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Bigger isn’t necessarily always better. However, in the case of the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro (formerly known as the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper GHD), it’s impossible not to get excited by the sheer number of exercises you can perform on this ultra-versatile muscle-building tool.
While the older version offered six modalities for developing your posterior chain, the new-and-improved Hyper Pro takes things to the next level by combining nine machines into a single, formidable unit. Yes, you read that right, this surprisingly budget-friendly machine includes a glute ham developer, Nordic bench, back extension, reverse hyper, hip thrust, sit-up bench, and a few more options that didn’t exist with the original model.
As a certified personal trainer and longtime lifter, I’m blown away by all the training possibilities the Hyper Pro presents. Yet even though me and the rest of the GGR team are suckers for multi-function machines that allow you to save space and money (which is why we adore the best adjustable dumbbells), it’s fair to ask: Are all nine machines capable of delivering a quality workout?
In this Freak Athlete Hyper Pro review, I’ll take you through the specs, go over important design elements, and relay direct feedback from our resident fitness equipment guru comparing his experience with the old machine vs. the newer version so you can decide whether it’s worth going all-in to secure nine machines for one budget-friendly price.
Our Pros Know How to Spot a Solid Combo Machine
Your friends here at Garage Gym Reviews offer unique industry expertise with a group of certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, gym owners, and Olympic-level athletes coming together to test the best home gym equipment and write equipment reviews.
Plus, we’re home gym owners ourselves. Our goal is to help you get the best bang for your buck (and square foot). To give us the most thorough breakdown, Coop Mitchell, OG home gym owner, product tester, and GGR founder, put the Hyper Pro through our in-depth testing process. Considering he did the same with the Nordic Hyper GHD, he was able to give an apples-to-apples comparison, assessing the machine on important factors such as:
- Construction
- Versatility
- Footprint
- Adjustability
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

Product Highlights
Functions include: Reverse hyper, back extension, GHD, hamstring curl, decline sit-up, hip thrust, leg extension, upper-body
12 height adjustments
14 incline levels
XL rollers
Vertical storage
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 9-in-1 workout functionality
- ASTM-rated to support up to 500 lbs
- Compact footprint when stored vertically: 22″ L x 22″ W x 60″ H
- Easily adjustable color-coded knobs
- Premium padding and knurled steps
Cons
- 30-day return policy
- Leg developer and GHD attachment sold separately
Bottom Line
The new-and-improved Freak Athlete Hyper Pro has many different uses including Nordic hamstring curls (with 14 different incline progressions), glute ham raises, GHD sit-ups, 45-degree back extensions, and hip thrusts. It’s designed to support folks ranging from 5 to 7 feet tall and offers 12 different eight adjustments with easy-to-read laser etched numbers.
A Quick Look at the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro
In July of 2023, Freak Athlete released the Nordic Hyper GHD machine, which shook the fitness world with the convertible six-in-one design focused on building posterior chain strength. Offering six distinct movements — Nordic hamstring curls, glute ham raises, sit-ups, reverse hyperextensions, 45-degree back extensions, and hip thrusts — our expert product testers liked the versatility and space-saving footprint.
However, they agreed not all of the movements performed equally.

Fast forward to 2024 and Freak Athlete seemed to have taken some of Coop’s feedback into account by releasing the Hyper Pro — an upgraded version of the Nordic Hyper GHD with three more training possibilities. At a starting price of about $1,000, this versatile machine provides excellent bang for your buck, especially when you consider how much it would cost to purchase standalone machines for each exercise.
Before You Buy
- Currently only pre-orders are available on the website, which ship at a later date determined by the manufacturer.
- Although it’s marketed as a nine-in-one machine, you must purchase separate attachments to take advantage of all the functionality.
- The 108-pound Hyper Pro has a compact design and can be stored vertically, making it a great option for home gym owners with limited space.
- Freak Athlete offers a risk-free 30-day return policy, which gives you sufficient time to test the Hyper Pro’s capabilities.
- The company offers various financing options, and this product is HSA/FSA eligible.
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Video Review
Is the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Worth It?
If you prioritize a balanced training approach to quads and hamstrings, the Freak Athlete nine-in-one machine offers a way to build your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back—and it’s barely bigger than the best weight bench. It might not be perfect (I’ll get more into that later), but it certainly gives you more than enough options at a fair price.
At the time of writing this review, there is no other piece of equipment on the market that can function in the same way as the Hyper Pro. It essentially replaces nine different bulky (and pricey) gym machines.

