One of the, if not THE most, important part of any home gym set up, you’re going to need to make sure that you get your hands on the best weight bench available.
The right weight bench is going to give you a rock solid platform that you’ll be able to work off of, allowing you to perform a number of different exercise routines and training programs that you simply wouldn’t have been able to do without one.
| PREVIEW | NAME | RATING | PRICE | MORE DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Adjustable Bench | 4.5/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Universal 5 Position Weight Bench | 4.4/ 5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Adjustable Bench | 4.4/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Powerline Flat/Incline/Decline Folding Bench | 4.3/ 5 | $$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Ironmaster Super Bench Adjustable | 4.7/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Marcy Adjustable Utility Bench | 4.2/ 5 | $$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | XMark FID Flat Incline Decline Weight Bench | 4.7/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
But even though weight benches look for a similar across the board, there are significant differences between the best weight bench options and ones that really aren’t worth investing in – and we are going to point out some of those differences below.
Stability is Critical
Stability is going to be absolutely everything when you’re talking about a quality bench, as it’s going to be the number one factor that keeps you safe when pressing or exercising with a tremendous amount of weight.
You should look for a weight bench that is manufactured out of very high quality construction materials (including tubular or structural steel), and it should always go for the heaviest weight bench you can comfortably maneuver around as it will be a lot more stable plan a lighter one.
Adjustability is a Bonus
Some people go for a flat bench and are able to utilize it to tremendous effect, but you’re almost always going to be able to get more out of a weight bench that can decline or incline as well. Adjustability is definitely a bonus that you’ll want to look for in your new bench.
A Standalone Bench is Better
The very best weight bench options on the market today are ones that are “standalone” units – not tied to a bench press tower or any other piece of exercise equipment. You might be able to save space and a little bit of money by going for one of those all-in-one units, but you won’t have the kind of versatility that you’d like to be able to use your bench in any and every way possible.
Get your hands on a standalone bench and you’ll be glad you did.
Best Weight Bench Reviews for 2020
1. Bowflex 3.1 Adjustable Bench
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Three years and years now, the people at Bowflex have been putting out pretty quality pieces of exercise equipment, and their 3.1 adjustable bench continues that trend.
Certainly one of the highest quality weight bench options you’re going to come across on the market today, this adjustable unit allows you to get in a bunch of different exercises at a bunch of different angles that you wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
Combine that with its relatively lightweight construction that doesn’t sacrifice stability at any point in time, and you are really looking at something special here.
- Adjustable bench press allows you to move from incline to neutral to decline without any extra effort
- Includes a removable leg brace to dig deep during decline workouts
- Helps to support better posture and positioning
- Is incredibly comfortable while at the same time as stable as a foundation as you’ll find
What’s to like about Bowflex 3.1 Adjustable Bench
The most impressive thing about the Bowflex 3.1 adjustable bench is that it can move quickly through four different bench press positions in just a few seconds. You can go from doing decline dumbbell flies to incline shoulder presses in no time at all.
All of this flexibility gives you the opportunity to hit all of your favorite workouts from over 30 different angles without having to switch off of this bench.
What’s not to like
The only real thing that is a little bit of a disappointment in regards to this bench is the price tag. However, you are definitely paying for high-end construction materials and quality engineering across the board, and if you look at it as an investment in your fitness you really can’t go wrong.
Final Verdict
All things considered, the Bowflex 3.1 adjustable bench is certainly one of the best weight benches you’re going to come across at any price point. We are definitely comfortable giving it a full 4.5 out of 5 rating!
2. Universal 5 Position Weight Bench
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Adjustable weight benches are far and away the smartest investment for those that are looking to outfit their home gym set up, if only because of all of the extra flexibility and adaptability that they bring to the table.
And while there are a bunch of different adjustable weight bench options on the market today, few of them are quite as well designed or as finely constructed as the Universal 5 Position Weight Bench. This is a quality piece of exercise equipment that you won’t regret adding to your home gym anytime soon.
- Multiple bench positions give you the opportunity to hit your favorite exercises from numerous different angles
- Bench is flexible enough for upper body, core, and lower body exercises
- Entire bench has been designed with a contour shape and 5 inches of foam rollers to offer you the ultimate in comfort and stability
- Unique “stability feet” keep you safe even while pushing or pulling a tremendous amount of weight
What’s to like about Universal 5 Position Weight Bench
Of all the different things that the Universal 5 Position Weight Bench brings to the table, the five unique bench positions would have to be the most impressive.
Giving you the opportunity to go from -10, 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees with nothing more than a quick adjustment that should only take two or three seconds maximum, you’ll be able to blow through all of your favorite exercises while still feeling perfectly safe and stable when you use this bench.
