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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. A range of weight benches is available to suit different lifestyle needs and fitness goals. When choosing a weight bench, people may consider factors such as their experience level, comfort, available space, and budget. Share on Pinterest A quick look at 9 of the best weight benchesBest adjustable Flybird Adjustable BenchBest for firm support Marcy Flat Utility Weight BenchBest foldable Ativafit Adjustable Weight BenchBest for app support Fitness Reality BenchBest for most exercises Marcy Olympic MD 879 Weight BenchBest for workout ideas Finer Form 5-in-1 Adjustable Weight BenchBest ready out of the box GYMENIST Exercise BenchBest affordable Everyday Essentials Steel Frame Flat Weight Training BenchBest for a heavy-duty bench Bowflex 5 1S Stowable BenchThis article explores what people should look for in weight benches, several weight benches to consider, alternative strength training equipment, and the associated health benefits and risks. Types of weight benches Weight benches come in four main categories:Flat weight benches: Supports heavy weights and are usually compact. They have no adjustable parts, making maintenance easy. However, they do not allow for changing angles, limiting the exercises a person can perform.Adjustable weight benches: Adjustable backrests and seats allow people to strengthen their muscles using various angles. However, having several moving parts make them prone to wear and tear.Olympic weight benches: These benches come with a multi-tiered re-racking system for a comfortable and safe reracking of barbells. A typical downside is their fixed angles and large size.Specialist weight benches: These types of equipment aim to target specific muscle groups by allowing precise movements and restricting certain motions. Examples of these include abdominal curl benches and preacher curl benches. People should consider how they want to use their weight bench when choosing one. How we choose products Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strength.Connectivity: Where fitness equipment has fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures variation in classes and services that benefit a person’s health.Materials: MNT chooses products that have safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If set-up is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a set-up or installation service.Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and that offer reliable customer service and support. List of weight benches Below are some of the best weight benches to purchase online. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best adjustable Flybird Adjustable BenchList pricearound $240Weight limit800 pound (lb)Dimensions34.65 x 15.94 x 10.63 inches (in)Warrantyone yearProdoes not require assemblyConaccording to reviews, it may be too tall for some people This adjustable weight bench features a unique triangular structure. It offers seven backrest settings, three-seat adjustment options, and two footpad positions. It is compact when folded but can accommodate people up to 6 feet 2 inches (in) in height. It also does not require assembly. This bench has 2-in soft foam padding with a faux leather cover.SHOP NOW Best for firm support Marcy Flat Utility Weight BenchList pricearound $120Weight limit600 lbDimensions43 x 14 x 17 inchesWarrantytwo yearsProhas a sturdy frame for support during workoutsCondoes not provide as many workouts as adjustable benches This bench uses a sturdy steel tube frame with a powder-coated finish to protect it from wear and tear. Its boxed upholstery and high-density foam provide comfort and firm support during workouts. The company claims this is a versatile bench that features a space-saving design.SHOP NOW Best foldable Ativafit Adjustable Weight BenchList pricearound $150Weight limit330 lbDimensionsno information availableWarrantyone yearProoffers a range of backrest positionsConhas a lower weight limit than other options This adjustable and foldable bench offers six backrest pad positions. It also comes with two detachable resistance bands for resistance training and a soft foam padding foot support. This enables users to perform a range of exercises. The cover comprises polyurethane leather and wipes clean. People can fold it when the weight bench is not in use.SHOP NOW Best for app support Fitness Reality BenchList pricearound $150Weight limit800 lbDimensions59 x 23.5 x 48.5 inWarrantyone year limitedProcomes with a fitness app that offers free featuresConthe MYCLOUDFITNESS app requires a subscription to access all features This adjustable bench offers a wide backrest and seat. Its backrest also allows for 12 adjustment options, including incline, flat, and decline positions. It has a detachable leg hold-down bar with three adjustments. The bench is foldable, while the company claims it is easy to store. This weight