The Best Weight Benches
You don't need a gym membership to get swole, but you will need some of the equipment. A weight bench is pretty much essential for anyone willing to put in the work. And although they are most commonly used for bench presses, weight benches can actually be used for a vast range of strength-building and muscle-gaining exercises. If you're in the market for a new bench, you've come to the right place because we've done the research and found the best of the best.
What to Look For
We want to work out with the best, so we searched for weight benches that are strong, sturdy, comfortable, fairly priced, and easy to set up and store. With those qualities in mind, an adjustable bench from FlyBird won our top spot. It has everything we want, from easy-to-clean cushioning to stable legs with a high weight capacity. But for those with tight budgets, the simple bench from Marcy is a strong and long-lasting option that can get the job done without breaking the bank. For more of our recommendations, read on.
FlyBird Adjustable Weight Bench
Fly your way to strength
This adjustable option from FlyBird has everything we look for in a weight bench and more. With the ability to assist in both decline and incline exercises, the FlyBird is seemingly limitless. Of course, it also works well as a flat bench, with cushioning that rounds to the sides and reinforced padding on the edges. Plus, the shape is perfect for bench presses since it provides support where it counts without letting your shoulders feel cramped or compressed. Best of all, the entire bench can fold up into a compact unit that’s easy to store anywhere in the house. Turning small quarters into a sweaty gym has never been easier.
Pros
- Easy to adjust and easy to set up
- Not too soft, not too hard, the 1.8″ foam cushioning is the perfect thickness
- The faux-leather material is easy to wipe down after intense workouts
- This sturdy bench has a max weight capacity of 500 pounds, so it’s ideal for beginner and intermediate training
Cons
- The width of the feet provides plenty of stability, but you might want to opt for something wider if you plan on using extreme weight
Marcy Flat Utility 600 Capacity Weight Bench
Save cash, gain mass
Even those with big muscles don’t always have the biggest budgets, and that’s okay. Affordable weight benches do exist – you just have to be careful in your choosing. That’s why we recommend this affordable option from Marcy to anyone on a tight budget. Offering excellent strength and stability, this flat bench can support up to 600 pounds thanks to its steel frame and grippy feet. And if you think something this inexpensive will sport cheap padding, think again. This bench is comfortable to lay on, easy to wipe down after a workout, and firm enough to not let your shoulders rub or sink during that last big rep.
Pros
- Great value for the price, this bench is strong and built to last
- Assembly is easy and fast
- Great side-to-side stability
Cons
- The legs don’t fold up for storage
PasYou Adjustable Weight Bench
How low can you go
Another tremendous overall option, PasYou’s weight bench wins extra points for its streamlined and simple adjustability. With seven different backrest adjustments, you can simply pop the leg into your desired notch and get to work. Plus, with the ankle roller and thigh roller in place, you can transition between all sorts of inclined exercises with ease. Better yet, if you want to perform situps with a declined backrest, you can lower the back by 45 degrees for an intense core workout. It also doesn’t hurt that the price is a bargain.
Pros
- Has foam ankle rollers and thigh rollers for greater stability while you work out
- The faux leather is comfortable and stylish
- Adjusting the angle of the backrest is easy as pie
- Lightweight
Cons
- Supports a max of 500 pounds, so heavy lifters should look elsewhere
- Some assembly is required, though it’s pretty straightforward and doesn’t require any extra tools
FlyBird Weight Bench with Fast Folding
One mean machine
If you’ve got a little extra cash to spare, you might want to consider upgrading your workout bench. This premium pick from FlyBird features the best in comfort and design. The seat and backrest can be easily adjusted, the reinforced steel construction provides wobble-free stability, and the padding is comfortable (even after that legendary fifth set). Best of all, the entire bench collapses down into a space-saving size. If you want the best, no expenses spared, go with FlyBird.
Pros
- Adjusting between positions is super fast with the automatic locking handle
- The triangular structure provides unique stability and strength and can hold a maximum of 620 pounds
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- A bit higher in price than most other benches, though not by much
Frequently Asked Questions
What exercises can you do on a weight bench?
Weight benches can be used for more than just bench presses. With an adjustable bench, you can do incline presses, decline situps, back exercises, and even rows. With a flat bench, you can do leg extensions, flies, lying tricep extensions, a whole world of ab exercises, pushups, and much more.
Should I get a flat bench or an adjustable bench?
There are various pros and cons to each type of bench, so you should consider your specific workout routines and goals before you decide which is right for you. Adjustable benches are often collapsible, making them easier to store when your workout space is limited. They also allow the user to perform incline bench presses, and some even can lower towards the ground for certain types of decline exercises. Inclined bench presses activate the shoulder and back muscles (deltoids).
On the other hand, flat benches are more limited in the variety of exercises they offer, but they generally provide greater stability and strength. That’s why flat benches often have a higher weight capacity when compared to adjustable benches.
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