While hardly the most exciting exercise equipment, a weight bench may be the most important. Any weight training regime will require the services of the humble weight bench. Everything from chest presses, one-arm dumbbell rows and Bulgarian split squats use a weight bench. However, if you have ever stepped inside a gym, you know that not all weight benches are the same. There are a plethora of varieties out there.
If you are in the process of creating a home gym and you don’t know the difference between a preacher curl bench and a folding bench, you’ve come to the right place. GetLocal is going to look at the various weight bench types available. We will also share a few tips to ensure you get the best weight bench possible.
What To Look For In A Quality Weight Bench
Price
Most people are willing to spend exorbitant amounts on barbells and dumbbells but then tighten their purse strings when considering a weight bench. In many ways, it’s a race to the bottom. People look to purchase the cheapest bench possible. There are undoubtedly good quality, low-cost benches; generally, you should look at the mid-range. A decent weight bench will be priced anywhere from about €150 to €300. Some more luxurious varieties include an ergonomic design. If you’re setting up your home gym on a budget, a mid-range priced bench should be more than adequate.
Upholstery
When looking at the upholstery of the workbench, you want to ensure it is made from a robust, resistant and moisture repellent material. You will sweat on a bench, so you want to ensure the material can effectively wick away moisture. We suggest looking at vinyl upholstered weight benches. Vinyl is a rigid material, resistant to scratches and marks while still being soft enough to be quite comfortable.
Warranty
When purchasing gym equipment, we recommend speaking to your retailer about a warranty. Find out how long the warranty lasts, but also ensure you know what the warranty covers. As we mentioned in the opening paragraph, you’ll be using your weight bench for quite a lot of movements. Therefore, you want to make sure your piece of equipment is covered for a variety of damage.
Load capacity
More often than not, people neglect to check the load capacity of a weight bench. If you are lifting heavy weights, you want to make sure the bench is strong enough to hold both you and the weight. Here’s a tip: load capacity isn’t just related to the lifting weight but also to body weight. Subtract your weight from the overall weight capacity. That will tell you the absolute maximum bench weight limit.
Branded or Non-Branded
The eternal question with all gym equipment is whether you should go with a branded weight bench or a non-branded weight bench. Plenty of generic weight benches are perfect for a home gym. However, consider a known fitness brand for peace of mind. Branded weight means you can be assured of quality, and you should be able to find a few user reviews.
Weight Bench Types
- Flat bench
- Adjustable bench
- Olympic bench
- Folding bench
- Abdominal bench
- Weight bench set
- Preacher curl bench
- Multi-Functional weight bench
These distinct bench types are created for unique purposes and can be used to target different muscle groups. Let’s look at each version in more detail.
Flat Weight Bench
These are the most basic bench variety. Flat benches are non-adjustable; however, they allow for various exercises. Flat benches are the preferred choice for chest presses, Bulgarian split squats, dumbbell rows and flat tricep extensions.
These benches are simple but effective. They are usually relatively easy to move around and don’t take up much space. As a general rule, it’s hard to go wrong with a flat bench if you are looking for a simple bench to perform basic lifts.
Adjustable Weight Bench
An adjustable weight bench can be used like a flat bench; however, it can be set to an angle. Setting the bench to an angle allows you to adjust how you target muscle groups. For example, an incline chest press would target the upper part of your chest. Some adjustable benches go beyond 180° to a decline position. Again, the user can use this position to target muscles from a different angle. We highly recommend adjustable weight benches. They can be incorporated into any weightlifting regime. The incline also makes these benches a little more comfortable and can add additional protection to your back and shoulders.
Olympic Weight Bench
In many ways, an Olympic weight bench is the same as a flat bench. However, Olympic-grade weight benches are designed for extremely heavy loads. They are made from competition-grade materials and are robust. The significant difference between an Olympic weight bench and a flat bench is the load capacity. Olympic weight benches have a much higher load capacity. Due to the higher price tag, only serious weight lifters and powerlifters should consider this type of bench. Olympic weight benches are typically heavier and larger than a flat bench, so they may not be suitable for a home gym with limited floor space.
Folding Weight Bench
Speaking of floor space, if you don’t have a large home gym, perhaps you should consider a folding weight bench. As the name suggests, this type of bench folds up and can be stored away, saving some precious floor space. Some of these benches can fold flat under a couch or bed. A foldable bench is an excellent investment if you live in an apartment or have limited space in your home gym. However, as they are built on hinges, they may not have the same load capacity as an adjustable bench or an Olympic-style bench.
Abdominal Bench
Unlike some other weight benches we’ve discussed, the abdominal weight bench exclusively targets your abdominal muscles. Some of these benches can be set to a decline or an incline and include foot anchors allowing the user to complete a variety of movements. Although not as versatile as something like a flat bench, some of the exercises that can be comfortably completed include:
- Twisting reverse crunch
- The Rises
- Leg raises
- Leg pull-ups
Weight Bench Set
Probably the most versatile of all weight benches. The weight bench set comes with a rack that holds a barbell and a leg anchor for leg curls. These benches are great for those with limited space in their home gym. They combine a variety of movements and exercise varieties into one compact space. However, as these weight benches will carry heavy barbells, we recommend paying that little bit extra for a weight bench set. Remember, heavyweights will be balancing just above your head, so you want to ensure that the steel structure around you is strong, sturdy and resistant.
Preacher Curl Bench
Preacher curl benches are designed to target your upper arms. These benches force a strict bicep curl. For those who want to build bigger arms, preacher curl benches are great; however, they don’t allow for much variety and are a limited piece of exercise equipment.
Multi-Functional Weight Bench
These box-shaped benches are great for those who want to keep their home gym tidy and functional. Underneath the bench, there is space to hang dumbbells and weight plates. No matter how big or small your home workout space is, a multi-function weight bench is a great addition and a massive space saver. However, the box design can take a little getting used to, and it can make specific exercises uncomfortable to perform.
Hopefully, the above will help you pick a suitable bench for your home gym. When purchasing sports equipment, we always recommend discovering local. All weight benches are heavy, so long deliveries mean high delivery costs. You can significantly save the delivery costs by purchasing gym equipment from a local retailer. GetLocal makes it easy to compare and contrast bench products from different local retailers. With GetLocal you can support local businesses without compromising on choice, price or quality.
More Exercise Equipment Advice
Overview Part 1: How to Become a Cardio Superstar
Let’s get started with cardio. Every home gym needs at least one dedicated cardio machine. While gyms offer a dizzying…
