The Weight Bench - A Complete Information Guide

Subscribe To This Site

An Online Guide To Finding The Perfect Weight Bench

A weight bench is an essential piece of equipment in any gym, and is probably the most popular item in strength training. With a good bench and a set of dumbbells you can get an excellent full body workout.

Free Shipping On All Weight Benches
Start with the basics. A nice bench and a set of weights and get Free Shipping on all orders.

While they are fairly simple by design, the number of different models and types of benches on the market can be overwhelming. There are lots of people who improvise and substitute other things in place of an actual weight lifting bench. For example if you're limited on space, budget or both, a stability ball will allow you to perform dumbbell exercises inclined, declined or in seated positions. When you walk into a fitness club there are typically four types of models you will see in the weight room:

Flat Bench - Pretty self explanatory

Incline Bench - Angles upward so that your legs are angled lower than your head. Most fixed incline benches are built between a 30-45 degree angle. (Mostly used for incline bench press and flys)

Decline Bench - Angles downward so that your legs are angled higher than your head. Most fixed incline benches are built between a 30-45 degree angle. (Mostly used for decline bench press)

Vertical Bench - Used most often for dumbbell military presses or curls this bench looks kind of like a chair with the seat back straight up at a 90 degree angle.

Another type of bench you will see in most fitness clubs is the Preacher Curl Bench. This piece of equipment is used for isolating and targeting the bicep muscle when performing curls.

Fortunately if you you work out in a home gym and want to use a bench for strength training, you don't need to purchase 4 different models to get an effective workout. There are many excellent multi-purpose models available by Weider, Marcy, Body Solid, and Powertec to name a few. As with most weight training equipment, you get what you pay for. So if you are going to be doing dumbbell exercises and some light strength training, a less expensive unit will probably suit your needs. However, if you are looking to lift heavy weights and incorporate barbell bench presses into your workout, a more sturdy model will not only last longer and perform better, but will also be a safer option. Other variables to keep in mind are things like leg extensions, racks and other weight bench accessories.

Feel free to browse some of our Manufacturer Fact Sheets below to get details and User Feedback on some of the most popular benches available. If you are looking for information on products that you do not see listed here drop us a line and we'll do our best to do the research for you.

Weider Benches Fact Sheet

Body Solid Benches Fact Sheet

Nautilus Weight Benches Fact Sheet

Return to Home Page

footer for weight bench page