Last Updated on October 23, 2024 by grubdunkman
In this ultimate guide we will cover the most important questions when choosing a workout bench for your strength training. The workout bench is one of the most essential pieces of equipment for any home or commercial gym. It is in fact second most popular item after the dumbbells. Many effective fitness programs don’t require anything else apart from dumbbells and the bench.
Since there is a need for the product, the manufacturers offer a great selection of benches to match each need and taste. When there are so many options it can be hard to make a decision, the situation also known as analysis paralysis. In this blog post we examine a few key characteristics of the benches that play a crucial role when you choose a bench. This will help you make an informed and correct decision.
Flat vs Adjustable Bench
First decision to make is whether you need a flat bench or an adjustable bench. Some athletes prefer to have both. The flat bench is a great choice for powerlifting, and overall ids better choice when flat horizontal position is required for an exercise. An adjustable bench on the other hand provides additional functionality. With its adjustable back pad and sometimes adjustable seat this kind of bench gives you an opportunity to perform exercises in incline and sometimes decline position. Not all adjustable benches feature a decline position, so pay attention to this.
Budget
Next thing you need to decide how much money you are ready to invest to buy the workout bench. Functionality, massiveness of the frame and sophistication of the materials used usually increases with the price. Good quality cheap benches also exist, but it is important to know which ones. The prices range from about 100$ and go up to almost a thousand for a great quality commercial bench with extra features.
To give an example of the budget friendly bench take a look at this adjustable bench from our shop. Apart from quality build it also comes pre-assembled and ready to use. It is foldable, so that you can store it under the bed or against the wall when not used.
Space
Since we just mentioned foldability as a feature, let’s cover this characteristic of the bench right away. If space saving is something you are aiming for, you can be interested to choose the bench that can be either folded or put vertically against the wall. Some models also feature wheels for the ease of moving the bench around.
Workout Bench Size
When choosing the bench take into consideration the dimensions. The standard height of the pad surface approved by the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) is 17 inches, most benches would have similar height. Most of them fall into the range of 16-17 inches. The length of the back pad is another important factor if you are tall. Some benches are not designed to fit tall athletes, so the head won’t have enough support, which is not comfortable or normal. The average width of the backed is around 11-12 inches, however the models with extra wide back pad also exist. To give an example this bench features a pad of 14 inches wide.
Materials
When choosing the bench pay attention to the quality of build and materials used. Heavier frames tend to be more reliable and solid, however heavy weight does not guarantee the quality. Take a look at the quality of welding. Try to move and adjust the bench to make sure the frame is sold, doesn’t wiggle and adjusts smoothly. Examine the pads as well. Thicker vinyl usually lasts longer and withstands the contact with metal gym equipment where thinner vinyl may rip.
Workout Bench Functionality
Let’s take a look at the functionality of flat benches first, as they are mire simple in this sense. Apart from the flat pad they can feature just a couple additional accessories. They are usually wheels to make transportation of the bench around your gym easier. On the opposite side the bench would have the handle to push or drag the bench on wheels. Ok, this was simple let’s get to the adjustable benches then.
As we already mentioned the adjustable bench can be either flat and incline or FID (flat, incline, decline). Many adjustable benches also feature a pair of leg rollers. They keep the legs locked for the exercises such as crunches for abs. Even more features you can find in the so called multifunctional benches. One of the kinds of these benches feature a square receptacle in front of the seat. You can add different kinds of attachments that are held by this receptacle, such as pad for biceps curl, leg extension attachment and others. Advanced adjustable benches can provide additional features, such as a sliding seat to put it close to the back pad. These are called zero gap benches. Another additional feature can be markings for each position of the pads, so that you know what angle you have selected.
You Are Ready Now
Equipped with this information you will be able to decide whether you need something as straight forward as a flat bench for bench press, or the bench as advanced as a multifunctional one, with plenty of options in between. Once you have decided on which functions of the bench you require, pay attention to the quality of the bench. Check the sturdiness of the frame and materials of the pads. Take into account your budget, space you have for the bench and the size of the bench you need to match with your size, since some benches work better then the others for the tall athletes, or the athletes who required an extra wide back pad.
