If you’re looking to upgrade your home gym with a versatile piece of exercise equipment, the best weight bench could make you never want to go to the gym again. Weight benches provide support while targeting your muscles to build strength and endurance. There are different types of weight benches, such as B. Flat weight benches, adjustable weight benches (also known as flat-incline weight benches) and Olympic weight benches.
“Weight benches are an essential part of home fitness equipment. They open the door to a lot more versatility in your weightlifting routine, including upper and lower body workouts with dumbbells, barbells, and bodyweight,” Rachel MacPherson, an ACE-certified personal trainer at Garage Gym Reviews, tells SELF. “You can use them to support your back during hip thrusts, as a platform for step-ups, to support your body during seated movements like overhead presses, bench presses and flies, and as a chest brace for spin curls and chest plank rows.” Benches are also useful for unilateral exercises like Bulgarian squats, one-arm rows, and inclined lateral raises.”
What to look out for when buying a weight bench
Benches come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. So when looking for a weight bench, MacPherson recommends keeping your budget and needs in mind. Ultimately, what you choose will depend on your experience, fitness goals, and the exercises you want to incorporate into your exercise routine.
- Type: You should consider whether you want: a no-fuss option that simply provides a strong and stable base for training; Adjustability for a variety of exercises and different angles; an all-in-one option that allows you to do heavy lifting; or an option to target specific muscles with additional attachments. For example, flat benches don’t adjust to angles, MacPherson says, making them less versatile than adjustable benches. An incline or decline on adjustable benches allows you to target your muscle groups from slightly different angles than a flat bench.
- durability: “A good weight bench is solid, robust and versatile. It also won’t be too narrow or short, so it can be used by a range of body types,” says MacPherson. “Upholstery and other materials are also important. Look for robust materials and solid constructions such as powder-coated steel. You can look up weights to determine how strong and sturdy a bench might be. I suggest going with something that can withstand at least 500-700 pounds or even 1,000 pounds or more, which would include your body weight, applied force, and any weight you’re lifting. Steel frames are also a good choice for durability.
- storage: Some weight benches are foldable, while others, such as Collapsible weight benches are easier to disassemble and store, helping you save space when not in use. They’re also usually easier to set up. One downside to foldable weight benches is that some may not be as stable compared to fixed weight benches. Fixed weight benches provide more stability when lifting and are generally great options for heavy lifters. Just keep in mind that they can be more expensive.
- Accesories:Accessories like resistance bands, workout brochures, and access to online workout programs can be especially helpful for beginners or anyone looking to get the most out of their purchase. Some weight benches also offer accessories, like a preacher curl pad, leg extension, and dip station, that you can use to perform isolation exercises to work your biceps, quads, and core.
Below are 13 highly rated options based on customer reviews to help you choose the best weight bench for your home gym.
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