) of the machine. Many people don't consciously think about how much additional force is required to extend the spine as the fulcrum (in this case the resting pad) moves towards the feet. Rather than move the resting pad forward (towards the head) many people just swing themselves up, thus using momentum, which negates the original intent of the exercise. Additionally, I've experienced problems with clients that have blood pressure issues. If inversion is something they're not accustomed to, I would also stay away from the chair.

Honestly, a Swiss Ball or a BOSU™ Balance Trainer (dome side up) will do the trick. There's not quite as much gluteal activation with these pieces of equipment but you can make subtle adjustments to compensate for that. Not to mention- It's a heck of a lot more comfortable :o)

Hope that helps!

When I was a novice trainer and did not know any better, I had a client who claimed that many low back exercises bothered her. In my desperation, I went to the Roman Chair, and, after the first few back extensions there, her face lit up and she proclaimed it to be the best lower back exercise she ever did. It never presented a problem. Would I do the same thing today? Probably not.

Is there a chance that you can talk to the physical therapist and ask for a clarification? Surely you can find some wording in the PT prescription for which you need extra information ;-) Has the client done those exercise under the PT supervision? There are different angles of Roman Chairs; which one?

Hello Beverly,

I agree, that that movement is pretty advanced.

I noticed in your comments that you too are a pilates instructor. I received my training and certification through STOTT Pilates. One of the things that I appreciated very much about the STOTT Pilates approach is their emphasis on pilates programming based upon one's posture.

Do you think it might be a good idea to suggest movements that involve supported extension of the thoracic spine and gradually progress the movement when her patient, is strong enough to perform more advanced exercises?

Hope this is of help.

I tended to have swayback. I have done exercises on the Roman Chair for over 16 years. I have never been injured from the exercise and feel that it has given me strength and stability.
Yes, it is a rather aggressive exercise and should be approached with some caution, and perhaps some prior less demanding lower back work. With clients, I may use it as part of a progression or periodization program.