Best Fitness Benches – Top 7 Solutions For 2018
What is the one piece of equipment that every home gym needs? A fitness bench, of course. Although simple in its design and appearance, the right fitness bench can turn an ordinary workout into an extraordinary one by allowing you to maintain the correct form while you are doing your workout.
If you are new to the whole fitness scene, you will probably be surprised to know there are different types of fitness benches. These include flat benches, hyperextension benches, preacher benches and abdominal benches.
Each one can be used to work different types of muscle groups, but the flat bench is the most common and versatile. Let’s take a quick look at the features of each of the benches.
The Flat Bench
The flat bench is the most common because of its versatility. You can do bench presses, lying rows, flies and seated exercises. It is ideal for free weights, and some even come with brackets for barbells. Because they fold, flat benches can be used for inclined and declined bench presses.
The Hyperextension Bench
This particular fitness bench is used when exercising your back, hamstrings and glutes. The padded braces for the knees and ankles are a recognisable feature of the hyperextension bench.
The Abdominal Bench
This bench works your abdominal muscles. By setting it at different angles, you can make your workout more or less intense. There are padded rollers to secure your feet while you are exercising.
The Preacher Bench
The preacher bench is used specifically when you are working your biceps. It not only isolates them, but it also helps you keep the correct form and ensures you are using the proper technique.
When it comes to choosing a fitness bench, the choice can leave you feeling a little overwhelmed. For this reason, we have selected our top 7 solutions for every kind of workout.
| PRODUCT | DESCRIPTION | RATING | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Mirafit Heavy Duty 260kg FID Weight BenchA very affordable fitness bench with features you would expect to find in far more expensive ones | ££ | Check Price | |
  | York Fitness 5 Seat Position BenchA budget-friendly fitness bench with five positions | ££ | Check Price | |
  | Bodymax CF325 FID Utility BenchThe fitness bench has storage space for your dumbbells and wheels for easy transportation | £ | Check Price | |
  | DTX Fitness All-in-One Dumbbell/Barbell Weight BenchA versatile fitness bench that is suitable for butterfly and preacher curls | £ | Check Price | |
  | Gorilla Sports Weight Bench with Adjustable Barbell RackA solid bench that folds up for convenient storage | £ | Check Price | |
  | Escape Fitness Deck V2.0 Workout PlatformThis multi-purpose bench can be configured in 16 ways | £££ | Check Price | |
| Mirafit Adjustable Folding Weight Bench with Dip StationAn affordable fitness bench that is suitable for dips | £ | Check Price |
Mirafit Heavy Duty 260kg FID Weight Bench
A very affordable fitness bench with features you would expect to find in far more expensive ones
££
Bodymax CF325 FID Utility Bench
The fitness bench has storage space for your dumbbells and wheels for easy transportation
£
DTX Fitness All-in-One Dumbbell/Barbell Weight Bench
A versatile fitness bench that is suitable for butterfly and preacher curls
£
Gorilla Sports Weight Bench with Adjustable Barbell Rack
A solid bench that folds up for convenient storage
£
Escape Fitness Deck V2.0 Workout Platform
This multi-purpose bench can be configured in 16 ways
£££
Mirafit Adjustable Folding Weight Bench with Dip Station
An affordable fitness bench that is suitable for dips
£
The Best Fitness Benches for Every Kind of Workout
1. Mirafit Heavy Duty 260kg FID Weight Bench
The Mirafit Heavy Duty FID Bench manages to combine affordability and quality, making it a very popular choice for people on a budget. The fitness bench features six backrest angles as well as four different seat angles, which allows you to perform a variety of routines.
It has a solid frame and the small wheels and handle make it easy to move around. Because it doesn’t have barbell rack, it is better to use with dumbbells. Even without this feature, it is still a very good bench, especially at its price.
2. York Fitness 5 Seat Position Bench
The York Fitness Bench is an excellent piece of equipment for your home gym, and it won’t break the bank. It has five backrest positions including a 90-degree inclination, and the positions are convenient to change as they don’t require you to move any pins.
The York Fitness Bench has storage space for your dumbbells, and the wheels allow you to move it around with ease. The frame is solid, and the padded surface is durable, so the bench will last a long time. Even though it doesn’t come with a barbell rack, multi-position spotter racks can be purchased separately.
3. Bodymax CF325 FID Utility Bench
Bodymax is a leader in fitness equipment, so you know you are getting a quality product at a very affordable price. Regarding features, the FID Utility Bench offers the same as its counterparts including five different workouts as well as padding for comfort. Where it differs is its weight capacity and length.
It can hold up to 395 pounds and is suitable for people who are around 5 ft 10 or shorter. Taller people may want to choose a different bench because this one will not support their head. It is still an excellent option for a home gym and worth the money.
4. DTX Fitness All-in-One Dumbbell/Barbell Weight Bench with Butterfly & Preacher Curl
The DTX Fitness bench combines quality, versatility and excellent value all in one. It’s a popular choice for people who want to be able to do a wide variety of exercises without spending a fortune on a complete multi-gym.
It features an integrated rack as well as leg press and preacher curl attachments, and it has a barbell weight of around 220 pounds. We like that you can lay the bench flat or adjust it to an upright position, though it doesn’t adjust to a full 90 degrees.
You will need to assemble the bench, and it’s worth noting that it doesn’t come with the necessary tools. You will also need a dedicated area as it doesn’t fold away. But all this aside, it’s an excellent choice at a very affordable price.
5. Gorilla Sports Weight Bench with Adjustable Barbell Rack
The Gorilla Sports Weight Bench offers a good quality fitness bench at a very competitive price. It has an integrated rack that can be adjusted and it folds up for easy storage.
