Weight benches are fairly versatile and may broaden the choices to your residence health club by serving to you sort out basic weightlifting workout routines and add elevation to body weight workout routines. To seek out the most effective weight benches in the marketplace, we consulted three private trainers for his or her enter on what key options to search for in a weight bench. We then spent 16 hours testing 29 weight benches in The Verywell Testing Lab.
Our testers, who ranged in train expertise from newbie to superior, accomplished 5 workout routines on every bench. We evaluated every weight bench for stability, adjustability, portability, consolation, further options, and worth. We additionally had a licensed private coach from our Overview Board evaluation this text to make sure accuracy and security surrounding weight capacities and totally different weight bench kinds accessible.
Our Favorites, at a Look
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (incline, flat, decline) | Weight Capability: 600 kilos | Weight: 21.3 kilos | Adjustable positions: 6 backrest positions and 4 seat positions | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who It is For
Finest for newbie to superior exercisers who want a wide range of seat and again positions and light-weight portability.
Why We Love It
Our greatest general choose is Flybird’s Adjustable Bench as a result of it is crafted with sturdy metal, can deal with as much as 600 kilos, and folds up for storage. We discovered the bench easy to arrange proper out of the field when testing. Plus, it folds up compactly, contains an hooked up deal with, and (at solely 21 kilos) is straightforward to maneuver round—permitting for handy portability.
The bench’s seat is crammed with plush foam and lined in sturdy artificial leather-based, making it comfy and simple to wash. The toes are lined with non-slip rubber, that means the bench is protected to make use of on hardwood flooring. We like you could alter the bench ten other ways for a extra versatile exercise, due to the backrest with six totally different positions and the adjustable seat, which has 4.
Potential Flaws
- As a result of it is so light-weight, the bench does wobble barely throughout workout routines like step-ups, however we nonetheless really feel protected utilizing it.
- The bench solely has one decline possibility.
Most Worthwhile Insights
“Extremely advocate; it’s absolutely adjustable, light-weight, moveable, collapsible, and cozy. Every part you would ever ask for from a exercise bench.” —Justin Javier, Verywell Match product tester
“My complete household, together with my very lively 60-year-old mom, makes use of this weight bench frequently. I feel it is very sensible for older adults or these with mobility points as a result of, whereas it is very sturdy, it is also tremendous gentle, which makes it straightforward to hold from place to put.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, licensed private coach, affiliate editorial director, and Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (incline, flat, decline) | Weight Capability: 500 kilos | Weight: 26 kilos | Adjustable positions: 8 backrest positions | Our Total Score: 4.9/5
Who It is For
Finest for exercisers in search of a secure, adjustable bench that is budget-friendly.
Why We Love It
PASYOU’s Adjustable Weight Bench is foldable and can be utilized as a flat, incline, and decline bench. With a comfy backrest that may shift into eight totally different positions and padded leg holds, this bench is versatile sufficient for every kind of whole physique workout routines. We additionally love that the foldable bench solely weighs 26 kilos, making it straightforward to maneuver and retailer.
Because the bench boasts a 500-pound weight capability, we like that you just will not must swap it out while you begin tackling heavier lifts. When testing, we discovered the bench very secure and felt the padding and added neck pillow had been agency but comfy. We predict this bench could be a welcome addition to any residence health club. It’s totally straightforward to regulate, and the additional options had us considering the value level could be increased.
Potential Flaws
- The leg holds on this bench, whereas padded, could also be too small for some customers.
- Whereas the backrest is adjustable, the seat just isn’t.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“Bang to your buck. Good added options and a great top off the bottom for step-ups. It was nicely cushioned, and the removable pillow was a welcome addition for incline and impartial bench presses.” —Matt Lubin, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (incline, decline, flat) | Weight Capability: 600-pounds | Weight: 70 kilos | Adjustable Positions: 6 backrest positions | Our Total Score: 4.5/5
Who It is For
Finest for intermediate to superior exercisers who want most adjustability and have restricted space for storing.
Why We Love It
This bench is our high choose for adjustability, not solely as a result of the again of the bench may be adjusted to 6 totally different angles but in addition as a result of the seat and ankle helps may be adjusted independently. When testing, we discovered it straightforward and intuitive to regulate the whole lot utilizing the knobs and levers, and we discovered the bench to be secure in every place.
The heavy-duty bench is crafted from commercial-grade metal and boasts a 600-pound weight capability. Whereas it’s heavier than different benches on our record, Bowflex’s Stowable Bench has built-in wheels on one finish to make shifting it simpler. And we love that it may be saved upright within the nook of a room in the event you’re brief on house.
