Best Weight Benches To Have In Your Gym

Whether you’re building a gym at home or a commercial one, there’s one piece of equipment that you can’t leave out – the weight bench. It’s an essential tool in strength training, allowing you to safely to build up different muscles while reducing the risk of injury. Since weight benches come in different shapes, sizes, and types, choosing the one that will work best for your weight training program can be difficult. If you’d rather go straight to working out instead of learning the ins and outs of this gym staple, then be sure to check out the best weight benches we’ve found in the market.

Top 10 Weight Benches Of 2020 Reviewed

1. Bowflex 5.1 Adjustable Weight Bench

If you want to add more versatility to your strength training program, an adjustable bench like the Bowflex 5.1 is just the thing. This weight bench has 6 different positions, ranging from 17-degrees to 90-degrees (incline). The seat is also adjustable so you can get that perfect seat when doing your exercises.

And then there’s the leg hold-down brace which is removable and can be used to support you when you use the decline position. However, it does have a little bit of play. Not enough to make you worried but it’s there. Also, it’s not really stable as the manufacturer claims or at least, not easily storable.

2. PowerBlock Sport Bench

Best Weight Bench For Small Spaces

The PowerBlock Sports Bench is similar to the other adjustable weight benches on our list. It has a 5-position back pad adjustment which includes flat, military, 30-, 45-, and 60-degree inclines. The seat can also be adjusted. The bench also features built-in wheels and a handle to help you easily transport it around the room if necessary. What we love about the bench is that it comes mostly assembled so you won’t have to spend much time on that part.

Even better, everything is tightened just how it is supposed to be so there’s no rattling or wobbling at all. If you have limited space in your home gym, this is the ideal choice. Plus, you can buy the optional dip attachment to add versatility to your program. However, the weight capacity is on the small side – only 550 pounds. The seat isn’t perfectly aligned so there’s a wobble. And it doesn’t come with a decline position.

3. Marcy Utility Flat Bench

Best Budget Weight Bench

The Marcy Utility Flat Bench is your best bet if you want a no-frills bench that will give you a lot of bang for your buck. For less than $60, you can get started on your weight training program using this solidly constructed bench. It has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds for the user (you) and a maximum combined weight capacity of 600 pounds (you plus the barbells/dumbbells).

The bench also features high-density foam, 1.25″ x 2.25″ rectangular 14-gauge tubing, and a durable powder coat finish. Assembling the bench together takes less than 10 minutes and maintaining it is a breeze. However, it is fairly small in size and not ideal for someone who’s more than 6 feet tall. And it’s a lightweight enough you might find the bench tipping slightly when you use one end for dumbbell leg curls or tricep dips.

4. Rep Fitness Flat Bench (FB-3000)

Best Flat Bench For Home Gym

If you want something a little more heavy duty than our first pick, the Rep Fitness Flat Bench may just be what you’re looking for. This bench is rated with a maximum weight capacity of 1000 pounds and features a 16-inch stable base, a 2.5-inch thick pad, and 11-gauge, 2″x2″ tube-steel. Yes, it costs twice the amount of the Marcy Utility Flat Bench but it also is twice as sturdy. The thick plywood base, dense foam core, and soft upper layer will provide you with both comfort and support. The pad is 12 inches wide which is the ideal width for back support.

And the vinyl-like cover feels just right – not grippy enough that you have a hard time transitioning from one position to another but not slippery enough that you feel like you’d slide off while going through your exercises. The frame comes with a 10-year warranty. However, the pad only has a 30-day warranty.

Also, we’d have preferred it if the legs were welded instead of bolted together for increased stability and durability. We also noticed that using the tools provided made assembly more difficult than it had to be. One thing to note is that this is made in China which may not be agreeable to some buyers.

5. Nautilus Universal UB300 Adjustable Bench

Best Weigh Bench For Beginners

If you can’t afford the Bowflex 5.1 or need different angled positions, you can check the Nautilus Universal UB300. This adjustable bench features 5 positions which are -10, 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees, It also comes with 5-inch foam rollers for additional leg support. And there are stabilizer levelers to ensure that the bench stays put on almost any type of surface.

The maximum user weight is 250 pounds and the maximum combined weight is 430 pounds. We love the fact that the bench feels solidly constructed but it’s also lightweight enough that moving it around is easy. Set up isn’t difficult at all though we hope they start including detailed instructions for those who aren’t used to assembling weight benches like this. Also, it doesn’t have an upright or almost upright position for standard shoulder presses. We did notice that the length of the bench is a bit on the short side for people who are 5’10” or taller, particularly those with long torsos.

