Best Weight Bench 2022: Top Workout Benches For Home Gyms
Finding the best weight bench is vital when it comes to unlocking new exercises at home, especially when teamed with one of the around.
Not only is a bench extremely versatile, but it is also a key bit of equipment needed for core movements like chest press and seated shoulder press.
So, if you’re looking to pick one up for your home gym, then our list of top picks, based on features, price, and reviews, should be the ideal place to begin your search.
Whether you’re after something compact, like this REP Fitness AB-5000, or searching for something flat, like this BangTong&Li bit of kit, then we’ve got you covered right here.
We’ve also answered some of the most commonly asked questions regarding weight benches to help you come to an informed decision on which bench is best for you.
So, without further delay, let’s dive in…
Best Weight Bench
- Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
- Bowflex 5.1s
- BangTong&Li Flat Weight Bench
- Escape Fitness Deck V2.0
- Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
- REP Fitness AB-5000 Zero Gap
- Rogue AB-3
Best Weight Bench For Home – Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
Brand: Flybird | Dimensions When Folded: 30″ L x 16″ W x 9″ H
Flybird is one of the leading manufacturers of fitness equipment and gear, which is why the brand features in a number of our lists including the .
This Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench is another great example of the company’s expertise.
It has a maximium capacity of 700lbs thanks to its reinforced, heavy-duty steel construction and triangular structure.
Perhaps more important than the weight limit though is the fact that this bench is completely adjustable.
You’re getting the option to decline 35 degrees here, which is more than enough if you wanted to bring in decline chest press, pull-overs, skull-crushers, or even decline crunches into your workout.
Furthermore, you can lock yourself in with the leg hooks, meaning you won’t be slipping off the bench anytime soon.
It’s a fantastic offering from Flybird yet again, and the added foldability makes it almost a no-brainer for those trying to save space.
Best Foldable Weight Bench – Bowflex 5.1s
Brand: Bowflex | Dimensions: 49.5 x 28.1 x 61.3″ | Max Weight: 600 lbs
On the topic of saving space, this Bowflex 5.1s looks to be a great pick if you’re after something foldable for easy storage, but also adjustable to tackle flat, incline, or even decline chest press.
This is down to the 5.1s bench having 6 adjustable angles ranging from a 90-degree upright to a -20-degree decline, both of which are ideal if you’re looking to keep your push day workouts varied.
On top of that, its premium build means it has a max weight capacity of 600lbs. This should be more than enough, even when tackling some of your heaviest lifts.
Ultimately, we believe this Bowflex 5.1s is well worth considering if you’re looking for a well-rounded foldable weight bench.
Best Flat Weight Bench – BangTong&Li Flat Weight Bench
Brand: BangTong&Li | Height When Folded: 6.3″
Going for a flat bench is arguably a less versatile piece of kit than some of the more adjustable options out there, but there is still a place for them, namely with those who also want to use it for more dynamic exercises.
In fact, these can double up as quite sturdy platforms to perform box jumps or steps ups, and without the gap between pads, you can do so with confidence.
This BangTong&Li bench is also foldable, which is great if you want it out of sight.
It’s also incredibly heavy-duty, holding up to 660lbs, making it a decent choice if you’re training heavy at home.
It may not have all the bells and whistles, but just like some of the , sometimes simpler can be better!
Best Adjustable Weight Bench – Escape Fitness Deck V2.0
Brand: Escape Fitness USA | Dimensions: 43.31″ x 12.99″ x 13.98″ | Max Weight: 330 lbs
Not every weight bench needs to be geared towards heavy compound movements, and this Escape Fitness Deck is one of the many examples out there that are tailored more towards aerobic and circuit training styles of workouts.
Unlike the cushioned comfort of some of the other entries on the list, you’re getting a non-slip surface which makes it ideal for more dynamic movements.
It features 16 configurations, giving you a ton of variety, and it should even work with your , which are fantastic for a whole range of different movements and warmups.
This bench is really for those who enjoy doing classes from home and like to switch between exercises in a flash.
It’s even got storage built-in… win win.
Best Premium Weight Bench – Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
Brand: Marcy | Dimensions: 65.75 x 65.5 x 64.5″ | Max Weight: Unspecified
If you want to go all-in with a weight bench, you’ll want to check out this one from Marcy.
This has pretty much everything you could want, including a leg extension and preacher curl attachment.
Of course, you can use this adjustable bench for all the classic movements, like bench and shoulder, but thanks to the squat rack you could even start training your legs effectively at home too.
Moreover, you can switch exercises quickly and create some impactful supersets or simply put together a HIIT circuit to even introduce some cardio into the mix.
All in all, we feel this Marcy Weight Bench ticks a lot of boxes to make it a top option to consider.
If you want really want to load up the plates and lift heavy with this bit of kit, then check out our buying guides to help you do this from the comfort of your own home.
