Essential pieces of equipment for any home gym are a weight lifting bench and a pair of adjustable dumbbells. You can perform dozens of strength-training exercises with these two pieces of equipment, getting an effective workout without the hassles of a fitness center. There are hundreds weight lifting benches on the market. Use this guide to make sure that you purchase a quality bench that will suit your needs without breaking the bank. Important factors include durability, price, build quality, adjustability and ergonomics.
Iron Master Super Bench
Why this bench? It is one of the best weight benches for serious weight lifting. An additional bonus is that it can be purchased at a reasonable price. It is fully adjustable (a desirable feature) so you can perform exercises such as dips (for the triceps muscles), pull-ups (for the whole upper body), and crunch sit-ups. This bench is very sturdy and has add on attachments such as dip handles and a pull up bar that are not available at all with other weight benches. This weight bench is 1000 lb rated, with a strong steel frame (600 lb rated for incline/upright positions) making it best in class. The bench weighs 60 lbs without the incline seat so you can move it easily. Additionally, it ships pre-assembled and the incline seat follows the backrest pad at any angle so it is always perpendicular (unlike benches where the seat has a shallow angle allowing the user to slide off). With shipping, this bench is affordable at approximately $284.
Body Solid FID225
This is a great home gym weight bench. Though it doesn't support as much weight as the Iron Master Super Bench, this bench adjusts to seven incline positions with a ladder style back support. It is sturdy enough for casual users. One of the best features is that this bench folds down flat for small spaces and great storage. You can keep it anywhere out of sight, and pull it out when you are ready to work out by rolling it on the built-in wheels. It is also sturdy, compact, has good padding and can be purchased at a great low price. Body Solid benches have been rated as the best weight benches available by consumer report and fitness magazines. It offers an electrostatic powder coat finish that resists chipping and flaking, and allows for easy cleaning. Body Solid benches also offer an exclusive lifetime, in-home warranty for every part, including normal wear items. These benches are priced around $199.
The Bayou Dumbbell Bench
Are you just starting out and looking for a small, inexpensive and versatile bench for dumbbell workouts? If so, this is the weight bench for you. It is multi-adjustable from upright, flat and preacher angels, making it a good value when paired with adjustable dumbbells. Additional features include a compact size, thick padding, a vinyl cover, and optional dumbbell stands, all available at a low price. In the flat position, the dumbbell bench is large enough to support your back and head even if you are very (over 6-feet). This weight bench features integrated dumbbell rack supports. There's one support on each leg of the back frame that you can attach 5-25 lb or 10-50 lb adjustable dumbbells (made by the same company). When you are not using the dumbbell rack supports, the arms swing under the bench out of the way. Without attachments, this bench sells for less than $115.
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