6. Ironmaster Super Bench

Best Adjustable Weight Bench

The Ironmaster Super Bench is actually one of the best and most uniquely designed adjustable weight benches we’ve ever tested. Just looking at the picture, you’d see that the seat looks way different and then there’s that circular thing at the bottom. Well, those unique things are actually what makes this bench stand out. First off, the seat is removable and has three different height positions.

The beauty of the seat is that it provides you with the perfect perpendicular position to the rest of the bench – something that you don’t always get with other adjustable benches. Second, the bench itself comes with 11 different angles, from decline all the way to upright. And you can easily change positions by using the foot lever. And if you want to add more versatility to your program, there are lots of optional attachments available such as the Dip Bar Handles and the Crunch Situp.

This bench is built like a tank and, coupled with the unique design, costs a lot. It’s definitely not a starter bench, especially if you haven’t figured out yet if you’re sticking with the program. Also, it seems to be a tad too high for people 6′ tall and under so you may have to do some modifications to ensure you have both feet flat on the ground.

7. XMark Adjustable FID Weight Bench

The XMark Adjustable FID Weight Bench XM-7630 offers a higher weight capacity than most, if not all, of our picks at 1500 pounds. It also features 7 angle positions for the back pad and 3 positions for the seat. What we really love about this adjustable weight bench is the comfort you get from the 3-inch Duracraft padding, the thickest we’ve tested. And it’s covered by sweat and tear resistant Duraguard vinyl which makes this an ideal choice if you’re setting up a commercial gym.

The foothold down bar is welded to the frame and provides you with solid support. Other standout features include the 11 gauge 3″ x 2″ steel construction, skid resistant feet, and even built-in transport wheels. However, you can’t add attachments to this weight bench which limits versatility. The bench is also a bit on the tall side for individuals of average height. And we noted that, compared to other benches, it does take a while to install. Not difficult but takes more than 20 minutes.

8. Stamina Pro Ab/Hyper Bench

Best Weight Bench For Abs

The Stamina Pro Ab/Hyper Bench is a specialist bench that features heavy duty 2-inch steel frame construction and extended hand grips as well as pivoting foam rollers. This bench has 4 positions of decline starting from flat to -30 degrees which make this ideal for performing challenging crunches. You can still use this weight bench for concentrated curls, dumbbell decline press, and other exercises. The thigh support is adjustable as well to allow you to change the height which is necessary if you plan on having more than one people use the bench.

And best of all, this bench folds for easy storage. However, it does use a pin adjustment system which is less convenient than a step adjustment system. Also, some owners reported that the pin can come out or slide out easily which means that the machine could collapse on you in the middle of a workout. You’ll need to buy locking pins from the hardware store to prevent such a thing from happening. Plus, the variety of exercises you can do on the bench is limited.

9. Marcy Competitor Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench

Best Olympic Weight Bench

If you want a built-in racking system with your weight bench, the Marcy CB-729 is an adjustable Olympic weight bench. The rack features a wide post placement and an adjustable bar catch so you can reach it in different seat positions safely. In addition, this weight bench also comes with a 5-position adjustable back pad and a dual function leg developer.

This thing is built like a tank with its 2.5-by-2.5-inch, heavy duty steel tube frame and a durable powder-coated finish. The 2-inch thick padding made of top-grade high-density foam is not too stiff and not too soft; it’s actually very comfortable. However, it is not designed for squats. It is also a bit too high when lying flat. For the price though, this bench can’t beat especially if you’re on a tight budget.

10. Phoenix 99226 Power Pro Olympic Bench

Best Weight Bench Set For Home

If you want ultimate versatility, the Phoenix 99226 Power Pro Olympic Bench is a perfect choice. Like all Olympic weight benches, this comes with a built-in rack. But this one also includes leg lift, lat tower, and preacher curl attachments. You also get 3 Olympic weight plate adapters and spring clips.

The only thing you don’t get is the weight plate and the bar. The back pad comes with adjustable positions: incline, decline, and flat bench positions. The sheer number of exercises you can do on this thing is amazing. And at this price point, the quality is outstanding. However, setting this up can be a pain. It also doesn’t help that the instructions are incomplete. Also, the seat is on the high end that some won’t be able to rest his/her feet flat on the floor.

How to Choose the Best Weight Benches: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Any personal trainer or fitness expert will tell you that the weight bench is a must-have piece of equipment if you want to build up your muscles without risking injury. It’ll provide you with the right amount of support when performing various types of strength training exercises.

If you’ve been searching for the right weight bench for your gym, personal or otherwise, then you’ve probably already noticed how many choices there are in the market. There are small ones, large ones, adjustable benches, Olympic benches, and ones that come with attachments like racks. So, how do you figure out which one suits you best? Let’s break things down, shall we?

Types of Weight Benches

Weight benches, as we’ve already mentioned, come in different shapes and sizes and they can be divided into four different categories.