Potential Flaws
- It is fairly heavy in comparison with different choices on our record, making it troublesome to maneuver for some and troublesome to arrange with out assist.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“It is an incredible bench that is straightforward to regulate and extremely secure with further options that make it a extremely versatile piece of apparatus.” —Ashleigh Morley, director of commerce and Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Flat | Weight Capability: Not listed | Weight: 48 kilos | Adjustable Positions: None | Our Total Score: 4.2/5
Who It is For
Finest for newbie exercisers who want a primary sturdy bench so as to add to their residence exercises.
Why We Love It
Rogue’s Fold-Up Utility Bench is a strong bench with a big, flat floor for workout routines like step-ups and chest presses. The broad angle of the legs gives a strong base of assist so the bench received’t wobble, and pins hold the legs locked securely in place for added security and stability. The legs are additionally hinged, so you may fold the bench up for storage. The bench additionally includes a metal, wall-mounted hanger, permitting you to hold it from a wall when not in use.
When hanging, the bench extends solely 8 inches from the wall. And through testing, we discovered it slim sufficient to slip simply underneath a mattress or different furnishings. We additionally discovered it easy to assemble, however you have to your personal instruments to take action. Whereas it’s at a better worth level for a non-adjustable bench, it’s definitely worth the funding for its sturdiness and ease of storage.
Potential Flaws
- Since it is a flat bench, you may’t reposition the backrest to a decline or incline, making it tougher to do sure workout routines (like incline chest presses).
- The wall-mounted hanger will not be acceptable for flats.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“Tremendous comfy cushioning. It has a large floor that helps my complete torso.” —Justin Javier, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capability: 700 kilos | Weight: 28.5 kilos | Adjustable Positions: 8 backrest positions and three seat positions | Our Total Score: 4.2/5
Who It is For
Finest for exercisers needing the flexibility of a bench with a declining backrest possibility.
Why We Love It
This Flybird Weight Bench can be utilized as an incline bench, a decline bench, or a flat bench—supplying you with the flexibleness to sort out many workout routines, like decline chest presses and angled sit-ups. The eight-position backrest and three-position seat mix for 21 totally different exercise positions, together with two declining positions beneath horizontal. Plus, we love the plush, comfy cushioning, and inclusive 700-pound weight capability.
An automated, spring-loaded locking pin retains the seat and backrest safely in place. And we like that there’s no meeting mandatory—simply unfold it and insert the locking pins. The bench folds as much as a compact 9 inches excessive, simply sliding underneath a mattress or sofa.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas the bench folds up compactly, it might be too heavy to maneuver simply.
- The bench is tall when arrange so it isn’t very small-space pleasant.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This bench was well-cushioned and cozy. It wasn’t too squishy whereas I used to be standing on it, and I feel it might be straightforward to wash.” —Sarah Felbin, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capability: 850 kilos | Weight: 63 kilos | Adjustable Positions: 7 backrest positions and three seat positions | Our Total Score: 4/5
Who It is For
Finest for intermediate to superior customers which might be taller or want extra head and neck assist.
Why We Love It
The SuperMax XL bench is particularly designed for taller customers, with a 37-inch backrest that may accommodate exercisers as much as 6 toes, 4 inches and assist cut back neck and higher again pressure. The bench gives loads of adjustability with three seat positions and 7 backrest positions. This bench additionally has removable, padded leg holds that may be adjusted to 3 positions.
This bench boasts no hole between the seat and backrest in all positions, so there’s no pinching or discomfort throughout workout routines like bench presses. When testing, we particularly appreciated the sliding seat, which most weight benches don’t provide and makes for a extra customizable backrest. The legs are broad and durable, and the entire bench folds up for storage.
Potential Flaws
- The backrest on this bench is narrower than different benches on our record, so it will not be supreme for customers with particularly broad shoulders.
- Whereas meeting is straightforward, the components are heavy, so it might require two folks to arrange.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“The size of the again of the bench felt nice, and my head did not cling off in any uncomfortable vogue.” —Kern Alexander, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capability: 375 kilos | Weight: 27.7 kilos | Adjustable Positions: 4 backrest positions | Our Total Score: 4/5
Who It is For
Finest for newbie to intermediate exercisers who want a compact bench.
Why We Love It
Escape Health’ Deck V2.0 Exercise Platform is a compact bench that doubles as a stepping platform and a plyo field when flat. It is adjustable and may function an incline or decline bench. It additionally folds down for storage and is light-weight sufficient to maneuver simply so you may tuck it away—supreme for residence gyms already occupied by different tools like treadmills and elliptical machines. The hole inside of the bench can be utilized as a storage compartment for free tools like bands or dumbbells.
