Weight lifters use free weight benches to perform the most popular weight lifting exercise: the bench press, as well as many other exercises. If you want your own weight workout bench, you can purchase one, but then you will need to assemble it. It's not very difficult to do if you keep the components organized.
Step 1
Lay out all the frame supports and padding in the area where you are placing the weight bench. Put them on the floor in the order of assembly from the head to the seat of the bench. Have the socket set and all bolts, washers and nuts next to the frame.
Step 2
Read the directions on the schematic drawings for parts and pad assembly, including using the appropriate size attachment parts such as bolts and nuts.
Step 3
Assemble the base by laying the bottom foot supports of the bench in a triangular fashion, with the head of the bench having two foot bases and the seat of the bench having one. Connect the head base supports to the head cross bar base by putting the bolts in the holes of the supports and screwing on washers and nuts. Tighten the nuts firmly but not too tight.
Step 4
Connect the back frame bar with the foot base support at the seat of the bench with bolts, washers, and nuts. Then connect the head cross bar base to the back frame bar using the same parts as listed for the frame base. The base frame should look like the capital letter "T" at this point.
Step 5
With the help of another person, place the upright supports next to the head of the back frame cross bar base. Lift the upright supports on each side one at a time. While upright, connect them on the side using bolts, washers, and nuts. Repeat this process for the other side.
Step 6
Attach the padded bench to the back frame bar on the underside of this support piece. Slide the barbell hooks in the holes at the top of each upright support. Go back and re-tighten all the nuts.
Tips and Warnings
- Some weight benches include optional plate arms for storing barbell plates, which would require an extra step to attach them to the upright supports.
- When assembling a weight lifting bench, always ask someone to help you, as one person needs to hold the upright supports while the other person tightens the bolts and nuts when attaching parts.
Things You'll Need
- Base supports
- Upright supports
- Back frame bar
- Cross bar base
- Bench padding
- Plate arms
- Barbell hooks
- Socket set with ratchet
- Bolt, nuts, and washers
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