The workout bench is part of the basic equipment of any good weight training session, such as dumbbells and bars. For people who train at home, it offers a good complement to the practice of weight training indoors. Indeed, it allows you to perform various exercises to work all the muscles of the body but also isolate muscle groups and thus gain muscle mass. It is a stable, robust material, composed of a multitude of settings; it is suitable for all sizes. In addition, it is often compact and foldable for easy storage.
Top 5 Workout Bench- Comparison
Image | Features | Find on Amazon |
---|---|---|
1. Unique triangular structure 2. Adjustability ensured 3. Comfortable padding 4. Space-saving | Click to view on Amazon | |
1. Construction permits heavy duty 2. Comfortable foam 3. Space-saving design 4. Ensures maneuverability 5. Powder-coated finish 6. Fit for home use | Click to view on Amazon | |
1. Space-Saving Design 2. Total Versatility 3. Workout Variation 4. Flexible seat mechanism 5. Adjustable feet | Click to view on Amazon | |
1. Sturdy 2. Adjustable backrest with 12 positions 3. Wider backrest 4. A detachable leg holds down a bar 5. Easy move and storage | Click to view on Amazon | |
1. Standard Sizing 2. Integrated Leg Developer 3. Sleek sewn vinyl seat 4. Four bench positions 5. Strong safety pins | Click to view on Amazon | |
Top 5 Workout Bench- Comparison
1. FLYBIRD
Adjustable Weight Bench
- Unique triangular structure
- Adjustability ensured
- Comfortable padding
- Space-saving
Unique triangular structure
This adjustable weight bench features a unique frame with a triangular structure and is made of heavy-duty commercial-thickness steel which makes it very sturdy and durable. These criteria are very crucial for a workout. Its weight capacity is 700 Lbs
Adjustability ensured
This workout bench comes with fast adjustment with an automatic lock. It offers seven backrest settings, three seat adjustment options, and two footpad positions for a full-body workout. You just need to pull the fast bolt, adjust the place that fits you, and automatically lock. Safety ensured.
Comfortable padding
It is made of a 10.6″ upgraded backrest and seat made of leather and filled with soft foam padding to 2″/ It allows you to do any exercise with a very comfortable feeling.
Space-saving
FLYBIRD foldable bench is easy to carry. The size while folding is 30″ L x 16″ W x 9″ H. You can put it in the corner or under the bed when you finish the workout. It is compact when folded but can accommodate people up to 6 feet 2 inches (in) in height. It also does not require assembly.
This bench has 2-in soft foam padding with a faux leather cover.
Dimensions: 49.2 x 15.7 x 44.5 in (30 x 16 x 9 in when folded)
Weight capacity: 700 pounds (lb)
Pros
- Comfortable seating
- Foldable
- Space saver
Cons
- No cons
2. Marcy
Flat Utility Weight Bench
- Construction permits heavy-duty
- Comfortable foam
- Space-saving design
- The practical design ensures maneuverability
- Powder-coated finish
- Fit for home use
This Flat Utility Bench is high-functioning workout equipment that allows you to perform a full-body workout. It is one of the best weight benches for home.
Construction permits heavy-duty
The heavy construction ensures durability. With the indicated 600-pound limit, this should be fine for heavy lifting for just about anybody with max weight. The heavy-duty steel tube frame allows steady support for the bench. It is incredibly solid — absolutely no wobble at all.
Comfortable foam
Thick and firm padding is added and you would not feel any bolts underneath. The high-density foam and boxed upholstery provide maximum comfort.
Space-saving design
This exercise bench is designed for perfect space-saving. If you don’t have much floor space to work with at home, this bench is for you. You can reposition the bench quite often depending on the exercise.
The practical design ensures maneuverability
This home workout bench comes with a highly durable steel frame. It is designed to maximize your mobility. Practical design combined with performance allows you to make every workout more efficient. It is light enough to reposition for different exercise setups with ease, but also very stable when in use. Weight capacity: 600 lb.
Powder-coated finish
You don’t need to worry about heavy use It is reinforced with powder coating which helps to resist wear and tear from strenuous workouts. It gives you the guarantee of an excellent, long-lasting investment for your home gym.