The bench itself may be lowered to the bottom or lifted by including or eradicating the 2 inexperienced “legs” of the bench. The backrest may be adjusted to 3 incline angles, may be made flat, and may decline in the event you simply take away one of many bench’s legs and never the opposite. We love that the floor options an anti-slip rubber tread for added grip and stability. When testing, the bench felt sturdy sufficient for step-ups and had good shock absorption, which is nice for plyometric strikes. We additionally like that it comes absolutely assembled.
Potential Flaws
- This bench has a decrease weight capability than others on our record and will not be lengthy sufficient for taller customers.
- It would not have any padding, so it will not be as comfy for some.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“I feel that is nice for small areas or for shorter folks. In case you’re tall and need extra of a real exercise bench, you will need one thing else. But when you do not have a lot house or actually like incorporating extra cardio/step strikes into your exercises, then it is a nice possibility.” —Ashleigh Morley, director of commerce and Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capability: 600 kilos | Weight: 94 kilos | Adjustable Positions: 10 backrest positions and 5 seat positions | Our Total Score: 4.2/5
Who It is For
Finest for exercisers with a devoted residence health club house who needn’t transfer tools round.
Why We Love It
Prime Health’ Adjustable Bench is the heaviest bench on our record, at 94 kilos—however this further weight makes it extraordinarily sturdy. When testing, we felt very safe stepping on it and comfy leaning all our weight on the bench. The padding is thick and comprised of moisture-wicking materials. Prime Health additionally gives non-obligatory add-on arm helps and an ankle assist, bought individually.
The seat may be adjusted 5 methods, and the backrest may be adjusted ten methods, from 0 to 85 levels. A slot and bar system makes switching positions a breeze in comparison with the pin system many different benches have. We particularly like you could simply alter this bench with only one hand.
Potential Flaws
- The bench is fairly heavy, so it isn’t as moveable as different choices on our record.
- Meeting was troublesome, and we discovered the included directions not very useful, so we advocate setting a while apart to get began with this bench.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“Very sturdy and sturdy in comparison with different weight benches. Well worth the worth.” —Kern Alexander, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capability: 550 kilos | Weight: 59.3 kilos | Adjustable Positions: 5 backrest positions and a couple of seat positions | Our Total Score: 4.9/5
Who It is For
Finest for exercisers who’ve a small house to work with and wish an simply movable and adjustable bench.
Why We Love It
With the ability to simply transfer a bench round when you might have a small train house is useful, and Bowflex’s 4.1S Adjustable Bench is straightforward to maneuver by one particular person with it is built-in wheels and talent to be saved upright. This bench is compact, and we discovered it very straightforward to maneuver round and retailer in a small residence health club house. We additionally favored how secure this bench felt. It by no means wobbled or moved, and we felt very protected utilizing it, due to the broad legs and leveling rubber toes.
The 5 adjustable backrest positions, from decline to upright, and leg holders present versatility to make use of this bench for the whole lot from overhead presses to sit down ups and core work. We particularly appreciated the leg pads which might be a pleasant function different benches typically haven’t got. The seat has a flat place, and a raised place that helps stop sliding when the backrest is inclined. The bench is straightforward to regulate with a spring-loaded pin and we felt the backrest was lengthy and broad sufficient to totally assist our again and head.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we discovered the massive hole between the seat and the backrest uncomfortable, significantly within the flat and decline positions.
- When assembling the bench, we famous a rubber mallet was wanted to correctly set up the leg pad finish caps.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“I feel my favourite factor about this bench is the power to maneuver it simply and to retailer it upright to create extra room in my small exercise room for different actions.” —David Engler, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capability: 600 kilos | Weight: 69 kilos | Adjustable Positions: 11 backrest positions and three seat positions | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who It is For
Finest for exercisers that need loads of adjustability so as to add selection to their exercises.
Why We Love It
Ironmaster’s Tremendous Bench Professional V2 Weight Bench has eleven locking angle choices and three seat positions to accommodate exercisers of various heights, making it a simple selection for our Most Versatile. It additionally has a excessive whole weight capability—1,000 kilos within the flat place and 600 kilos within the upright and incline positions—increasing the vary of train choices even additional. The built-in deal with and wheels allowed us to simply transfer it out of the best way once we had been finished exercising. And it might probably even be saved in an upright place.