For reference, the Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 costs $740 and is over six feet in length and nearly four feet wide. The Vulcan Kraaken-Hyper Machine is a combination unit featuring the ability to perform the GHD and weighted reverse hyper. The Kraaken goes for about $1,700, measures over six feet in length, and weighs 565 pounds.
Another combination machine that offers more portability than the Abram or Kraaken is the Shogun NORD-EX, which is a two-in-one design featuring a Nordic bench and hyper extension priced at $999.
Not one of these machines offers the functionality of the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro, which is priced at $999, measures 5 feet long, just shy of 2 feet wide, and weighs 108 pounds. While the company made some upgrades to the materials used in the Nordic Hyper GHD, there’s still some room for improvement from a design standpoint.

“In concept, it’s a home gym dream piece,” Coop says. “You have to recognize that whenever you combine things that are individual into one unit, you typically have to compromise on some stuff.”
In short, yes, the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro machine is worth it for the average garage gym or home gym owner with a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for overall value. If you have all the available attachments, here’s an overview of everything it replaces:
- Glute-ham developer (GHD)
- Adjustable Nordic bench
- 45° back extension
- Split squat stand
- Upper body machine (using the leg developer)
- Reverse hyper machine
- Hip thrust bench
- Sit-up bench
- Leg extension and leg curl machine

Great for:
- Nordic hyperextension regression/progression
- Building posterior chain strength
- Multiple pieces of gym equipment in one
Not recommended for:
- Full ROM reverse hyper extensions
- Commercial gym use
- Heavy loads
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Specs
Footprint | 60″ L x 22″ W when in use; 22” L x 23” W x 60” H when stored vertically |
Product weight | 108 lbs |
User weight limit | 500 lbs |
User height range | 5′ – 7′ |
Adjustments | 12 height adjustments, 14 levels of incline |
Frame materials | 14-gauge steel base and tubing; 8-gauge steel footplate |
Padding materials | Textured vinyl |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Return policy | 30-day guarantee |
Using the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro
Coop was put to the test for this Freak Athlete review, which required configuring and demonstrating all of the Hyper Pro’s capabilities. Was he blown away by all nine movements?
Not necessarily.
“Some are better, some are worse,” Coop says. “But the concept of what this can do, I am a huge fan of.”
Just like the Nordic Hyper GHD, Coop pinpointed a few design compromises that hold the Hyper Pro back from truly being a high-end product. However, he gave Freak Athlete a tip of the cap for unique engineering,resulting in a standout machine.
Earning a 4-out-of-5 star rating for workout experience, here’s a complete breakdown of each movement courtesy of Coop.
Nordic Bench:
Setting up for Nordic hamstring curls might be the best part of this machine. In fact, Coop put the Nordic on his S-tier (the crème de la crème) when breaking down each component of the Hyper Pro.
“This is a better incline Nordic than most others that you would use to progressively overload nordics because the full pad adjusts,” he explains.

While the older version featured 10 incline increments, the Hyper Pro gives you 14 to work through as you get stronger. Compared to the Nordic Hyper GHD, the Hyper Pro represents an improvement for this movement.
“It’s better than the old one because the rollers are bigger with oversized foam and nice vinyl,” Coop says.
Back Extension:
Earning a B-tier rating from Coop, the back extension feature provides the classic 45-degree back extension angle you see in commercial gyms. Once you’ve set the machine in place at the 45-degree angle, you’ll have 12 height options on where to place the hip pads, which are numbered so you can note exactly what level is suited to your height.
“It’s not as good as a standalone back extension since you don’t have a crazy amount of head room beneath you,” Coop explains. “But those are 10 times the cost and take up a ton of space.”
In this position, you can also perform QL raises. This feature functions exactly like you’d want it to in a commercial gym for extensions and QL raises.
Glute Ham Raise (GHD):
The glute ham raise (GHD) also earned a B-tier rating from Coop. He specifically highlighted how the GHD attachment (which is sold separately) is “vastly superior” to the old one that had to be attached with a Velcro fastener. Instead, the Hyper Pro’s GHD pad attaches directly to the main frame with a pop-pin system, which provides better stability and security. Coop also appreciated that the split pad is oversized and uses thick foam.