What’s not to like
Some users have questioned the overall strength of this weight bench, which is somewhat understandable considering the relative lightweight of this particular bench. Even still, the “stabilizer arms” that come out from the base of this unit guarantee that it is going to remain rock solid on any floor surface.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, the Universal 5 Position Weight Bench is definitely well worth looking into. We give it 4.5 out of 5 stars without any reservation.
3. Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Adjustable Bench
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As mentioned above, Bowflex quickly established themselves as an industry leader in the world of fitness equipment built on the back of their world-class Bowflex all-in-one home gym – but it’s pieces of exercise equipment like the Select Tech 5.1 adjustable weight bench that have continued to push this company forward.
Offering a tremendous amount of flexibility (more so than almost any other standalone weight bench on the market), those looking to enjoy completely custom workouts are going to want to seriously consider this option over all others.
- Almost instant flexibility in six different positions allow this weight bench to go from a 17° decline to a 90° incline with stops along the way
- Incredibly stabilized basis with outriggers allows this adjustable weight bench to be set up on any floor surface safely
- 30 year warranty promises almost indestructible durability and reliability
- Compact and portable enough when “folded up” to store away almost anywhere
What’s to like about Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Adjustable Bench
The beauty in this particular adjustable weight bench has to be the almost infinite amount of flexibility that it offers. We are talking about being able to go from a 17° decline to a 90° incline with four other different stops along the way, something that a few other weight benches are able to promise.
Combine that with a very comfortable bench and “leg stabilizers” that helped you really dig deep when you are at a decline, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best weight bench options available.
What’s not to like
Like the other Bowflex adjustable bench we have reviewed above, the only real knock against this is the price tag. You’re definitely going to have to spend a little bit extra to get your hands on this quality piece of exercise equipment, but most would agree that it is worth absolutely every single penny.
Final Verdict
Amongst weight benches today, the Bowflex Select Tech 5.1 adjustable bench stands head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. Though a little bit pricey, it’s worth the investment, and we give it five out of five stars.
4. Body-Solid Powerline Folding Bench
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More of a minimalist style weight bench than some of the other options that we have reviewed above, the Body Solid Powerline folding bench is going to be a favorite for those that want to save a lot of space in their home while still getting in a quality workout.
Relatively compact but still manufactured out of high-end construction materials, this adjustable weight bench is going to allow you to get in a bunch of different workouts without eating up too terribly much floor space – a big benefit for those that don’t have a lot of space to spare!
- Multipurpose weight bench is perfect for benching, perfect for dumbbell workouts, and perfect for core workouts as well
- Flat, incline, decline and almost vertical stations allow you to hit muscles from a bunch of different positions
- Transportation wheels allow of this bench to be effortlessly maneuvered around your home gym with just one hand
- Bench itself is one of the most comfortable on the market today
What’s to like about Body-Solid Powerline Folding Bench
A lot of people that have purchased this particular weight bench are in love with just how comfortable it is, especially when pushing a tremendous amount of weight. The deck itself is manufactured out of high density foam that kind of molds to your body, giving you a little bit of extra stability when you need it most without ever feeling like you’re pressing off of a board!
What’s not to like
As far as downsides are concerned, the overwhelming majority of people really struggle to find one when they finally get down to using the Body Solid Powerline folding bench, though some aren’t all that crazy about having to assemble almost every single part when it finally gets to them.
Final Verdict
If you’d like to save a bit of space in your home gym while at the same time getting your hands on a top quality piece of exercise equipment, the Body Solid Powerline folding bench is right up your alley. We give it a 4.3 out of 5!
5. Ironmaster Adjustable Weightlifting Bench
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One of the most unique weight benches that you were going to come across, the Ironmaster Super Bench takes a completely different approach to delivering you the kind of stable platform you need when working out.
Rather than use a straightforward “adjustable bar” to provide you with predetermined exercise angles, this adjustable weightlifting bench uses an intuitive and proprietary “arc design” that allows you to adjust the angle of incline or decline along its path, stopping at 11 different stations – far more than just about any other weight bench on the market right now.
- Incredibly dense and rock solid construction supports up to 1000 pounds
- Effortlessly adjusts to 11 different angles using the proprietary “arc design” a just and mechanism
- Includes optional attachments that open up even more flexibility for all of your workouts
- Remains relatively lightweight and somewhat portable, but never sacrifices stability
What’s to like about Ironmaster Adjustable weight-lifting Bench
There are two real standout features that this particular adjustable weight bench brings to the table that help it separate itself from the rest of the pack – the 1000 pound weight rating (more than 3 times as much as some of the other benches that we have reviewed) and the “arc design” adjustment mechanism.
This is definitely one of the stabilized and safest weight benches you’re going to come across, but the ability to adjust on-the-fly across a variety of different angles will really open up other exercises that you might not have been able to enjoy before.