Fit for home use
You will get all the benefits of an intense gym session with this versatile gym equipment. You can practice as many exercises to build specific muscle groups in the comfort of your home.
Pros
- Excellent maneuverability
- Space-saving design
- Powder-coated finish
Cons
- Smaller in size and lack of incline.
- Not a bench for serious lifters.
3. Bowflex
Weight Bench Series
- Space-Saving Design
- Total Versatility
- Workout Variation
- Flexible seat mechanism
- Adjustable feet
- Built Strong
Space-Saving Design
The Bowflex weight bench can be bestowed with an easy click of a button. You have to click, lift, and go process to stow the bench. It allows 50% space maximization when not in use.
Total Versatility
You can select from 6 adjustable angles as per your need. It can be incline or decline. The 6 adjustable angles are :
-20°, 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°
In the fully declined position with the seat lifted decline sit-ups feel just right with the ankle bar. The flat position is rock-solid when doing bench presses, and it’s very nice to have several options for incline. The mechanism for raising/lowering the bench is a spring-loaded “pull-pin” type which allows the upright support arm to glide easily up and down the floor leg – no grinding or scraping sensations. Once your desired position is selected, you can allow the pin to pop in place which fully secures the backrest. Optionally, you can twist the same handle to lock the support arm and leg together to eliminate any play between them. The seat has two position options, flat of course, and then raised. In the raised position, it’s high enough to fully prevent sliding down the seat when doing incline work but not so high as to be distracting. With the seat raised, it’s also set at the same angle as the backrest when fully lowered, providing a great base for decline work or decline crunches/sit-ups.
Workout Variation
It comes with a removable leg hold-down brace that supports an added decline position. Load capacity is 600 lb.
Flexible seat mechanism
The seat mechanism is simple. You have to lift the seat up to lock it into the up position. Then you need to lift a small red lever to allow the seat to drop back down to the flat position. The rounded edge of the seat has plenty of flex to it, almost like you are sitting down in your favorite recliner at first.
Adjustable feet
The feet of the bench are adjustable, so if you don’t have a perfectly flat floor, it will allow you to compensate.
Built Strong
Heavy-duty steel construction ensures that the bench will last for years to come.
Pros
- Adjustable angles allow flexibility
- Adjustable feet ensure security
- Space-saving foldable option
Cons
- The gap between the backrest and the seat is very wide.
4. Fitness Reality SuperMax
Adjustable workout bench
- Sturdy
- Adjustable backrest with 12 positions
- Wider backrest
- A detachable leg holds down a bar
- Easy move and storage
Sturdy
Hundreds of reviewers recommended this weight bench as it is plenty sturdy for those who like to bench heavyweights. with a weight capacity of 800 lbs and a unique triangular support structure, the bench proves them right. The triangular support gives this bench incredible strength.
Strong powder-coated tubular steel frame construction. User height up to 6’4”.
Adjustable backrest with 12 positions
One of the main user issues for buying this particular bench is the fact that the backrest has a 90-degree position a requirement for most users. Smooth 12-position adjustable backrest by utilizing 2 positions front leg adjustment. The backrest adjusts to a -20 degree decline to +80 degree incline angles. Flat position height: 17.5″. Backrest thickness: 1.75”. The seat positioned that is the lower position allows for a perfectly level flat bench
Wider backrest
For better back support the bench provides you with an upgraded 2019 foam backrest with 2” wider (12” W x 33.5” L). It would make you feel comfortable while exercising. It also comes with an upgraded 2019 larger seat (15.3” W x 14.5” L) with a 2” wider back width.
A detachable leg holds down a bar
For additional stability, during workouts, the bench provides you with a detachable 3-position adjustable leg hold-down bar. Extended leg stabilizers prevent movement or rocking during workouts. Another plus, this bench is 2 inches lower enough to make it easier to pick up dumbbells off the floor while sitting on the bench.
Easy move and storage
It is easy to set up, move, adjust, and store. The bench can be folded for storage. It’s easy to put together and even comparable to more expensive weight benches for a fraction of the price. Transportation wheels are included for easy relocation.