For a full range of motion GHD (which includes a 90-degree back extension), you’ll want to set the machine up off the ground using the adjustable arms. In this position, you can perform the GHD into the back extensions for full extension of the hamstrings.
With the machine extended off the ground, you can remove the Nordic bench pad and perform a full range of motion GHD sit-ups. Coop notes that GHD sit-ups on the Freak Athlete aren’t as good or stable as a stand-alone GHD machine. However, he does like that you can get a major stretch across your abs in this position.
Sit-Up Board:
You can use the Hyper Pro as an ab board for flat or decline crunches, leg lifts, or sit-ups. You can even use the GHD pad for decline sit-ups and support the space under your knees. This function performs as it should.
Reverse Hyper:
The reverse hyper on the Freak Athlete will suffice for short people and beginners. Beyond that, the reverse hyper is our least favorite movement on this machine due to the fact you can’t get full range of motion. Coop rated the Hyper Pro’s reverse hyper as a D-tier, noting that while it does do the movement, it should not be viewed as a replacement for a traditional reverse hyper machine.

On the Freak Athlete FAQ page, the brand addresses a statement that the reverse hyper doesn’t seem high enough. The response says that the reverse hyper mode is suitable for folks up to 6 feet and 4 inches tall, which is less than the overall recommendation for the machine as a whole, which is people up to 7 feet tall.
This functionality is also not designed to be loaded with anything other than a resistance band. While that will work for some folks, it won’t offer the spinal decompression (or tension through the whole range of motion) most people are looking for when performing a reverse hyper.
Hip Thrust:
The hip thrust modality earned a B-tier rating from our founder. It’s essentially a leg roller that allows freedom of movement on either side, giving you the ability to use it with a barbell or dumbbells. The leg roller can also be used for Bulgarian split squats, the couch stretch, and reverse Nordics.
“You also have the option to do decline sit-ups and decline presses,” Coop explains.

GGR Managing Editor and Hyper Pro owner Amanda Dvorak expressed some concerns about this part of the machine.
“The only thing I don’t like is the leg roller/hip thrust attachment,” she explains. “It’s fine for Bulgarian split squats, but it’s not good for heavy hip thrusts. It’s not very stable.”
Leg Developer Attachment:
The biggest difference between the Nordic Hyper GHD and the Hyper Pro is the optional Leg Developer Attachment. This allows you to perform several exercises, including prone leg curls and leg extensions.
“For leg extensions, it is as good or better than just about every home gym marketed leg extension that’s plate loaded,” Coop says.

Why such high praise for the leg extension aspect? (Which earned an A- or S-tier rating, by the way) According to Coop, Freak Athlete nailed the angle of the weight horn.
“They just got it perfect,” he explains. “The resistance curve is very consistent all throughout the range of motion. Plus, no back pad means you can lean back far and open up your hip angle.”
Upper Body Kit:
Finally, Freak Athlete upgraded the Hyper Pro with an optional Upper Body Kit that allows you to perform rows, arm curls, and other exercises. It won’t come close to replacing a functional trainer, but it does give you some options for developing your upper body without needing to move to a different machine.
Coop believes Freak Athlete should just include the Upper Body Kit with the Hyper Pro rather than charging an extra $30. However, that’s not exactly an exorbitant price considering you’re going to have to spend at least $1,000 on the machine itself.
Footprint and Portability
For everything the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro can do, it features a surprisingly small footprint at 60 inches long and 22 inches wide. And when it’s in the most compact position for Nordic hamstring curls, it sits under 2 feet tall. Plus, it only weighs 108 pounds and has wheels for easy transportation.
Most importantly, Freak Athlete designed the Hyper Pro so it can be stored vertically, which reduces the footprint to 22” L x 23” W x 60” H.

“They listened to us and the community,” Coop says. “Now there’s a spring-loaded piece on the back that allows you to stand it up for storage.”
Overall, the nine-in-one machine earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for footprint and portability.
Durability and Construction
Although the Nordic Hyper GHD only earned a 3 out of 5 stars for durability and construction, the Hyper Pro gets a slight bump to 4 stars.
Unfortunately, the powder coat still leaves something to be desired. But compared to the older model, Coop appreciates the thicker padding and better quality vinyl.
“They switched from a grippy vinyl that would tear or pull your hair,” he notes. “Comparing it to more expensive units and good vinyl from REP Fitness and other companies, it’s not priced in that realm so I’m actually fine with the quality.”

In an ideal world, he’d like to see knurled aluminum knobs instead of plastic ones. Coop would also use better padding that you see on higher-end machines.
Of course, those improvements would lead to a higher price. But as Coop points out, that might not be a major deterrent for fitness enthusiasts who are willing to invest in a high-quality machine.
“A lot of home gym owners have a small space but not a small budget,” he explains.
RELATED: Best Weight Plates
Adjustability and Ergonomics
The Freak Athlete Hyper Pro might compare more to a Swiss army knife than another piece of gym equipment. And like the handheld multi-tool, you have to know which levers to pull to access the function you want. Same goes for this Freak Athlete machine.
With multiple final positions, three adjustable upright arms, and seven pop pins, Coop says it can be difficult to navigate. This is mainly due to the fact there are no labels to decipher which pop-pin and arm triggers each position. You’ll certainly have a learning curve setting up for all six movements and to the angle of your preference.

