Essential pieces of equipment for any home gym are a weightlifting 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. There are dozens of weightlifting benches on the market. You can perform many more exercises with an adjustable bench versus a flat/static bench. 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.
Body Solid F/I/D Bench
The Body Solid Flat/Incline/Decline adjustable weight bench is appropriate for both home and commercial use. It has a heavy-duty steel frame that can accommodate a load capacity of 1,000 lbs., more than enough for most exercisers. This bench offers back and seat pads that lock into eight positions to perform a wide variety of exercises with good posture as well as thick DuraFirm upholstery that can withstand wear and tear for years, while adding comfort. The T-Bar Leg Hold Down feature has oversized rollers that enable the exerciser to lock his legs to perform upper and lower abdominal exercises, and decline/incline strength training exercises, with ultimate stability and comfort. This bench is versatile and can be moved from one location to the next on its casters (wheels) effortlessly.
Bowflex Select Tech 5.1 Series
This adjustable, quality weight bench is designed for maximum support and versatility. The bench can be adjusted to any of the six positions to perform a variety of exercises, from 17 degrees (decline) to 90 degrees (incline). Like the Body Solid, this weight bench is made from heavy-duty, quality steel and helps correct posture while stabilizing the exerciser for an ergonomically correct, safe, muscle-building weight training workout. Because it is adjustable, you can perform more than 30 exercises using this bench, as well as dumbbells. It comes standard with a removable leg hold-down brace for added support for exercises in the decline position. Also, like the Body Solid, it offers wheels so it can be removed for storage (74 lbs.) or moved to another room. According to Big Fitness, this is the best weight bench in this price range. It's not flimsy and is 600-lb. rated for incline/upright positions.
Iron Master Super Bench
The Iron Master Super Bench is one of the best weight benches for serious weight lifting. It is also fully adjustable so you can perform exercises such as dips, pull-ups 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 1,000-lb. rated, with a strong steel frame. 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 (so the exerciser doesn't slide off).
References
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Essentials of Personal Fitness Training, 3rd ed; Michael Clark, Scott Lucett and Rodney Corn; 2008
- Exercise Equipment Reviews: Weight Benches
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