Folded size: 51″ L x 23.5″ w x 9″ H.
Set up Dimensions: 59” L x 23.5” W x 48.5” H.
Pros
- 12-position adjustable backrest
- A detachable leg holds down a bar
- Wheels are included for easy transportation
Cons
- The lack of thick padding on the footpeg
- The wheels on the “head” end of the bench are weak
5. Weider
Platinum standard Gym bench
- Standard Sizing
- Integrated Leg Developer
- Sleek sewn vinyl seat
- Four bench positions
- Strong safety pins
This bench gives you a total-body strength-training solution. It provides everything you need to get a great workout from home.
Standard Sizing
Sturdy fixed upright allows this weight bench to support up to 110 compatible with 6.5-foot standard barbells and 1” standard weight plates (sold separately). You can use it for various exercise movements with no problems
Integrated Leg Developer
Integrated leg developer allows you to train your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and hip flexors.
Sleek sewn vinyl seat
The sleek sewn seat makes it tear-resistant. It is easy to wipe clean after an intense workout.
Four bench positions
You have the option of choosing among 4 different positions. The positions are 2 progressive levels of incline, 1 level of decline, and a standard flat position.
These positions allow you to accommodate your lifting preferences and exercise routine.
Strong safety pins
It comes with strong safety pins. Moreover, fixed uprights enhance lifting safety. It can hold 410-Pound which gives this bench stability and sturdiness. You can enjoy peace of mind as you build strength at home.
Pros
- The price is great for the quality
Cons
- This weight bench slash rack might not suit taller weightlifters
How to choose the Best Workout Bench
Why buy a workout bench?
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, having a weight bench at home is a major advantage for building muscle quickly and efficiently.
The bench allows working at the same time the pectorals, the arms, the back but also all the lower parts of the body including the quadriceps, glutes, and calves. It is the basic all-in-one weight system that is essential to own to play this sport at home. So buying a good device is like avoiding buying several more at retail.
Another positive side, the bench allows you to work on your strength and progress in bodybuilding gradually. Simply adding cast-iron discs it will gradually adapt to your progress. It will then be easy to isolate a muscle for work. To give you an example, each weight bench has a bench press or incline station that will allow you to build your pecs. Depending on the type of machine you choose, you are free to target another muscle group to develop and easily build a dedicated strength training program.
With discipline, consistency, and diligence you will quickly see results in your body. In addition, if you have a busy schedule it will save you time by exercise every evening or 4 times a week.
To take care of your body and sculpt a dream figure, you need to exercise regularly. Many of you prefer to join a gym to be motivated as a group. But for lack of time or goodwill, you don’t go and find that your subscription, your money, has gone up in smoke.
Having a workout bench at home allows you to work out whenever you want. You’re no longer dependent on gym schedules, and you no longer have to take a long drive to do the bench press. Here it is you who manages your home strength training sessions when you want with your equipment that will pay for itself more quickly than a gym membership. In the end, buying the best weight bench will benefit you in many ways.
Finally, the weight bench is a relatively simple device and its assembly is often quite easy.
The different types of weight benches
Classic weight bench
There are indeed weight benches without bars and others that are more complete. The models without bars are simple benches that are not adjustable and therefore not suitable for all users.
The models without bars are less expensive because they are classic benches. A basic weight bench is ideal for working your abs and lower back.
Multi-function models
The multi-position weight benches can incline to work a variety of muscles (pecs, shoulders, back …). These are weight benches with retractable feet. The only problem is that they are combined with dumbbells which can limit your progress.
Weight benches with candles
They are perfect models for the development of the pecs of beginners as well as professional users. With this type of bench, you will be able to raise the backrest and work on different postures. Also, the candles are adjustable.
Pulley models
They are weight benches with a pulley mechanism that are loaded with bricks. This type of bench is ideal for strengthening and developing back muscles, alternating with the use of a rower or exercise bike.
Free-load weight bench vs. guided bench
There are two main families of weight benches, each offering different advantages and disadvantages.
Free-load weight bench
Freeload weight bench Here we are going to talk about the most classic weight bench there is. It can be a simple horizontal bench or a more complex apparatus with a bicep stand, a pulley for back pulling, or even a module for doing the leg extension.
