Qualities to Look For When Buying a Weight Bench

Flat, Adjustable, Multipurpose

There are a few different categories of benches that you’ll have to choose from. Which bench you decide on will be determined by your needs and fitness goals. 

If you just need something that will support some simple ab, glute, and tricep workouts, then a flat bench will do just fine. A more well-rounded workout will require a weight bench that is adjustable. Regardless of what type it is, the good thing about weight benches is that they offer support for a plethora of fitness goals and can meet pretty much anyone where they are. 

Bear in mind that you won’t want to drop too much cash on a bench that offers all sorts of special features that you’re not going to use. So, as you read, consider whether or not the features on each bench will actually move you closer to your health and fitness goals. 

Flat Bench

Don’t be fooled by the basic structure of a simple flat bench. While they may look like just another piece of furniture, they are great for any skill level and actually offer more options than you might think. You can use this for supported push-ups, chest presses, or glute bridges and much more if you add a pair of dumbbells to it. Flat benches are lightweight and easy for anyone to fold up and stow away. 

Adjustable Bench

Adjustable benches are any kind of bench whose angle can be changed. By being able to adjust the angle of the bench, you can access a wider range of motion and get more out of the workout. More experienced fitness folks tend to gravitate more to the adjustable bench because they want to utilize more muscle groups and possess the know-how to do it safely. With that being said, always make sure that your workout matches your skill level to avoid injury. 

Keep in mind that because adjustable benches offer more, they’re typically a bit more expensive. They are also a heavier piece of equipment and require more strength to move it in and out of a space.

Multi-Function Bench

This type of bench is for the well-seasoned fitness gurus. This type of bench will come with a lot more equipment that will allow you to have a more detailed fitness plan by offering options that target many muscle groups. You will need an adequate space for this type of bench, as you will be using a wider range of motion and will have more toys to play with! 

Length

Weight benches are not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. While most sized benches will in fact fit most people, length is something you should consider before purchasing. If you’re over six feet tall, then you’ll want to read the reviews and see what people say about the size of the bench. Most benches are at least four feet long, but people over six foot need a longer one than that.

Height

If you’re doing any kind of presses from a lying position, then your feet need to be planted on the ground. If you’re average height, then the height of your bench should be about 15-16 inches from the ground. 17-20 inches tall for those who have long legs. 

Weight Capacity

If you’re a big person doing heavy lifting, then you’ll need to make sure your weight bench can support you and the added weight of a bench. The cheapest benches will hold around 300 pounds, which might be plenty depending on your size and ability. It goes without saying that a bench that doesn’t support your weight plus the weight of what your lifting is terribly dangerous. 

Goals and Needs

If you’re looking to do some heavy lifting, then you’ll definitely need a bench that can support all the weight. If you want to just tone up, then a light weight flat bench should be the perfect fit. The more experienced you are, the more complex the bench should be so you can get the most out of it. Flat bench is pretty basic, and adjustable and multi-purpose are for a more well-rounded workout.