bench comes with the MYCLOUDFITNESS app for basic workout tracking and activity reports.SHOP NOW Best for most exercises Marcy Olympic MD 879 Weight BenchList pricearound $330Weight limit600 lbDimensions80 x 47 x 61 inWarrantytwo years limitedProinbuilt weight holdersConone of the more expensive options available This versatile bench has a two-piece design, with a bench and a separate squat rack with two bar catches. It also offers several features, such as an adjustable back pad, an adjustable arm curl pad, a curl handle, and a leg developer. It can sit in incline, flat, and decline positions. The bench has pegs for storing weights and consists of a steel frame and vinyl covers for durability and safety.SHOP NOW Best for workout ideas Finer Form 5-in-1 Adjustable Weight BenchList pricearound $160Weight limit660 lbDimensions34.25 x 13.78 x 10.24 inWarrantyno information availableProthe company provides free PDF workoutsConsome reviewers have difficulty making the bench flat This adjustable bench allows for five different positions, including incline, flat, and decline. It also has eight back pad settings and three seat settings. The bench is foldable and compact so it may suit small spaces. Customers receive a free digital workout chart, which displays potential exercises for different bench positions.SHOP NOW Best ready out of the box GYMENIST Exercise BenchList pricearound $120Weight limit550 lbDimensions34 x 18 x 10 inWarrantyone yearProdoes not require assemblyConsome reviewers state that the bench is not durable This foldable bench features six backrest adjustments, three seat adjustments, and three leg adjustments. Users can rotate the legs of the bench to stabilize it on uneven floors. People should always ensure they are exercising on stable and safe equipment and surfaces. The bench comes with a back pillow and a soft padded foam footrest. It does not require assembly and is ready to use out of the box.SHOP NOW Best affordable Everyday Essentials Steel Frame Flat Weight Training BenchList pricearound $40Weight limit600 lbDimensions40 x 16 x 19 inWarrantyno warrantyProcomes with rubber feet to protect flooringConthis bench is not adjustable This flat bench has a durable frame and a support cushion. The bench also has rubber feet to help protect the floor underneath it. The company states that the bench is easy to assemble and comes with a user-friendly manual. While the bench does not have a warranty, Walmart offers a 90-day return policy.SHOP NOW Best for a heavy-duty bench Bowflex 5 1S Stowable BenchList price$349Weight limit600 lbDimensions61.3 x 28.1 x 49.5 inWarrantyno information availableProincludes wheels for easy transportConone of the more expensive weight benches available This adjustable bench allows for six positions, including a minus 20-degree decline and a 90-degree incline. Bowflex states that this bench has a heavy-duty steel frame for durability. Additionally, the company says it has a space-saving design and transport wheels for easier storage. The company does not state whether this bench benefits from a warranty.SHOP NOW Comparison chart The following table compares all the weight benches in this article.DimensionsWeight limitWarrantyList priceFlybird34.65 x 15.94 x 10.63 in800 lbone yeararound $240Marcy Flat Bench43 x 14 x 17 inches600 lbtwo yearsaround $120Ativafitno information available330 lbone yeararound $150Fitness Reality59 x 23.5 x 48.5 in800 lbone year limitedaround $150Marcy Olympic Bench80 x 47 x 61 in600 lbtwo years limitedaround $330Finer Form34.25 x 13.78 x 10.24 in660 lbno information availablearound $160GYMENIST34 x 18 x 10 in550 lbone yeararound $120Everyday Essentials40 x 16 x 19 in600 lbno warrantyaround $40Bowflex61.3 x 28.1 x 49.5 in600 lbno information available$349 How to choose a weight bench There are several factors that people might want to consider before buying a weight bench:Body type: The bench’s frame should match the person’s body type to ensure safety and stability.Price: More sturdy types and those with additional features are generally more expensive.Set up and storage: People should consider the time and ease of setting up the equipment. Some types come with wheels or are foldable for easy storage.Comfort: Check for the quality of upholstery and the thickness of the cushion to ensure comfort during training. A person should also ensure that the bench matches their height.Space: Some weight benches require a lot of space. If a person has limited room to work with, they can opt for a compact or folding bench.Warranty: People should consider the length and coverage of the equipment’s warranty.Maximum capacity: The weight capacity should cover the user’s weight and the maximum load of the weight they plan to use.Experience level: A beginner may have different training needs and experience than experienced lifters.Fitness goals: The equipment a person needs depends on their goals and the type of training and exercise they need. An