Best Compact Weight Bench – REP Fitness AB-5000 Zero Gap
Brand: REP Fitness | Dimensions: 53.5″ x 17.5″ | Max Weight: 1000lbs
REP Fitness AB-5000 looks to be a great choice for home workouts thanks to its 11-gauge steel construction that allows you to perform flat, incline, and even decline movements with ease.
Thanks to its sturdy frame, REP Fitness boasts its bench can hold a maximum of 1000lbs of weight which should give you peace of mind when attempting a heavy bench.
The most notable feature though is its zero pad gap in all positions which is designed to completely eliminate any discomfort when attempting a lift.
This also helps keep the dimensions to a minimum to help you maximimise space in your home or garage gym.
Ultimately, we feel there’s a lot to like about the REP Fitness AB-5000 which is why we’ve included it in our list.
Best Weight Bench For Versatility – Rogue AB-3
Brand: Rogue Fitness | Dimensions: 52″ x 18″ | Max Weight: Unspecified
This heavy-duty Rogue AB-3 bench looks to be a great pick for keeping your workouts varied as it boasts an impressive 50+ seat and back-pad position combinations.
Not only can you perform the usual incline and flat bench exercises, but the addition of the removable foot catch allows you to complete decline movements as well.
The bench should be pretty durable as well having been made from sturdy 11-gauge steel capable of supporting significant amounts of weight.
Overall, the Rogue AB-3 bench looks to be a great pick from one of the leading brands in fitness gear around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Benches
Even though these benches look simple, there’s a lot you’ll want to factor into your choice, which is why we’ve asked a fully qualified personal trainer to ‘weigh’ in on a few frequently asked questions…
Is A Weight Bench Worth It?
Just like some of the , weight benches can give you access to exercises that are just not possible without them.
Of course, there are loads of hacks you can do (and kudos to those who’ve found creative ways of keeping fit) but for stability, durability, and portability, you really can’t beat a weight bench.
Exercises that focus on chest development and require a full range of motion in particular are enhanced by the bench, as your elbow will be able to travel past 90 degrees without being stopped by the floor.
Incline presses in particular are difficult to achieve without a weight bench, and getting that development is even tricky in the creative (and impressive) callisthenics community.
If you’re looking for more weight bench uses, check out our lists of the , , and right here.
What Should You Look For From A Weight Bench?
Some of the most important areas to look for with a weight bench are size and whether it’s adjustable.
For heavy lifting, we’d recommend something adjustable, but only if it’s very heavy duty and preferably quite wide also.
For lighter workouts, you can focus more on the thinner, smaller benches, or even some of the fitness decks.
Flat benches have their place too, more so for doubling up as a stepper or for a pseudo box jump, but for the most bang for your buck, adjustable is a good way to go.
Should You Get A Squat Rack With A Weight Bench?
We’d say yes, purely for the sake of having more exercises at your disposal.
They’re not essential and we wouldn’t go so far as to say that you should be lifting hundreds of pounds in your living room, but if you’ve got an outside or garage gym they can be worthwhile.
It’s a good add-on, but the bench by itself is a great place to start.
If you are looking for an accompanying rack though, check out our list of the .
Do Weight Benches Come With A Weight Limit?
Most bench manufacturers will state the maximum amount of weight their bench can hold.
This will vary depending on the materials used and the weight of the bench itself.
As seen in this list, compact and adjustable benches, like the Escape Fitness Deck, often come with a lower maximum weight compared to heavier, fixed alternatives.
If you spend slightly more and pick up an Olympic-standard bench, then you should find it’s able to withstand a significant amount of weight which is ideal if you’re looking to load up the plates and lift heavy.
If you’re unsure how much a bench can take, it’s worth checking the product description as there should be some indication there.
How Much Is A Good Weight Bench?
There is no definitive answer to this question as weight benches can vary drastically in price depending on a number of factors like the materials used, the maximum weight limit, or the number of additional features.
However, that doesn’t mean a weight bench towards the cheaper end of the scale won’t be good and suitable for your home gym setup.
It all comes down to what you’re looking for from a weight bench.
For example, if you’re searching for a simple flat bench, then this relatively inexpensive bit of kit from BangTong&Li Flat should be more than capable of fulfilling your needs.
However, if you’re after something adjustable with additional arms for bench press, then you may find looking at some of the more premium benches, like this Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench, to be most beneficial.
How Tall Should A Weight Bench Be?
A weight bench needs to be the right height in order to perform lifts safely and to the best of your ability.
Typically speaking, a weight bench will sit about 17 to 18″ off the grown when flat based on IPF-recommended height.
This allows it to be low enough to provide adequate barbell clearance space, yet tall enough for you to comfortably plant your feet on the ground.
How Wide Should A Weight Bench Be?
Similar to height, a weight bench needs to be wide enough to support your back, but not so wide as to interfere with your range of motion.
This is perhaps most crucial when bench pressing in order to feel comfortable and supported throughout each stage of your lift.
The defacto standard weight bench width is between 10 to 12″ (25–30cm); however, there are a few benches available that come with even wider backrests than that.
Generally speaking though, a weight bench with a width of 11″ should be suitable for you and your workouts.
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