The goal of such a bench is to be able to use it in several ways to work as many muscles as possible with a minimum of equipment. The primary purpose of a bench is to work the pectorals, so we recommend that you favor a bench with a raised backrest and, if possible, reclining. This will allow you to do the bench press but also its inclined and declined variants which will be useful for drawing your pecs well.
In terms of practicality, these benches are often designed to be foldable, which can be an advantage if you want to install them in your bedroom, for example.
In general, by opting for a free-load bench, it will be up to you to buy everything related to weights, dumbbells, and weight bars. These additional costs should therefore be included in your budget.
Guided weight bench
Guided load weight bench Guided weight benches are machines designed for regular weight training at home in a completely safe environment. These benches are also called guided load presses.
Here, you will not be able to drop a weight on the floor for the simple reason that it is stacked and secured to the structure of the bench. You can increase or decrease the load to be lifted easily with a simple iron rod that fits into a small cast-iron brick.
The guided load weight bench is therefore an excellent ally for anyone wishing to have at home an evolving device according to their progress. Being able to work the whole body, this type of weight bench also offers the advantage of being compact and not dragging anything on the floor.
The guided load weight bench is therefore an excellent ally for anyone wishing to have at home an evolving device according to their progress. Being able to work the whole body, this type of weight bench also offers the advantage of being compact and not dragging anything on the floor.
The main working position is seated, with your back firmly pressed against the back of the bench. Then movements such as the butterfly, the neck pull, and the seated press will be easy basics. On some devices, you can also work the biceps by curling, or the thighs with leg curl. You will understand, in the end, that the guided load also allows full bodywork if you choose the best weight bench suited to your goals.
Over time you may become comfortable with the maximum load of the device. Be aware that some guided load benches and presses can accommodate additional weight stacks that you can later purchase at retail.
If you are purchasing a guided load bench press, be sure to choose a model that can work all the muscles in the body. If you opt for a workload then it is necessary that the bench can have all the possible and imaginable adjustments at the level of the backrest and the seat (several levels of inclination and declination). He must also support heavy loads both in the bench press and the squat.
Finally, a Smith machine can be an interesting compromise between free and guided loads for intensive or regular use in weight lifting. This is a machine that allows safe work because you can work heavy loads in a guided way because the bar will be attached on each side to a guide in a sliding manner. So even on your bench press max rep, the bar will not fall on you. This weight bench allows you to work out and increase your strength in the best possible way.
The criteria to take into account to choosing a weight bench
When deciding to buy a weight bench, price isn’t everything. It is important to have quality weight training equipment at home that will allow you to progress steadily and safely.
This purchase requires taking into account various aspects that will help you guide your choice. Your experience, your strength, the use you want to make of your equipment, the exercises you want to practice, and the frequency of your training are decisive in the choice of your bench.
Choosing your weight bench means thinking about your practice goal (muscle mass gain, muscle building, etc.) but also the type of device that will help you achieve this goal. Here are a few points of the main characteristics to take into account when choosing your weight bench.
Stability and solidity
This is the most important criterion to take into account because it is your safety during your workouts. You should know that the heavier the bench, the more stable it is. The same goes for its width and footprint.
A heavy and wide workout bench will allow you to perform a bench press without moving and achieve clean movements and control. On the contrary, a thin bench with a weak grip on the ground will make your movements difficult because it will tend to move during your very dangerous repetitions.
Indeed, a weight bench is heavy. Therefore, the heavier it is, the more stable it will be on the ground.
Try to avoid models designed with plastic and prefer steel-weight benches as best you can, they are your best allies.
Since you are going to perform various movements on your weight bench with bars and dumbbells or without these elements, the stability of the equipment is an essential criterion for better use of equipment. Having a strong and stable bench is therefore the basis for successful training. Choose solid alloys and avoid plastics that you think are too fragile.
Choose a weight bench adjusted to your strength, weight, and height, the strength of which meets your own experience and level of practice. Depending on how often you use your bench, be sure to check the strength of the bench, the candles, the bar, and the cast iron kit associated with it. The more experienced you are, the more important your practice is. This means that your bench will be used more often, hence the importance of equipping yourself with a sturdy device.
