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Weight benches for home and gym use are the core of any workout station. They provide a strong, balanced and padded surface for the entire body.
A comfortable and stable weight bench will allow anyone to benefit from hundreds of exercises. These include sitting, lying, kneeling and more complex weight lifting movements.
Weight benches are extremely varied.
They range from simple, single piece flat benches, to adjustable benches with added extensions.
Here are the 5 best weight benches available in 2017:
Marcy Utility Flat Bench
This is a great basic flat weight bench useful for every home gym. The majority of muscle building, toning, and shaping exercises can be performed on this type of bench.
Unlike the other benches this one is not adjustable which removes the flexibility and reduces the number of exercises you can do on it.
But it is suitable for all body types and athletic needs, and it is cheap!
Features:
– wide surface for balance
– even footing at both ends
– vinyl-covered boxed foam cushioning
– a surface that is easy to clean
– manageable weight for moving and storing
Great To Use With Other Equipment
This is also a great basic bench to use with other gym equipment. It can slide easily under a power tower, or be used with free weights.
It is stable enough to be used as a step during CrossFit circuits. This is a great example of a quality basic flat bench, and I think it is the best cheap weight bench available.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
CAP Barbell/Flat/Incline/Decline Bench
For true strengthening and conditioning, muscles need to be worked at different angles.
This weight bench has an adjustable torso pad that puts the body in the proper alignment to hit muscles at these angles.
This sets it apart from the Marcy Utility Flat Bench, and increases the flexibility.
The added intensity of multiple position workouts creates the need for added stability. Instead of a square style footing, this bench has extra wide feet that reduces wobbling.
The added metal components make this a heavier bench to transport, but it still works well with other gym accessories.
Having the option to perform exercises at multiple angles requires a few more features that aren’t found on standard flat benches.
Features:
– contoured adjustable pad for perfect angled positioning.
– comfortable shin and knee supports for declining
– evenly spaced locks for achieving desired bench angles
– increased weight capacity for heavy workouts
– grips to assist with repositioning the body
Great For Angled Weight Lifting
This is a great bench for angled weight lifting. It is also ideal for decline crunches. Even after complete exhaustion, the side grips will ensure proper mounting and dismounting.
Best Workout Bench For The Money
If you are looking for a quality budget bench for your home gym, I think this is the best workout bench you can get for the money.
It is cheap, versatile and high quality.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Adjustable Bench
The Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Adjustable Bench is really an improvement over the last generation of Bowflex weight benches.
It has more precise back angle positions. Every exercise can be performed from a 17 to 90 degree incline.
The seat has been lengthened and contoured. This helps support the back and hips during heavy weight presses.
This also sets it apart from the Cap Barbell Bench, and is part of what makes this bench a better choice for taller or larger people.
The feet have also evolved into solid units instead of the classic Bowflex coaster style.
Features:
– removable leg support
– extra thick cushioning
– a frame handle and wheels to easily roll the entire bench into position
– safe angle adjustment arm
– balanced footing to use under other racks, bars, and towers
– 30 year frame and mechanism warranty
Best Adjustable Weight Bench
One of the most common problems flat and adjustable weight benches present is little support for the lower body. During intense workouts the legs, hips and glutes must be positioned correctly.
This bench has a seat that is long enough to put the entire body into a power position, but never pinches the backs of the legs.
It is evident that this bench was designed by veteran lifters.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Bowflex 3.1 Adjustable Bench
This is an earlier flat/incline/decline weight bench by Bowflex that has fewer precision features than the 5.1, but still facilitates a great workout.
This is one of the first benches by Bowflex to focus on correct body positioning during lifting.
It has a narrower profile than other benches, but is ideal for use with the largest variety of other gym racks and accessories.
It only has four back positions, but is adequate for a total upper body blast.
Features:
– removable and adjustable leg support with roller pads
– secure and stable frame and footing
– long seat for back positioning
– easy to clean surfaces
How Does It Compare To The Others?
Two noticeable differences between this Bowflex bench and others, are the lack of a grip for getting out of a decline position, and only a 15 year warranty.
Still, this is a strong, stylish, and versatile bench for the most intense workouts.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench
This bench has only flat and incline back positions.
Obviously, this model’s main focus is to provide strong and carefree stability during heavy lifts.
Except for the wide and comfortable pad, virtually every part of this bench is coated high-grade steel.
Features:
– handle for transport
– wide pull levers for all adjustment points
– incredibly strong welds
– smooth adjustments for both bench back and seat
Basic, Strong and Adjustable
This is a gym-quality bench that is perfect for use with bands and free weights.
It is also heavy enough to support auxiliary movements like leg lifts and various jumps.
The maximum capacity of this bench (500 pounds flat, 400 inclined) makes it a good choice for heavy lifting and heavier people.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<.
The five weight benches are all great models to help you with the workout.
Try envisioning yourself on each when deciding on the model to use, and find one that suits your body type and the kind of exercises you like to do.
Jesse Young
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