individual should also consider the other equipment they will use with the weight bench.Upgrades: If a person is looking for long-term use, they may opt for upgradable benches. These types allow people to add accessories, such as preacher pads and leg extension attachments, which help progress training. People can check brand websites and product specifications for measurements and recommendations. Researching online reviews can help with identifying the best product for their needs. Alternatives There are alternative types of resistance and strength equipment a person can consider, including:Power tower: An all-in-one piece of equipment that uses a person’s body weight for a full upper body and abdominal workout.Kettlebells: Cast-iron weights with handles that come in various weights. A person can incorporate this versatile equipment in many types of exercises.Pull-up bars: This tool consists of a bar on a stand that individuals can use for several upper-body workouts.Suspension trainers: This type of equipment uses a person’s body weight and gravity to add resistance during suspension training. Learn about the best home gym equipment. Strength training and health The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults aged 18–64 years perform 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week. They also advise moderate-to-high muscle-strengthening activities on major muscle groups for 2 or more days a week. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), strength training offers numerous health benefits. Specifically, strength training:strengthens musclessupports bone healthimproves food metabolism and reduces the risk of diabeteslowers the risk for stroke and other chronic diseasesimproves self-esteem A recent 2019 study found that as little as an hour a week of resistance exercise may reduce the risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular disease. One 2014 study found that muscle strengthening and conditioning exercise may lower the risk for type 2 diabetes. Research in 2016 also found that people with high muscle mass and low fat mass had a lower mortality risk than other body composition types. Frequently asked questions about weight benches Here we answer some questions about these products. Are weight benches worth the cost A weight bench may be worth the cost if a person is looking for a piece of fitness equipment that allows most exercises. Weight benches are versatile and people may use them for lifting dumbbells, chest presses, core exercises, and more. Is an adjustable weight bench worth it An adjustable weight bench may be more suitable for people who prefer to use decline and inclines during their workout. What can I use instead of a weight bench at home People may use any flat, stable, surface if they do not have a weight bench at home. However, it is important to ensure that the surface can comfortably support a person’s weight and the weight of any other pieces of equipment, such as dumbbells. Summary Weight benches are versatile pieces of workout equipment that can support a wide array of workouts. Adaptable and adjustable benches allow people to perform different exercises and work out more muscle groups. However, these benches usually cost more than static options. A person looking into buying a weighted bench must consider their exercise and lifestyle needs, such as available space for the bench, fitness goals, and budget. Comparing online customer reviews can help narrow down the many options. Please note: Medical News Today does not imply a warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. Nobody at MNT has evaluated these apps for medical accuracy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated. Last medically reviewed on June 6, 2021Uncategorized 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Grøntved, A., et al. (2014). Muscle strengthening and conditioning activities and risk of type 2 diabetes: A prospective study in two cohorts of US women.https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001587Liu, Y., et al. (2019). Associations of resistance exercise with cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30376511/Maintain your muscle: Strength training at any age. (2020).https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/03/maintain-your-musclePhysical activity. (2020).https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activitySrikanthan, P., et al. (2016). Relation of muscle mass and fat mass to cardiovascular disease mortality.https://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(16)30155-2/fulltextFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jake Tipane, CPT — By Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito — Updated on July 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageSome of the best dumbbells: 10 to consider in 2022Medically reviewed by Jake Tipane, CPT What are some of the best dumbbells? 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