Flat Weight Benches

This is a basic workout bench where the height of the bench is already predetermined, typically lower compared to an adjustable bench, and the angle position is fixed. The deck is one solid piece; there are no gaps or hinges in the middle. As you can see with the Marcy Utility Flat Bench, this is a pretty straightforward bench that you can use to perform flat bench presses and other exercises that don’t need elevation.

It also usually comes with a handle, wheels, or both to make it easy to move. One big advantage of this type of bench is guaranteed stability. Also, the lack of moving parts and hinges makes this easy to maintain. However, take note that flat weight benches aren’t designed for heavy lifting, especially since you’re going to be placing the weights back on the floor. You also will be limited to the type of exercises you can do on the bench unless it comes with attachments.

Adjustable Weight Bench

To add versatility to your strength training program, an adjustable weight bench is the best option. Unlike a flat bench where the angle position is fixed, this features an adjustment mechanism that allows you to change the angle of the position and target different muscle groups. The range of positions typically includes several incline positions and a flat position. Some would include a decline position. Make sure that you get an adjustable weight bench with multiple positions to get the most versatility.

When choosing an adjustable weight bench, try to look for one that’s easily adjustable like the Bowflex 5.1 Adjustable Weight Bench. You don’t want to unscrew pins and screw them back every time you need to change positions. Look for an adjustment mechanism that uses steps for ease of use so you can easily transition from one exercise to another.

Olympic Weight Bench

An Olympic weight bench like the Phoenix 99226 Power Pro Olympic Bench is, as the name already implies, designed specifically to let you lift Olympic weights. This typically features a built-in racking system that also accommodates a storage area for plates and the bar. One benefit to getting a bench like this is that it is usually much safer compared to using a bench with a separate stand, especially if you’re going to be focusing on heavy lifting. However, it does not have multiple incline positions which limit the exercises you can do. It also requires a lot of space due to its size.

Specialist Weight Benches

This type of weight bench does not provide versatility; in fact, it’s just the opposite. Specialist weight benches are typically designed to target specific muscle groups as well as exercises. The abdominal bench like the Stamina Pro Ab/Hyper Bench is one good example. This is a bench that features a decline only position, specifically designed for hardcore ab workouts.

You can change the angle or the height of the decline position to make your workout more challenging or easier to do. Another example is the preacher curl bench which allows you to specifically target your inner biceps and lift the dumbbell without using your hips, back, or shoulders.

What are the Features and Factors I Should Take Note of?

Weight Capacity

Your bench should not only be able to support your weight, its maximum user load should include the weight of the barbells or dumbbells you’ll be using (also referred to as lift load). You want to make sure that the bench won’t collapse while you’re using a barbell filled with plates.

Stability and Durability

Aside from being able to hold you and the weights you’ll be using without collapsing, you’ll want to make sure that the bench you choose is stable and solid enough to withstand the amount of use you’ll be putting it through. The more often you plan to use the bench, the more durable it should be. Also, sudden shifts in weight distribution on the bench should not cause it to wobble. This means you need to be on the lookout for benches that feature a thick base and is made of high-quality material.

Size/Dimensions

An important factor to consider when choosing your weight bench is size. And this is not only due to your weight and height. Size should also be considered because you need to make sure that the bench will feet the space you have available. If you are limited in space, you may want to consider foldable weight benches so you can store it away after each use or something fairly small in size such as the PowerBlock Sport Bench.

Comfort

Comfort is all about the foam padding used in the weight bench. You don’t want the foam to feel like memory foam, letting you sink in as you lie there doing your exercises. You want a bit of resistance. But you don’t want it too stiff that you’re not able to get any ‘give’ while lifting weights. More importantly, you don’t want to feel the plywood underneath the foam while you’re pushing back hundreds of pounds of weight.

What all these mean is that you need to look for the “just right” feel to ensure that the foam won’t affect your exercise negatively. You want something that will provide you with the proper support like the 3-inch thick padding of the XMark Adjustable FID Weight Bench. In addition, you need to make sure that the bench has a backrest that’s large enough to accommodate you and anyone else who might be using the bench.

Accessories and Upgrades

If you plan on getting the most bang for your buck, you need to choose a weight bench like the Ironmaster Super Bench that has available accessories and/or upgrades. Aside from getting a more dynamic workout, your machine can “grow” along with you and your strength. This is also ideal if you don’t have the budget to go all out yet on your weight bench. You can opt for a more basic one and then just add attachments and accessories as soon as you have enough money to do so.

Warranty

The length of the warranty offered by the various manufacturers of this product ranges from one month to a lifetime. While we could recommend a lifetime warranty (who wouldn’t?!), it’s best if you opt to find a balance between the price, the features, and the warranty length that you’re most comfortable with.