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Written by Lauren KearyUpdated by Bojana Galic on June 11th, 2024 Expert Verified By: Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC Olympic Bench
When you’re considering the equipment needed for building or improving your home gym, a solid workout bench is probably at the top of your list. While it’s possible, training on even the best home gym flooring doesn’t match the versatility that comes with a weight bench. Some benches even help build your lower body and abs. The padding that comes on most benches is a big improvement over the cold, hard, gym floor, too.
When it comes to selecting the right weight bench for your gym, there are a number of factors to consider, like adjustability, weight capacity, height, pad width, and maneuverability. Our team of Barbend experts tested around 54 different products, keeping those factors in mind to find the best weight benches for all fitness goals. Simplify your search and take a look through our top picks.
Check out our full video review of the best weight benches on the market in 2024 as Jake Herod, our expert tester and a certified nutrition coach, takes you through our favorites.
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer, CrossFit Level 1 instructor, and BarBend editorial team member. She reviewed the benches we list and the research we cite to offer some expert insight, helping us provide safe and accurate descriptions and recommendations.
We understand that it’s easy to search “weight benches” on Amazon and “add to cart” the cheapest option you find. This isn’t necessarily the option that’s going to be the most worthwhile purchase, and it’s definitely not the option that’s going to hold up if you’re lifting anything more than light dumbbells.
Our team of BarBend experts, including personal trainers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts tried about 54 different benches to build this list. These are the factors we considered.
Sometimes cheaper adjustable benches can break along the fold after a good amount of use. We made sure that the options on here — in both the low and high price ranges — will hold up for their full lifespan, which tends to be around 20 years. We took these strength training benches through multiple workouts and prioritized the most durable materials. As long as you clean and care for your equipment properly, wiping away any excess sweat, our picks won’t break on you.
While you may be able to find some $50 benches on Amazon, these tend to be less durable, and they may even break before you even get your money’s worth. Our picks range anywhere from $250 to $1,000, but with each selection, you’re going to get a product that will last you years, instead of breaking within a few months.
Different athletes have different needs, so we wanted to have benches on this list that could meet a range of these needs. Many of the options you’ll find on here have different offerings, from basic flat benches all the way up to fully-adjustable, incline/decline options.
Whether you have a lot of space and want a bench with more accessories, or you live in a studio apartment and want something basic that folds up and slides under your bed, we’ve included a solid pick for you.
While we do also include flat benches, we paid close attention to the adjustability on our incline benches and decline benches. We prioritized products that were easy to adjust as we went from one workout to the next. Our testers also looked for ample adjustability, selecting benches that offer a variety of angles.
[Related: Deciding Between a Flat, Incline, and Decline Bench Press]
Weight benches come in a broad range of sizes and weights. We understand that some athletes may not have a ton of space, so we made sure to include smaller or foldable options. Considering some products are pretty heavy, we also favored benches that have wheels for easy movement around your home gym.
This REP Fitness adjustable bench has seven backrest positions and three seat positions, so there are plenty of angle options. This bench also has wheels and a handle for easy movement around your home.
For our best overall pick, we wanted a bench with plenty of functionality that’s easy to move around, adjustable, and made with durable materials that can hold up through all kinds of exercises (even the occasional weight drop). After careful consideration, our testers chose the REP AB-4100.
“This weight bench is a great value,” our tester said. “It works for those shopping on a budget who don’t want to compromise on quality.” When it comes to overall experience, we gave this bench a 5 out of 5.
According to our testers, this is one of the easier benches to assemble, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for delivery and setup. There’s really only four different parts that you need to put together, which we thought was super simple. Plus, the handle on the bottom of the bench has inlet bolts, which means you don’t have to worry about scratching your ankles or snagging your socks while sitting or laying down.
When it comes to stability, we gave this bench a 4 out of 5. It’s made with 14-gauge steel, which is among the most durable on this list, suitable for any style of weightlifting. It also has a glossy powder coat with a little bit of texture, which can help prevent your bench from rusting. Plus, the texture makes the metal a bit easier to grip during sweaty workout sessions.