Security
Safety is paramount when it comes to weight benches. To ensure that your equipment is equipped with them, it is necessary to verify that the weight benches with bars are equipped with safety sensors.
Safety is paramount when it comes to weight benches. To ensure that your equipment is equipped with them, it is necessary to verify that the weight benches with bars are equipped with safety sensors.
Comfort
A weight bench doesn’t have to be an instrument of torture. It must therefore be made with comfortable padding to allow you to have a good seat and work postures that do not hurt you over time.
We spoke about it above but the width of the bench is also an important criterion of choice for your comfort. If you choose a bench with a too-thin backrest, you will not take any pleasure and little by little your weight bench will turn into a coat rack! Consider choosing a weight bench with a backrest wide enough to practice with ease and preferably reclining. A well-padded seat and wide backrest will therefore allow you to work efficiently during each weight training session. The same goes for each option offered by your bench: Take a good look at the thickness of the foams used for the leg extension, the thickness of the bicep stand, etc.
For the coating of the machine, a material is required which is easily cleanable and washable. Vinyl and synthetic leather are the main materials used to cover a weight bench. Impermeable to water and therefore to sweat, they can be washed quickly and help maintain good hygiene over time.
Frequency of use
Beginner weight bench The frequency with which you will do your weight training can lead you to different types of benches.
Occasional use
Are you a beginner and do you practice bodybuilding for less than 3 hours per week? If you only train once or twice a week, then your best bet is to use a very simple bench that works with large muscle groups. A simple weight bench for beginners, lifting or not, will be more than enough to work the pectorals as well as the biceps and triceps. The horizontal station of the bench will also allow you to strengthen your back with many exercises.
The search for performance is not a determining criterion for those who are new to or who plan to practice weight training occasionally in the order of 1 to 3 sessions per week (around 30 minutes per workout). You will choose a bench that offers exercises for the pecs (bench press with bar) and arms (with dumbbells).
Regular use
If you train 3 to 4 times a week then you need equipment that is robust, comfortable, and offers a wide range of possibilities. By doing 4 strength training sessions per week, you can start to target each muscle well and do dedicated sessions. So look for a versatile weight bench with a bicep stand or pulley for pulling. The work of the legs will not be excluded and many benches include a post to the extension to strengthen them.
You will choose a bench that offers you a wide range of exercises. You can develop the pectorals (bench press with bar), the arms (with dumbbells with isolated work on a desk), the shoulders (military dumbbell press), or the back (dumbbell pull while resting on the bench).
Intensive use
Do you train 5 times a week or more? This assiduous practice of weight training must be done with the best weight bench there is. Here, the choice will be made according to your budget and the space available at home. Don’t be afraid to think big with a professional, scalable weight bench.
It rather concerns experienced and performance enthusiasts who wish to practice daily and for long training periods (1 hour per day on average). You will orient yourself towards benches offering you multiple settings to do all the movements. The backrest will have more recline levels (recline, recline, and decline). The maximum load supported will be greater, up to 250 kilos of load. The stability and robustness of the bench are essential characteristics when practicing in intensive use.
A weight training session on a bench can vary from 30 minutes to 1h30. To get your body used to making new efforts, gradually increase the duration of your workouts. Likewise, don’t overestimate the weight of the loads, to begin with. Remember to stick to your bodybuilding.
program as much as possible to obtain results over time. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of stretching after your workout.
Folding backrest
This selection criterion only applies to a free-load device. A basic weight bench mainly works the pectorals while lying down. Choosing a lifting or reclining backrest will also allow you to work the top of the pecs and the shoulders by doing the inclined press, and also the bottom of this muscle with the declined press.
With a weight bench with a lifting backrest, you can also perform exercises targeting the biceps, shoulders, and even the trapezius muscles. Once again, if you opt for a bench with a reclining backrest, pay attention to its strength which will have a direct impact on your safety and also on the proper execution of your movements.
