Staying Fit: How to Choose the Best Gym Bench

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boy working out on a bench

Building your at-home gym lets you enjoy your workout sessions more. You get your personalised workout space that’s readily accessible whenever you want to exercise. This way, you avoid heavy traffic, sweaty locker rooms, crowded gyms, and worst of all – someone occupying your favourite gym bench for hours.

The different types of workout benches are widely popular among fitness enthusiasts. People use them for strength workouts which also include weights. The bench allows you to sit or lie down in a suitable position to execute an exercise properly. This means that there are many benefits from investing in an exercise bench! But what factors do you consider while picking a workout bench?

Adjustable vs Flat Bench

flat vs adjustable bench
Source: gearforfit.com

Your choice of a workout bench will depend on your workout goals. Based on their adjustability, there are adjustable and flat workout benches. The adjustable gym bench offers different incline and decline options which let you target various muscle groups. This type is available in a range of high-quality incline and decline models that you can customise with additional features.

Owning a versatile fitness bench like this increases the number of exercise options and saves you money by replacing various gym equipment. Adjustable fitness benches have a high user capacity that reaches up to 400 kgs on certain models. This makes them ideal for exercising with weights. They have height-adjustable seats and backrests, that let you combine different exercises in a single session.

Unlike the adjustable workout bench, a flat bench doesn’t have adjustable parts. This type of bench is ideal for bench presses. On the other hand, if you use free weights and dumbbells more often, consider buying an adjustable one that will increase your range of motion (ROM).

How Much Weight Does It Carry?

flat gym bench
Source: fitatmidlife.com

Every exercise bench has a different weight rating. This tells you how much weight it supports. That includes the weight of both the user and any equipment, such as dumbbells or barbells, that you use when exercising. This is an important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a workout bench. If you overload your bench with more weight than it can carry, you risk damaging it.

Also, consider your exercise objectives. Are you aiming to lift heavier and heavier weights? Then, in order to avoid having to buy a new bench down the road, get an adjustable gym bench with a high maximum user capacity.

How Big Should My Workout Bench Be?

When looking for the ideal size for your workout bench, you should take your height into consideration. The bench’s backrest should be big enough to provide support for your back and head. The bench should be wide enough for you to lay flat on it without hanging from the sides. This compromises the stability of your bench, as well as your safety when working out. Additionally, make sure that the width doesn’t stop your arms from going downward. Your feet should be flat on the ground, and you should be able to rest on the bench on your back.

Padding

A decent exercise bench includes fairly stiff cushioning to prevent slipping. The seat should also be cosy but not too soft. Benches that have soft padding are significantly less stable.

Other Features

Gym benches often come with a few extra features that make your everyday life easier. A foldable gym bench is ideal for those that have limited space for a home gym. This is also a good choice for those that exercise in their bedroom, living room, or any other area in their home. After finishing with your daily workout, simply fold it and store it in your closet or under your bed. A foldable bench is easily portable and suitable for travelling, so you won’t miss out on precious workouts during your vacation.

Do you need even more portability in a workout bench? In this case, pick a bench with built-in wheels for quick and easy transport! Do you want to expand the scope of your exercises without purchasing more equipment? If the answer is yes, choose a workout bench with a leg press or a leg roller attachment. Thanks to the countless innovations, today’s workout equipment lets you enjoy your fitness journey more than ever.

Why Does Your Choice of Bench Matter?

man working out on a gym bench
Source: muscleandfitness.com

Why not just get a workout bench from Amazon? People often ask me this question, hoping to get away with any low-cost bench that they see on the internet. On certain items, I can imagine doing that, but a bench requires a bit more thought.

A workout bench is a necessary piece of equipment for your home gym, so you should consider investing in a high-quality one. When ranked by how often you will be using it, it’s right up there with your bar. More importantly, it supports you when you lift your weights. The last thing you should be concerned about when you are lying on your bench with 150 kgs hung over your chest is the stability and construction of the bench.

It’s crucial that your bench be indestructible while you’re holding large weights and offer the comfort and safety you require when performing your exercises. Spending little money on this gym equipment piece only to have it fall apart shortly won’t save you any money over the long term. Check out the high-quality adjustable workout, stack up on workout supplements and achieve your fitness goals with ease!