[Related Reading: REP Fitness Discount Codes for Racks, Benches, Plates, and More]
“This one has a really thin gap between the backrest and the seat, which I like,” our tester said, giving the training experience a 4 out of 5. “Actually, the gap seems even smaller than the REP AB-4200, which is more expensive.” The smaller the gap the better, as it provides all the more stability and comfort.
Our team liked the one-handed adjustment design, giving the adjustability a 4 out of 5. In other words, you only need one hand to move the incline higher or lower. However, we do wish that this bench also offered decline options. Some athletes may like that option and, in that case, another bench is probably better.
We gave the overall value for this bench a 4.5 out of 5. It costs $399.99, which isn’t necessarily the cheapest option on this list (those on a lower budget may prefer another option) but compared to REP’s other higher-priced options, we think this is a great bang for your buck.
The Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench is among the more compact weight benches you'll find. It's also among the more budget-friendly weight benches, too.
Here’s a wonderful surprise: You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a weight bench for good quality. The Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench is ideal for those shopping on a budget who don’t plan to lift super heavy weights. For only $149.99, our team had to give the value on this product a 4.5 out of 5.
When it comes to stability, don’t expect this bench to fall apart just because it’s a little cheaper in cost. This product is made with 14-gauge steel and has a black powder coat to prevent corrosion. We did give the stability a 4 out of 5, though, because the 661-pound weight capacity is a little lower than some alternatives. Keep in mind, you need to factor your bodyweight and the weight you’re planning to lift into the capacity, however, this should be plenty for most athletes.
For overall workout experience, we gave this product a 3.5 out of 5, as four-leg benches aren’t the best for lifters who perform many pressing exercises. The legs can get in the way of your foot placement, making it difficult to drive your heels into the ground for more power. “I did like the pad, though,” our tester said. “It’s thick and I don’t feel like I’ll be sliding around on it.”
Considering this is a flat bench, we did give it a 1 out of 5 for adjustability. The only position is parallel to the ground, so you can’t perform any incline exercises with this one. However, for step-ups and lighter upright pressing exercises (don’t throw your back out), it’s perfectly fine.
For footprint and portability, our testers gave this bench a 4 out of 5. It’s not particularly big and it’s only 37.2 pounds. There are no transport wheels on this product, but the bench weight is super light, so most athletes shouldn’t have many problems moving it around.
Flat benches can take up a ton of floor space and can be a hassle to hang when not in use. The PRx Profile Folding Bench solves this problem by mounting the bench to the wall. Simply fold it out when needed and back up when not. Despite its sleek design, this solid bench can support 1,000 pounds when properly installed.
Those who are short on space may think a bench is out of the question. But thanks to PRx’s Flat Folding Bench, saving space is a breeze. For footprint, we gave this bench a 5 out of 5 because it folds up completely flat against the wall. You bolt the bench to your home or garage gym wall and just fold it up vertically.
“This bench is also only 45 inches in length which is pretty short. And it’s only about a foot wide,” our tester said. Typically, benches sit anywhere between 45 to 50 inches long, so this is as short as a workout bench can get.
When it comes to stability, our team gave this one a 4 out of 5. It felt more stable than other flat benches we’ve tried, however, we do wish the pad was a little more comfortable. Considering this one isn’t a budget price, we wish the padding was a little thicker. However, we do like the 1,000lb weight capacity.
For adjustability, we had to give this product a 1 out of 5, as it’s a flat bench and can’t sit on an incline. However, one small perk we liked was that you can buy a wall locking system. This helps firmly secure the bench to the wall, which is a great safety precaution if you have kids. The brand does make an incline version of this bench but it’s a lot pricier and our testers don’t think it’s worth the money.
For overall value, we gave this one a 3.5 out of 5. While it’s not the most expensive on the market, the $449 price tag certainly isn’t cheap. And considering it doesn’t have any adjustability, we think it’s a little overpriced. However, if saving space is your main priority, this essentially eliminates the need for floor space when not in use.
Note: This bench needs to be drilled into the wall. This may not be possible if you’re renting, so keep that in mind before you buy.