However, Coop notices that while there are no labels on the pop pins, the adjustable arms are all numbered with engraved numbers (or angle measurements) on the interior portion of the steel uprights.
“Because there is so much adjustability, you want to know what number or angle you’re using to have repeatability every time you do your workout. This allows you to do that,” says Coop.
Don’t be surprised if it takes you some time to figure everything out, especially since Freak Athlete only provides QR codes that link to video demonstrations.
“Freak Athlete could do a better job of having a physical guide,” Coop says. “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.”
Freak Athlete vs Shogun vs BaseBlocks
Shogun NORD-EX
Shogun NORD-EX

Product Highlights
- 2 machines in 1
- Nordic curl bench and back extension machine
- Fully adjustable to fit most people
- Compact footprint at 41” x 25”
- 11-gauge carbon steel main frame
- Custom-molded self-skinning polyurethane foam
- 35- to 55-degree adjustments for back extension
- 15, 30, or 45 degrees for assisted Nordic curls
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Adjustable angles for back extension and assisted Nordic
- High-quality, heavy-duty materials
- Compact footprint
- Able to store with caster wheels and handle
- Innovative design
- Free shipping in the Continental U.S.
Cons
- Expensive
- Ships in 3 separate boxes
Bottom Line
A truly innovative product, the NORD-EX is a fully adjustable Nordic bench that can be converted into a fully adjustable back extension machine. Able to adjust in multiple angles for a back extension as well as an assisted Nordic curl, the NORD-EX can also be folded and stored away, leaving it a very compact footprint when not in use. At just under $1,000, it’s a bit pricey, but the innovative design is built with quality, heavy-duty materials.
The Nordic Plus
Base Blocks Nordic Plus