The bench required minimal meeting. All we needed to do was connect the underside crossbars, and it solely took about 20 minutes. We discovered throughout testing that this bench felt very secure and did not slip or transfer in any respect, due to the rubberized toes and strong base. We additionally favored the agency padding, feeling like that helped assist correct type. And the add-on seat was straightforward to tackle and off each time we wanted it.
Potential Flaws
- We famous the add-on seat may very well be a bit bigger for added consolation throughout upright and incline workout routines.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“I really consider it is definitely worth the worth. It is sturdy, moveable, heavy (in a great, not slipping round means) and modern trying. I might undoubtedly advocate this bench to others, and I plan to maintain utilizing it frequently!” —Nick Frasher, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Adjustable (flat, incline) | Weight Capability: 330 kilos | Weight: 60 kilos | Adjustable Positions: 3 backrest positions | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who It is For
Finest for exercisers with minimal house for train tools and who’re in search of an all-in-one possibility.
Why We Love It
On the lookout for a full physique exercise in a compact design? We advocate KingSmith’s Tone Up Exercise Station. It is available in three totally different bundle choices for various budgets, and has a modern, trendy design with a small footprint to your residence health club. The included equipment make this bench exceptionally versatile. The resistance bands had been straightforward to connect, and we favored that they allowed us so as to add extra workout routines to our routine, like chest flys. And the punching bag added a enjoyable cardio function. We additionally appreciated the dumbbell racks, and leg pads that helped us do core work.
Arrange of this bench was intuitive and fast, taking us lower than 10 minutes. The backrest and all of the attachments had been straightforward to regulate, and felt very safe as soon as they had been in place. The strong design of the bench made it really feel very secure—we felt protected and supported throughout all our workout routines. We predict this multi-function bench, with all it is included equipment, is a good addition to your own home health club and a good worth.
Potential Flaws
- This bench has a smaller whole weight capability than most different choices on our record.
- The bench is a bit heavy, however we discovered throughout testing that one particular person may nonetheless transfer it with the built-in wheels.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“That is the most effective weight bench I’ve used! It’s a lovely bench that’s straightforward to maneuver round and doesn’t take up an excessive amount of house. And it offers you full physique exercise choices.” —Tatiana Kennedy, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs:
Type: Flat | Weight Capability: 1,000 kilos | Weight: 56 kilos | Adjustable Positions: None | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who It is For
Finest for exercisers who want a primary, budget-friendly bench that’s sturdy and durable.
Why We Love It
For a primary, sturdy, budget-friendly train bench, take into account Titan Health’ Elite Sequence Single Publish Flat Bench. It is a good worth in the event you’re simply beginning to construct your own home health club, or wish to add extra choices to your exercises. We discovered this bench to be comfy, safe, and secure. We by no means felt prefer it wobbled or would tip over. And with a 1,000-pound weight capability, you may be assured it may be used to your heaviest lifts.
The one publish design at one finish of the bench permits for straightforward leveling on uneven flooring, and gives room for correct foot placement throughout workout routines like pullovers or rows. The broad base on the different finish helps with stability and grips the ground so there isn’t any sliding. We additionally respect the built-in deal with and wheels, and the gentle weight that makes it straightforward to maneuver the bench out of the best way. And it may be saved in an upright place in case you have minimal house. We additionally famous no put on and tear throughout our testing interval, so it held up nicely and is fairly sturdy.
Potential Flaws
- This can be a nice primary bench, nevertheless it’s much less versatile than many adjustable benches.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“My favourite factor concerning the Titan flat bench is the value. For a good worth, you get an especially sturdy, comfy, and secure bench that I think about can be a staple in my residence health club for a very long time.” —Grant Gordon, Verywell Match product tester
What We have Up to date
- Since we final printed this text, we have examined 4 new weight benches. Based mostly on their options and efficiency, we added the next superlatives: Finest with Wheels, Most Versatile, Finest for Full Physique Exercise, and Finest Price range Flat Bench.
What to Search for When Purchasing for a Weight Bench
- Type: There are three important kinds of weight benches: ones with backrests that may solely incline or stay flat, ones with backrests that may incline, decline, and stay flat, and flat benches with backrests that may’t be adjusted to totally different angles. If you’d like a really versatile bench that lets you do all types of energy coaching workout routines in any respect angles (suppose incline chest presses, decline chest presses, decline situps, and extra), chances are you’ll wish to go for the second, fully-adjustable bench fashion. In case you’re a newbie and do not suppose you will want the added problem of a decline backrest, you will in all probability be happy with a bench that solely inclines or stays flat.