The Gorilla fitness bench has a maximum weight capacity of approximately 440 pounds, and unlike other benches, it is available in black or white, depending on your colour preference.
It is a solid fitness bench at a very good price, which is why we have included it on our best fitness benches list.
6. Escape Fitness Deck V2.0 Workout Platform
Featuring 16 adjustable different positions, the Escape Fitness workout bench is incredibly versatile. It isn’t the cheapest bench on our list, but it is a great choice for a variety of workouts, including circuit training, body pump, boot camps and weight training.
The professional-grade multi-purpose bench has two stepping heights, which makes ideal for step workouts. This bench is suited to someone who enjoys CrossFit training with some weight work. It isn’t the best choice if your primary objective is heavy weight training.
7. Mirafit Adjustable Folding Weight Bench with Dip Station
Mirafit is an established brand known for its quality and affordability. And the Adjustable Folding Bench is the perfect example. Not only is it easy to assemble, but it also folds up for convenient storage, and it has padded cushions for a comfortable workout.
The bench can be used as a dip station, and it can be declined for ab work and sit-ups. It has an adjustable barbell rack, which makes it easy to do a number of presses. There is mention of the bench rattling a little when it is at its maximum weight capacity, but rest assured, this bench is sturdy.
If you are looking for a good quality bench that is both versatile and budget-friendly, you won’t be disappointed.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Fitness Benches to Get You in Shape
Fitness benches, unlike multi-gyms, are incredibly versatile in that they allow you to focus on specific muscle groups. This can yield results a lot quicker. They are cost-effective and convenient and let you exercise in the comfort of your own home.
We don’t need to tell you all the reasons you should be exercising. But, we can help you find the perfect fitness bench that’ll take your workouts to the next level.
We’ll also make sure you find something that suits your budget and your training needs. As an added bonus, we’ve included a handy workout to make sure you use your bench correctly.
Key Features to Consider when Buying a Fitness Bench
There are a few key features to look for when buying a fitness bench. Keeping these in mind when choosing one will ensure you get what you need for your home gym. Let’s take a look at what these features are.
Adjustability
The best fitness benches are those that have a range of angle adjustments such as flat, decline, incline and 90 degrees. These angles give you more choice when it comes to exercising and allow you to work different muscle groups.
Quality
Always look at the quality of the fitness bench. While there are some that seem like a real bargain, chances are, they aren’t as stable or durable as those which cost only a bit more. Invest in a bargain bench and you will have to buy a new one sooner rather than later.
Check that it is made using heavy gauge tubing and that the weight load capacity will support you even as you bulk up.
Upholstery
The upholstery of a fitness bench might not seem like the most obvious thing to take into consideration, but comfort is essential, especially when you’re lying flat on your back and bench pressing heavy weights.
The material shouldn’t be too thin, and it needs to be finished off with box stitching to make sure it doesn’t fall apart.
Versatility
Most weight benches are versatile (especially those with different angle settings), but nowadays, you can get benches with various attachments to up the versatility even further. These include leg curls, extensions and preacher curls for your arms and biceps.
You can also get fitness benches that have high pulley stations, dip stations and lat towers for lat pulldowns, tricep pushdowns, woodchoppers, high ab crunches and single arm cable crossovers.
Safety
Safety should be a priority when looking at a fitness bench. If it comes with a rack, for example, then it should also include safety catchers. The bench’s stability, as mentioned before, and weight capacity are also very important for safety reasons.
Always follow the instructions when using the bench to reduce the risk of injury.
The Best Exercises to Get the Most out of Your Fitness Bench
We’ve included a few basic exercises to get you started on your fitness bench.
Ab Crunch
You will need: Fitness bench with foot straps at the front
Start off by hooking your feet under the front rollers with the bench set at a decline. Make sure your core is tight, and slowly recline your upper body to 45 degrees, hold this position for a second and come back up. Your back must not be arched.
Chest Press
You will need: Fitness bench and dumbbells or barbell
You can do this lying flat or in an inclined or declined position. Lift the weight to align with your chest vertically, and slowly bring it down to your chest, ensuring your elbows are in tight. Stop approximately one inch above your chest. Hold the position for one second and then push upwards quickly.
Seated Shoulder Press
You will need: Dumbbells or barbell
The bench must be set at 90 degrees. Lift the weight directly over your head. Then, slowly bring it down to your elbows, forming a right angle and then push the weight back up.
Seated Incline Dumbbell Row
You will need: Dumbbells
With the bench set at a 45-degree incline, lie down on your back with the dumbbells hanging below you in a neutral grip position. Then, slowly bring the weight up to your core. Keep your elbows in tight. Hold this position for a second and then return to the start.
Seated Bicep Curl
You will need: Dumbbells
Make sure the bench is at a 90-degree angle. Start with the dumbbells hanging by your side. With your palms facing outward, curl the weigh upwards without moving your elbows. Hold this position at the top for one second, then slowly bring the weight down until your arm is straight.
Leg Extension
You will need: Leg Developer
Start by hooking your legs under the rollers on the leg developer. Curl your legs upwards until they are almost straight, hold for one second and then slowly bring them down.
And there you have it. Our best fitness benches will get you looking and feeling better in no time at all. Convenience, affordability and a handy workout guide mean there are no more excuses not to be incorporating regular exercise into your routine.
Tom Purton is a fitness junkie. Testing the latest and greatest products on the market and writing reviews in the strength, nutrition, running and many more. For more information about the latest reviews check out Ghost Fitness.
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