The Force USA MyBench comes with flat, incline, and decline settings, and also offers preacher curl and leg extension attachments. Though versatile, this bench still comes at a very affordable price.
We love multipurpose equipment. After all, it saves money and space. When it comes to versatility, the Force USA MyBench is a winner. The back pad here adjusts from -25 degrees to 75 degrees in six positions, while the seat pad adjusts independently in three different positions. After taking it through upper- and lower-body workouts, our team gave this FID bench (flat, incline, and decline bench) a 5 out of 5 for adjustability.
“There’s a lot of versatility here,” Jake Herod, BarBend expert tester, said. “Since it has a leg roller attachment, it keeps my legs in place while doing decline bench presses. It’s also great for leg development, allowing you to do leg curls or leg extensions. Or, you can focus on your biceps with the preacher curl attachment.”
Take a look at our tester’s video to see this bench in action.
Our team also gave this bench a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. It has a handle and wheels, so it’s easy to move around your gym. However, considering it comes with a leg extension and preacher curl attachment, it does take up a bit of space. “This is a pretty big bench with the attachments,” Herod said. However, you can remove these attachments when not weight training in order to save space.
When it comes to stability, you shouldn’t run into any issues. However, there is a bit of a gap between the back pad and seat. “I personally don’t like that, it gets a little annoying to me,” Herod said. “I wish it were a smaller gap.” While the gap isn’t a big problem for all athletes, it can detract from the overall stability of the bench, so we gave it a 4 out of 5 in this category.
Force USA stands behind their product with a lifetime structural warranty, so you know you’re getting a high-quality piece of equipment. You can pick one of these benches up for just around $399.99, not including taxes and shipping. For overall value, we gave this a 5 out of 5, since it’s pretty inexpensive considering all the versatility you get.
Read our full Force USA MyBench Review.
This beast of a weight bench supports up to 1,000 pounds, offers vertical storage, and features a ladder-style adjustment system for the back pad. REP also incorporated their patented ZeroGap™ seat to eliminate the awkward gap between the two pads, regardless of the angle.
A weight bench is more than just a piece of gym equipment. It’s a central piece to any gym and is used in tons of different exercises. So, a bench with plenty of adjustability works for practically every athlete, including beginners. That’s why we loved the REP Fitness BlackWing.
With this product, you can accomplish the work of five different benches, earning a 5 out of 5 for adjustability. It can be used for flat bench, incline, military press, decline, and an abdominal bench, all in one. With seven different angles for the backrest and three seat adjustments, this bench can go from -11 degrees up to 85 degrees.
“I also love the zero gap design,” according to Barbend’s expert product tester Jake Herod. “One thing we always have to deal with with adjustable weight benches is a really big gap. With this technology, it’s nonexistent, no matter what angle you’re using.” REP’s previous benches didn’t have the pop-pin sliding seat, so you had to deal with a big, annoying gap in the center. Our testers loved this improvement on the design.
[Related: The Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Will Unlock Your Muscle-Building Potential]
This gym bench is extremely stable and durable, too, earning a 5 out of 5 in that category as well. It’s made with 11-gauge steel and has a 1,000-pound weight capacity, so you shouldn’t have any issues with the product breaking. “11-gauge steel is top-tier, cream of the crop, whatever you want to call it,” Herod says. “That’s the nicest quality you can have with an at-home weight bench.”
We also like the vertical storage option, earning this product a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. It’s pretty standard in size but it has a plastic piece on the end of the backrest, which allows you to store the bench vertically, saving you some floor space. This is a pretty heavy bench (131 pounds), according to Herod but it has wheels and a handle for portability.
When it comes to overall value, we gave this bench a 3.5 out of 5. At $664.99, this bench is pretty pricey. “You can definitely find some cheaper weight benches out there if you don’t want to spend more than $600,” Herod said. However, we do love the versatility and recommend buying if it’s within your budget.
Read our full REP Blackwing Weight Bench Review
One of our favorite flat benches, the Titan Fitness Single Post Flat Bench is made with heavy-duty steel, so you can expect it to last for years. It's also relatively light at only 56 pounds.