The space available at home
Folding weight bench If you live in a studio or if you want to install a weight bench in your bedroom, this is quite possible. Today the notion of small space is not necessarily incompatible with weight training equipment.
Manufacturers have adapted to demand and now offer foldable weight benches. Visually they look like a normal bench, but once your session is finished you can fold them up so that it takes up as little space as possible. Very practical, the foldable weight bench is available in the freeload version only.
A guided weight bench takes up a little more space than a foldable version. It is certainly a very practical one-piece, but it will be more suitable for someone with a little more space at home. What is highly appreciable in the guided load version is the total absence of weight and cast iron discs all around the machine which represents a significant space-saving, and also a total absence of storage once the session is over.
Finally, the traditional bench with freeloads is the one that takes up the most space. It is ideal if you want to set up a gym in your home. You can then choose a large-weight bench and add other machines around it.
Maximum bench weight
Complete weight bench To choose a weight bench worthy of the name, you will have to talk about weight. Each bench has a maximum load weight which refers to the weight that each element of the structure can support.
Depending on your level, it will therefore be important to choose a bench with stands that can support your maximum weight in the squat or bench press as well as future level development. And it’s the same for the pulley that will be used for pulling and all the other workstations.
For a guided load device, the manufacturers offer a basic cast iron stack which serves as a maximum reference. Note that on some models it is possible to add cast iron sets which will increase the maximum weight with which you can work during your weight training sessions. On some models, however, this is not possible, so be sure to monitor this criterion.
Adjustability
Choose a comfortable, stable but also adjustable seat that makes it easier to perform the exercises. Check if the candles are adjustable in height as well as their size. Next, check if anti-tilt hooks are present as well as anti-crush stops.
To get the most out of your workouts, it is highly recommended that you purchase an adjustable weight bench. Ideally, it should have the ability to adjust downward, flat, and also position itself at 90 degrees.
It is very important to have these adjustments because they give you a wide choice of exercises, you will be able to work the different angles of your chest, and perform sit-ups in a receding position… These are just a few ways that can improve your posture during the exercises.
Build quality
It is much better to buy a steel-weight bench that will ensure the longevity of your fitness equipment.
Even if you are very tempted by low prices, don’t forget that your equipment must be very stable, reliable, and durable if you value your investments in sports equipment!
Device settings
To be able to use your machine for as long as possible, estimate the evolution of the weight bench and the various equipment available to it. Preferably, choose a complete piece of equipment that allows you to work for most muscle groups and enjoy a wide variety of exercises. More and more weight benches are equipped with accessories, which make it possible to multiply the number of exercises (Leg extension for the legs, pulley pulling for the back and the triceps, butterfly for the pectorals, and desk for the biceps … ) The choice is wide but not all are essential. You can benefit from efficient work without having to have every single accessory.
Duration of the guarantee
It is an important criterion to ensure a long lifespan of your machine and to allow you to solve any problems related to the use of your weight bench.
Regarding the safety instructions for weight benches, you should of course not overestimate yourself so as not to lift too heavy loads and injure yourself. You also have to be careful of the accuracy of your movements, contract the abs in each of them, and not arch your back too much.
You can also refer to user reviews to help you choose the one that’s right for you!
Tips for making your weight bench last
Choose the right weight bench. Having a weight bench at home is a very good thing, making it last over time is another.
Take good care of your equipment. After each set and also at the end of a session, remember to clean the sweat from your bench. Much like in the gym, leave a small spray bottle filled with a cleaning solution near your weight bench. The coating on your device will not suffer from the acidity of sweat and will last longer without getting damaged.
Every 2 months or every month depending on how often the machine is used, check that everything is tight and in place. A screw that comes apart little by little is not necessarily heard but has a very negative impact on the device that can even damage it permanently.
A guided weight bench should receive regular maintenance. An abnormal squealing of the device during a session should alert you. Regularly oiling the mechanisms and chains of the bench will allow you to use it much longer at home.
Finally, even if it makes sense, do not store anything on the seat of your bench so as not to damage its upholstery, also prevent your cat from getting used to sleeping on it because it could also scratch it.
In the case of a free-load bench, be sure to unload the bench press bar and store each cast iron disc after use.