Product Highlights
- Adjustable to five heights
- Thick foam pad for knee support
- Progression to full Nordic curl
- Build lower back muscles
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free shipping to the USA and Canada
- Good for various experience levels
- 90-day app access
- Anchors for bands
- Set-up is fast
Cons
- Currently only available for pre-order
- No reviews yet
Bottom Line
The Nordic Plus may be a great addition to your home gym whether you are just starting out or are more experienced and want a way to train Nordic curls. This bench’s ability to adjust to five heights makes it extremely versatile for various strength levels.You can strengthen your hamstrings, calves, or lower back depending on the exercises you do. It also comes with band anchors, allowing you to increase the difficulty of certain exercises.Its assembly time is only five minutes, so you can get started right away.
What we find interesting about comparing the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro to other equipment currently on the market is the fact it’s practically a piece of equipment all on its own because it replaces nine different machines.
At the time of writing this review, the closest options to the Freak Athlete combination machine are the Shogun NORD-EX and the BaseBlocks Nordic Plus. We’ve tested and written full reviews on both machines, and both are highly rated among our expert product testers.
RELATED: BaseBlocks Nordic Plus Review
But, both the Shogun and BaseBlocks machines offer only two things: the Nordic hamstring curl bench (with incline capability for regressions) and a back extension machine. Neither machine will allow you to perform glute ham raises, reverse hypers, hip thrusts, or GHD sit-ups.
RELATED: Shogun NORD-EX review
Shogun NORD-EX | BaseBlocks Nordic Plus | Freak Athlete Hyper Pro | |
Price | $999.95 | $395 | $999.99 |
Weight | 126 lbs | 54 lbs | 108 lbs |
Footprint | 41” L x 25” W | 47” L x 20” W | 60″ L x 22″ W when in use; 22” L x 23” W x 60” H when stored vertically |
Frame material | 11-gauge steel | Powder-coated steel frame (gauge not disclosed) | 14-gauge steel base and tubing; 8-gauge steel footplate |
Pad material | Custom-molded, self-skinning polyurethane foam | Leather-enclosed foam pads | Textured vinyl over foam padding |
Warranty | 3 years on metal parts, welds, and cushions, 90 days on finish and plastic and rubber parts | Lifetime replacement warranty | Lifetime warranty |
Customer Experience
When it comes to customer experience, Freak Athlete earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating. This category is based on a few things including methods to contact the brand, warranty policy, return policy, and financing options.
If you have any concerns about your orders, you can contact Freak Athlete withtwo methods. Either send an email to support@freakathleteessentials.com or fill out the general inquiry form on the contact page. Ideally, we’d like to also see a phone number and business hours listed on the website or a live chat function.
We like the fact Freak Athlete offers financing options at checkout through Afterpay and Shop Pay. Plus, the Hyper Pro is HSA/FSA eligible.
We also appreciate that the brand provides a 30-day money-back guarantee no matter what. There’s no restocking fee and the company covers the return shipping costs.
Another huge bonus: The Hyper Pro is covered by a lifetime warranty. This should give you complete peace of mind about investing $1,000-plus on this machine.
Ordering and Assembling the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro
While ordering the Hyper Pro isn’t an issue, assembling it can be a major challenge, especially since Freak Athlete doesn’t actually provide a physical guide.
Although Amanda enjoys using the machine now that it’s in one piece, let’s just say she didn’t enjoy the experience of putting the Hyper Pro together.
“It was a pain to put together since it only came with QR codes that led to videos for assembly instructions,” she explains. “I wish there would have been written instructions too because I had to keep pausing the videos and rewinding them to make sure I was doing everything right.”
She added, “I feel like the time it took to put it together could have been cut in half if I could have followed a written manual (even if it was something online if they wanted to save paper).”
Because Coop echoed the same sentiment, we’ll give the Hyper Pro 2.5 out of 5 stars in this category.
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Customer Reviews
On the Freak Athlete website, the Hyper Pro has an average rating of 4.9 stars based on more than 1,400 reviews. Customers love its space-saving design and versatility.
“I have a small studio for personal training, and the Nordic Hyper Pro is the best machine I have. It allows for many different exercises, takes up little room, and is easy to store. I’m so thankful you guys made this,” wrote a customer named Strahinja B.
“Great addition to the gym! Only thing it’s missing is calves attachment! Lol great value for what you get! Definitely takes a while to figure it all out, lots of going back and forth through the training videos to learn how and what to do at first, there’s so much it is capable of!” wrote a customer named Kevin C.
However, a few customers experienced some frustration with this product.
“Seems like a good quality build… Minus one issue. The large pad had a faulty fastener. The backing appears to be made out of chip board and when I started to turn the screw into the threaded insert it broke free of the backing material. Hopefully, I can get a new one. We will see. Kind of a bummer for a pad to break before it even has been used,” wrote Thomas L. in his 3-star review.
Final Verdict of Our Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Review
The Freak Athlete Hyper Pro offers a ton of versatility for the home gym owner, especially if you’re working with a small space. It’s important to note that if you’re the most interested in the reverse hyper function, this machine is not your best option. This machine is best suited for folks mainly interested in progressive Nordic curls and GHD capabilities, and the Leg Developer Attachment is what stood out to Coop after comparing the Hyper Pro to the older model.
None of the functions will offer the same amount of stability as any of the given standalone machines because of the adjustable arms and pop pins. However, it’s tough to knock the Hyper Pro too much based on its attractive price point.
“The amount of lower body training you can do on this thing is amazing,” Coop says. “I foresee these going into more and more home gyms; it’s definitely an upgrade over the older version.”
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Rating
Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper GHD

Will the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper GHD review convicine you this 6-in-1 machine is your next home gym investment?
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 999.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.22
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro: FAQs
Can you do Nordic curls on a GHD?
While the movement and concept of a Nordic curl and GHD are similar, your legs will not be anchored on a flat surface during a GHD. The GHD pad offers a curved angle that the knee pivots around. To make the GHD more similar to a Nordic curl, do not fully extend into the 90-degree back extension.
How big is the Nordic Mini?
The Freak Athlete Nordic Mini is 38 inches long and 18 inches wide. The actual Nordic board is 24 inches long and 18 inches wide. You can read more details, specs, and check out our in-depth review in our Freak Athlete Nordic Curl review.
Is a GHD machine bad for your back?
A glute-ham developer (GHD) is an excellent way to strengthen your back muscles (and your glutes and hamstrings, which help support your lower back). That said, if you are someone who suffers from chronic back pain, the GHD is a super difficult movement, making it a tough starting point for beginners and anyone with back pain. Glute bridges, reverse hypers, and a 45-degree back extension are exercises that can help you prepare for a GHD.
Further reading

Bigger isn’t necessarily always better. However, in the case of the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro (formerly known as the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper GHD), it’s impossible not to get excited by the sheer number of exercises you can perform on this ultra-versatile muscle-building tool. While the older version offered six modalities for developing your posterior chain, the new-and-improved Hyper Pro takes things to the next level by combining nine machines into a single, » Read more about: Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Review (2025): 9 Machines In 1, But Are All of Them Good? » Read more

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