Some athletes simply don’t need an adjustable bench, so why pay the extra price? In many cases, a flat model will suit your bench press needs just fine. Our favorite flat bench is the Titan Fitness Elite Series Single Post Flat Bench.
This flat bench is incredibly durable, rivaling the best adjustable benches. It has an 11-gauge steel frame, which is among the most durable materials for weight benches, according to our tester. This pick from Titan can also support up to 1,000 pounds. “There are some higher-quality benches,” our tester said, giving the stability a 4.5 out of 5. “But if you want something durable that does the job, this is a good pick.”
For footprint and portability, we had to give this bench a 4.5 out of 5. It’s only 56 pounds, which isn’t too heavy, especially compared to the adjustable options. Plus, it has a handle on the front and wheels for easy maneuvering around your home. We also love that it has rubber pads on the legs to prevent any movement while you lift.
As mentioned, this is our favorite flat bench, so we didn’t rate the adjustability. However, we did give the value a 5 out of 5. This bench meets international powerlifting standards, per our tester, and it’s only $150.
The Super Bench Pro V2 supports chest presses, bicep curls, flyes, and rows in flat, upright, incline, and decline positions. We picked the Pro V2 as our favorite weight bench with incline/decline because it has 11 different lockout angles and a low height profile of 17.2 inches, meaning it’s compliant with IPF competition height standards. It’s not often you find an adjustable bench at that height, but Ironmaster makes it possible with its curved adjustment system.
Also contributing to the Pro V2’s versatility is its compatibility with several different Ironmaster attachments, including dip bar handles, cable tower, and a chin-up bar. “You could basically get a full gym by outfitting this bench with all of Ironmaster’s accessories,” said our tester, who scored its attachment capabilities a 5 out of 5.
An enhanced version of Ironmaster’s Super Bench Pro, the Pro V2 comes with a few notable upgrades. There’s now a built-in handle for easier transport, for example, as well as a tapered width that expands from 10.25 inches — the original width of the Pro — to 12.25 inches. Our tester scored the bench’s overall design a 4.5 out of 5.
We also love how lightweight this bench is compared to some of its competitors, scoring its portability at a 5 out of 5. At just 65 pounds (and 69 pounds with the seat pad), it’s nearly half the weight of the 131-pound REP Fitness BlackWing. Even so, the bench can support up to 1,000 pounds in the flat position and up to 600 pounds in incline and upright positions.
We did notice a few design flaws, however. While we like the shape of the bench, the padding and vinyl left a bit to be desired. “It’s just not very comfortable,” said our tester. “I’d be thrilled to see them opt for a thicker foam for V3.” They scored it a 3.5 out of 5 in the category.
They also pointed out that, though the feet set on both sides of the bench allow for greater stability, powerlifters may not like how they can impact the ability to tuck their feet.
The REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench is a great option for powerlifting competitors to consider. It's made from 11-gauge steel, is rated at 1,000 pounds, and meets the height standards set by the International Powerlifting Federation.
Athletes putting up some serious weight need a bench that’s heavy-duty with high-quality, durable materials. That’s where the REP FB-5000 comes in. Earning a 5 out of 5 for stability and durability, this bench is made from 3×3-inch, 11-gauge steel, making it incredibly tough.
This bench can also handle up to 1,000 pounds of weight, and has a four inch thick pad made from high-density foam, with non-slip vinyl upholstery. Basically, this bench is made for competitive powerlifters and heavy benchers, so don’t expect any wobbling while training different muscle groups.
“This bench is built for the long haul and it’s able to handle the heavy weight you might be lifting,” according to BarBend expert tester Jake Herod. “And it only weighs 62 pounds. Plus, it has a handle and wheels, making it even more portable.” Thanks to these conveniences, we gave this bench a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
Want to see how tough this bench really is? Watch our expert put it to the test.
Unfortunately, we had to give the adjustability a 1 out of 5. This one can’t be put on an incline or decline, so you’re stuck in the flat bench position. Some athletes may prefer more versatility for full-body workouts and, in that case, an FID bench would be best.
