Walk into a gym or fitness store and ask for an exercise bench and you might get a confused look. Ask for a standard weight bench, a situp decline bench or a step bench and you'll probably quickly guided in the right direction. Exercise benches have a broad definition and they include a broad range of devices.
Explanation
An exercise bench is any type of bench-like device that helps you exercise. Exercise benches generally consist of a flat, padded area where you can sit, lean or recline supported by a base made of metal tubes. Exercise benches can be adjustable to accommodate a variety of exercises or fixed in place for greater stability. They generally fall into two categories: those you use for weightlifting and those you use for other exercises.
Weight Benches
Weight benches include adjustable benches, standard benches and Olympic weight benches. Adjustable benches can have a single bench or two padded areas, one for your rear and one for your upper body. The benches adjust to different inclines, declines, or both. They can have a padded foot grip and a movable lower unit for leg extensions and other leg exercises. Standard weight benches are more elaborate than adjustable benches, often including a top metal frame to hold the barbell you need for upper-body work. They can include padded areas for support during arm curls. They can also come with no seating area but only padded areas to work your arms. Olympic weight benches resemble standard benches except the top metal frame is much heavier for the heavier weights you need for Olympic-style training.
Other Exercise Benches
Other exercise benches are those you can use to exercise without weights. They include a wide range of benches for situps, back extensions and other abdominal and back exercises. They are generally smaller than weight benches because they target a specific area. One more type of bench that technically falls into the exercise bench category, although it is an entirely different style, is the step bench. Mainly used for step aerobics, step benches are hard plastic units with a rubber tread. They are usually stackable and sometimes adjustable to different heights.
Buying
Exercise bench prices vary widely, depending on the type of bench, its construction and its features. The simplest, non-adjustable bench cost $40 in February 2011 while a heavy-duty Olympic bench went for more than $400. You can purchase exercise benches at retailers that sell sporting goods, fitness equipment and general merchandise stores. You can often find discounted benches online, but don't forget the shipping costs. Testing out a bench before you buy is a good idea to make sure it fits your body, adjusts easily and is a quality piece of equipment that is solid and stable.
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