- Weight Capability: Any time you’re shopping for a bit of health tools, you might want to ensure that it’s sturdy sufficient to assist you and all the burden you’ll be lifting. Double-check a bench’s weight capability earlier than buying and issue within the whole weight you will be placing on the bench—your physique weight plus the burden of your barbell, weight plates, or dumbbells.
- Particular Options: Relying in your train wants, it’s your decision some particular options in your weight bench. In case you’re navigating a small house, take into account a foldable weight bench or a bench with built-in storage. If you wish to use your bench to accommodate a variety of workout routines, search for an possibility that has a built-in curl bar, leg extender, or squat rack.
How We Examined the Finest Weight Benches
To slim down the most effective weight benches for residence gyms, we examined 29 benches in The Verywell Testing Lab by finishing 5 workout routines utilizing every bench. When testing weight benches, we consider them for the next six key attributes:
- Stability: We first be aware if the bench sits flat and has rubber grips to forestall sliding. We use every weight bench to finish units of eight to 12 repetitions of bench presses, dumbbell incline rows, chest flys, mendacity tricep extensions, and dumbbell step-ups. We then be aware how secure and safe we really feel with every train: Does the bench really feel wobbly or slide round?
- Adjustability: Adjustability permits a weight bench to be extra versatile. Whereas utilizing the burden benches, we be aware what number of totally different changes the bench gives. We additionally consider how straightforward it’s to make changes, together with the mechanism fashion and whether or not it may be finished one-handed.
- Portability: To check the portability of every weight bench, we first take note of the general weight of the bench and whether or not it features a deal with or wheels. If the bench is foldable, we be aware how straightforward the folding course of is and whether or not it wants two folks to fold or carry it.
- Consolation: Weight benches must be supportive and agency. To guage the consolation of every bench, we be aware of the fabric used, the thickness of the padding, and whether or not it is easy to wipe clear. When utilizing the burden benches, we be aware if the bench feels delicate and supportive however agency sufficient to be secure.
- Additional Options: Additional options, whereas not mandatory, add versatility to a exercise. With every bench, we be aware of included issues like built-in storage, leg helps, or equipment like resistance bands. We consider every further function to find out in the event that they work as supposed and add worth.
- Worth: After evaluating every weight bench for the opposite key options, we take into account the price and decide whether or not the bench is priced pretty for the options and attributes it gives. Weight benches that rating nicely for general worth have what we consider is a good worth or a worth that’s even decrease than what we might take into account paying.
Our Specialists
For extra perception into what key options make for a high-quality weight bench, we requested three specialists for his or her shopping for ideas and recommendation. In addition they helped inform our testing course of. We spoke to:
- Evan Betts, CPT,licensed private coach and founding coach at GRIT BXNG in New York
- Kern Alexander, NASM-CPT, corrective train specialist and co-founder of Main Edge Private Trainers in New York Metropolis
- Noelle McKenzie, ACE-CPT, licensed private coach and co-founder of Main Edge Private Trainers in New York Metropolis
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
How do you employ a weight bench?
There are numerous other ways to make use of a weight bench. You possibly can lie in your again to make use of it for upper-body workout routines or core work or you may lie in your abdomen to make use of it for upper-back workout routines. You may also stand over it for assist for different workout routines, like bent-over rows and squats. And you may sit on it for workout routines like biceps curls. You possibly can even use it to raise your toes or arms throughout push-ups.
How do you clear a weight bench?
Weight benches are usually straightforward to wash, due to their sturdy upholstery and supplies. Wipe down your weight bench utilizing a disinfectant wipe or a paper towel and disinfectant spray after every exercise, and you have to be good to go.
How a lot does a weight bench usually value?
Weight benches can value wherever from round $130 to $800 and up. Nevertheless, a better worth level doesn’t all the time imply a greater bench. Deal with discovering a bench that meets your wants when it comes to top, angle, and weight capability. In case you’re procuring on a finances, bear in mind you could begin with one thing easy and construct your setup over time.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Verywell Match author Lindsey Lanquist has years of expertise within the well being and health house. For this procuring information, she prioritized weight benches which might be sturdy, comfy, and adjustable. She additionally included a various vary of weight benches with totally different options—like foldability, built-in storage, hooked up squat racks, and extra—that will help you discover a weight bench that meets your precise wants.
Further reporting by Jen Zeltwanger
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified train physiologist and long-time health author. Jen has been within the health trade for over 25 years and has written articles and examined merchandise for a wide range of health and wellness publications. Jen makes use of a weight bench typically in her residence health club and is aware of what works in terms of residence health.