Another bonus, though? The price is right, especially considering the quality, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for value. This one comes in at only $239.99 for the narrow pad and $269.99 for the wider version — both before taxes and possible shipping.
Read our full REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench Review.
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is among the most heavy-duty weight benches. We also like the customization options, making this bench suitable for athletes with larger bodies.
For larger athletes, a standard weight bench won’t cut it. They may feel too narrow or too close to the ground. But the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 has several size and pad options, helping you find a more ideal fit.
For footprint and portability, we gave this one a 5 out of 5. The standard bench is about 47 inches long by 26 inches wide by 17.5 inches tall. However, you can opt for a shorter version or a larger pad, which creates a wider width and taller length. This can accommodate way more athletes than the average bench on the market. Plus, there are options for competing athletes, as the Competition Pad meets sport standards.
We also like that this bench has wheels on the back and a handle. Plus, it’s as sturdy as they come (also ideal for larger bodies), earning a 5 out of 5 for stability. “This is probably among the more stable benches I’ve tried,” our tester said. This bench is compatible with many of the best power racks or all on its own.
For a flat bench, this pick is a little pricey. The standard version is $320 and the larger pads are an extra $25. If you’re on a tight budget, you can definitely find cheaper flat benches on this list. But if you’re a larger athlete who wants to feel comfortable and stable on a flat bench, this is a good choice.
The Shogun NORD-EX is a surprisingly compact two-in-one machine that can be adjusted from a Nordic bench to a back extension to facilitate a number of glute, hamstring, and lower back exercises. Forged from stainless steel, it can support up to 500 pounds.
If your home gym is already brimming with cardio machines, dumbbell racks, and weight plates, it’s unlikely you’re going to have space for a Nordic bench, back extension, or GHD. Here to make sure your posterior chain isn’t neglected is the Shogun NORD-EX, a two-in-one machine that supports exercises targeting the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.
Our tester took advantage of everything the NORD-EX has to offer by using it as both a Nordic curl bench and a back extension. One feature they particularly loved was a removable pad that can be adjusted at angles of 15, 30, or 45-degree angles, allowing for incremental Nordic curl progression. “If you want to do Nordics, but can’t do a full one now, you can work up to it using a machine like this,” they said. “Of the ones I’ve tested, I prefer this design most.”
The back extension is similarly versatile — most back extensions max out at 45 degrees, but the NORD-EX can adjust between 35 and 55 degrees. We rated its functionality a 5 out of 5.
Construction, stability, and padding also scored high marks, with our tester rating all three a 4.5 out of 5. The hardware is forged from stainless steel, and the foam in the knee pads, hip pad, and leg rollers is dense and comfortable. “Comfort is key to Nordic boards,” said our tester. We also like its black powder coat, which can help prevent corrosion over time.
The compact design of this two-in-one unit — at 41 inches in length, it’s more than 20 inches shorter than the Rogue Floor Glute — results in a few compromises. The kick plate and ankle rollers, for example, are smaller than our tester would prefer. And, though it’s compact when fully built, the NORD-EX arrived in three different boxes, which can be a pain (especially if you live a few floors up).
The price is also a consideration. We think the NORD-EX justifies its $999.95 price tag with its versatility, footprint, and quality construction, but we wouldn’t recommend it for someone who’s not going to take advantage of its full functionality. While this unit will likely cost less than both a Nordic bench and a back extension, you can get one or the other for less.
This Amazon Basics weight bench is lightweight and budget-friendly. This flat bench doesn't have any adjustability but it is available on Prime for quick delivery.
Amazon anything is a hit or a miss. But when it comes to this Amazon weight bench, we were pleasantly surprised. This budget-friendly pick is only $59.29 and we thought the quality was pretty decent, earning this bench a 5 out of 5 for value.
Initially, we were pretty unimpressed with the low weight capacity. But our tester actually dropped a 1,000 pound barbell on this bench (as a fun test) and was surprised to see it held up fine. We do still give the stability and durability a 3.5 out of 5, though, because it’s best to follow manufacturer recommendations. After all, this bench is made of alloy steel, which isn’t as durable as our other picks. However, if you go a couple pounds over the max, you’ll probably be fine.
[Related: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]
Our testers gave this product a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. It’s a little bit taller than our other picks, so shorter athletes may have a little trouble grounding their feet while lying or sitting on this bench. And while it’s extremely light (only 21.6 pounds), it doesn’t have any wheels for maneuvering. Some athletes may not be able to comfortably carry the bench around and it’s best to opt for a pick with wheels.
The Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench is made from high-quality 11-gauge, 2x3-inch steel, as one would expect from Rogue. The thick neoprene pad offers a comfortable pressing surface, and the folding legs fold down quickly to easily stowe it on the included bench hanger.
Space is a big factor to consider when setting up a home gym. Having equipment that folds away can be a huge help, which is why we love the Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench.
Unlike most other benches, this one has hinged legs, secured in place by a detent pin, which you can easily remove to collapse and store. Rogue even includes a wall-mounted steel bench hangar, clearing up precious floor space for your gym when the bench isn’t being used. Plus, it only comes about eight inches off the wall when hung up. As it’s so easily stowable, this pick earned a 5 out of 5 for footprint.
Our testers gave this product a 4 out of 5 for portability. Weighing just 48 pounds, this bench is easily maneuverable around your gym, and if you can pick up a 45-pound plate, you can likely hang this bench on the wall with ease. However, not every athlete is in that position, so a lighter pick may be better.
When it comes to stability, we gave this pick a 4.5 out of 5. It’s made with 11-gauge steel, so it’s certainly steel. One big downside here is that Rogue doesn’t explicitly state the weight capacity of this bench, but does offer that it’s, “heavy-duty enough for a tank to sit on it.” We’re off to look up how much a tank weighs, and get back to you on that one.
When it comes to value, we gave this bench a 3.75 out of 5. It’s certainly sturdy but it’s just a flat bench, after all, and you can definitely find flat benches that cost less than $320. With that said, the fold up aspect is pretty unique, so if you value saving space, it may be worth the cost.
As with most home gym equipment, weight benches don’t come cheap. So when you’re making a decision on which bench is right for your gym space, you’ll want to consider what kind of bench you need for your typical workouts, how much weight you’ll be lifting, and how much space you have.
When it comes to the two main types of weight benches, you’ll be choosing between a flat bench and an adjustable bench. “An adjustable bench is more versatile, obviously, but is not always as comfortable for bench pressing and can make exercises like hip thrusts feel awkward (unless you go for a zero-gap option),” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. “With a flat bench, your exercise selection becomes much more limited, because you can’t put yourself into different incline/decline positions.”
Watch this video to learn how to choose between a flat, incline, and decline bench.
If you’re considering an adjustable bench, expect to spend a little more money, but know you’ll get a wider variety of exercises you can perform on your bench out of it.
[Related: Floor Press Vs. Bench Press — Is One Better Than the Other?]
The average weight capacity for a weight bench is around 600 pounds, but many benches can support upwards of 1,000 pounds. While this may seem like plenty, don’t forget to consider the weight plates or dumbbells you’re lifting, too.
“The listed weight capacity for a bench is the total weight capacity, meaning your body plus the external load,” Capritto said. “So if a weight bench has a listed capacity of 600 pounds and you weigh 200 pounds, the most you can externally load it with is 400 pounds. This is far more than enough for the vast majority of people.”
Though most benches are fairly small, taking up only the space you need for the bench itself and its supporting legs, some come with added accessories that require a lot more room. At the top of that range are benches that come with a full squat rack. With these, you’ll need more horizontal space to accommodate the width of the rack, as well as vertical space for the rack’s height.
If you like the idea of having equipment that works both your upper and lower body, but you don’t necessarily want a piece of equipment that requires half of your garage space, there are benches that come with a leg extension machine and preacher curl attachments. These options still need more space than your basic bench does, but they won’t take up as much as a squat rack, offering a nice in-between.
Although it’s not too common, some weight benches come with attachments or accessories, like a preacher curl extension or a leg developer. These can help add a little more versatility to your home gym without needing to buy additional equipment. Generally, weight benches with attachments are pricier but still more cost-effective than buying a separate machine.
[Related: Read Up on These 9 Proven Benefits of the Bench Press]
Weight benches can range from a couple hundred dollars all the way to $1,000 or more. So, if you’re shopping on a budget or want to splurge a little, we’ve got a product for you. Using our chart, you can compare prices between products.
Strength training has endless health benefits — it can help improve your body composition and bone density, which decreases with age. (1) And if you’re looking to build strength at home, a weight bench is necessary. They offer a better range of motion, a stable surface to press off of, and a ton of utility. These are a few other weight bench benefits:
When pressing from the floor, the range of motion is limited to about 90 degrees of elbow flexion, but adding a weight bench can drastically increase your range of motion. The floor press is a great exercise on its own because it can help you train the lockout of your bench, but for full chest development, you want a wider range of motion. A bench can also help you achieve a better range of motion with rows too by supporting yourself on one leg with a knee on the bench — you can get a good stretch in your lats every rep. Larger ranges of motion are almost always better for your joints, too.
Sure, the floor is a stable surface, but it may not be flat, or it could be kind of dirty if you’re in a garage gym. Pressing from a high-quality weight bench, like those on this list, will help give you the confidence that you’ve got a solid foundation to press from when you’re repping out your sets.
This is perhaps one of the most overlooked benefits of owning a high-quality bench. You can do so many different exercises with a weight bench (especially an adjustable one) that are simply not available to those without one.
“Any long time gym-goer knows that weight benches can also be used for core exercises, seated shoulder press, incline/decline presses (if an adjustable bench), Bulgarian split squats, step-ups, hip thrusts, and more,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. “They are more versatile than they seem on the surface, and for that, they’re a great buy in my book.”
A bench may not be the biggest piece of equipment in your gym, but it’s still a key resource for a great workout. While you can utilize your floor for some upper body and core work, a bench takes everything to the next level and adds comfort and support for your back, as well as extends your range of motion during certain movements (think floor press vs. bench press) as you work. From chest flyes and skull-crushers to box jumps, a bench provides much more versatility than a basic floor mat.
As you’re going through your wants — flat or adjustable? Squat rack or no squat rack? Preacher curl or leg developer attachment? Or maybe both? — simply weigh them up against this list, pick what’s right for you, and add a lift to your at-home workout routine.
Weight benches can last up to 20 years. If you keep your bench clean and try not to bang it around too much, you won’t need to peruse the web for a replacement for that full two decades. Just be conscious of the fold on adjustable benches — these tend to wear faster, so if yours starts feeling unstable after only 15 years, don’t ignore it.
There are a lot of different options for people seeking weight benches, like flat, adjustable, combination, and competition. The best one for you will depend on your budget, needs, and other factors. Right now, we’re big fans of the REP BlackWing. It’s versatile, affordable, and has a solid weight capacity, making it great for a wide range of users.
Weight benches range in cost from around $200 for a cheaper and cost-effective option up to around $1,000 for a combination or competition-grade bench. Options on this list average between $300 and $500 with a range of approximately $240 to $1,050.
In the long run, yes. While you may be spending more money upfront, these benches will last a full 20 years and won’t wear down nearly as quickly as the less expensive options. Some benches that come with a lot of accessories may cost upwards of $1,000 though, so if you’re considering one of those, make sure you’ll make use of each accessory you’re getting — otherwise, it won’t be worth that expensive price tag.
Though you can still perform dumbbell chest presses, flyes and skullcrushers on the floor, a bench allows you to hone in on your technique by adding extra comfort and helping to anchor your lower body as you work. In addition, you can use a flat bench for lower body work — like step-ups — that you simply can’t do on the floor.
Lauren Keary is a running and boxing enthusiast, contributing to BuzzFeed, Women’s Running, Fitt, Outside, TripSavvy, the Evening Standard, and Modern Luxury on topics related to fitness, lifestyle and travel.
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