What’s not to like
This is a beast of a weight bench, there is just no getting around it. Most people that have already purchased this weight bench absolutely love it, but each and every one of them are likely to comment on just how big of a weight bench it actually is. Expect to dedicate a tremendous amount of floor space to this bench!
Final Verdict
If you want to get your hands on a super heavy duty weight bench that will always give you the kind of stability and safety you’re looking for (not to mention impotent flexibility), you won’t find any better bench than this one.
6. Marcy Adjustable Utility Bench
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Compared to the bench that we have just reviewed, the Marcy adjustable utility bench is nowhere near as full-featured or as full-bodied – but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t able to go toe to toe with that bench for the title of “best weight bench on the market today”.
This relatively compact unit offers six position adjustments, is upholstered with maybe the finest material we’ve ever reviewed, and can be used as a stand-alone bench or in squat racks, have cages, and Smith machines.
We are talking about a very special and very versatile piece of exercise equipment here.
- You’ll be able to blast your chest, shoulders, back, abs, and so much more when you use this workout bench
- Double deluxe boxed upholstery manufactured out of high density and high-impact foam keep you comfortable during your workouts
- Adjustable bench moves through six different positions (including incline and decline)
- This bench can adapt to almost any exercise equipment or positioning
What’s to like about Marcy Adjustable Utility Bench
The majority of people that have already purchased this particular weight bench absolutely rave about it, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s one of the few weight benches on the market that will go into a decline position but will also move the “seat” into that same decline position as well – really locking your body into position instead of putting you at awkward angles that could compromise your form.
Combine that with the fact that it can be assembled in about 25 minutes or less, and you’re talking about something special here.
What’s not to like
The only real knock against the Marcy adjustable utility bench is the spring-loaded “pin” that locks in the angle of your weight bench. Sometimes it can be a little difficult to get into the right position, and it shouldn’t ever be something that you have to worry about.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, this remains one of the best weight bench options you’ll come across and we offer our wholehearted recommendation. It gets 4.2 out of 5 stars from us.
7. XMark FID Weight Bench XM-7604
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As far as safety and stability go, it’s unlikely that you’re going to find anything better in these two categories than this weight bench.
Engineered from day one to be as stable and as safe a weight bench as you’ll ever come across, this particular bench has a 1500 pound weight capacity, is manufactured out of 11gauge 2” x 3” steel supports, and uses outriggers to keep you locked into place when you are pushing a lot of weight.
You won’t find any weight bench quite as overbuilt as this one anywhere else!
- 1500 pound weight capacity gives you endless room to grow when using this bench
- 11gauge 2” x 3” steel construction guarantees that this bench will be around for decades to come
- Super thick cushions give you support and stability while working out
- Outriggers allow this bench to be set up on almost any floor surface without sacrificing stability
What’s to like about XMark FID Weight Bench XM-7604
Well, the most impressive thing about this bench has to be its overall construction quality. We have already touched on the fact that it’s manufactured out of superstrong steel components, but the overall engineering of this weight bench – to safely distribute up to 1500 pounds – is almost unheard of.
This just might be the last weight bench that you ever purchased!
What’s not to like
Some users have complained that the back cushion can be a little bit slippery when it’s brand-new, but a lot of that has to do with the overall finish on the vinyl upholstery that has been applied. After a few workouts, that finish will have worn down a little bit, and you’ll find it to be a lot more grippy.
Final Verdict
Incredibly strong, very stable, and capable of amazing performance (though not quite as flexible as other options), this particular weight bench definitely ranks as one of the best weight bench options money can buy right now. We give it 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Choosing from the Best Weightlifting Bench Reviews
At the end of the day, you’re going to want to make sure that you are getting your hands on a quality weight bench that is safe, stable, and as flexible as can be. To that end, the XMark FID Flat Incline Decline Weight Bench XM-7604, the Ironmaster Super Bench, and theBowflex Select Tech adjustable bench are probably the very best of the bunch.
Choose one of them and you’ll be guaranteed to be getting one of the best weight bench options on the planet today!
How to do Weight Bench Exercises
Weight benches are popular among fitness and weight lifting enthusiasts. Weight bench exercises vary in difficulty, but they are effective on a long-term and can help men and women build the muscles and strength they need.
As a beginner or a person who hasn’t been working out for a long time, it might be difficult to get used to the weight bench. There are a large number of trainees who do it all wrong and end up extremely tired or suffering from lower back, upper back pain, shoulder pain and more.
Most popular weight bench exercises
Every time you walk into a gym you see one or more people lying on a weight bench prepared to do exercises like the chest press. This is one of the most popular exercises, especially among men. It helps one build beautiful biceps, triceps, shoulders and chest. It is a complex exercise and is being practiced by almost everyone.
Another popular weight bench exercise is the skull crusher. It is mainly a triceps exercise, but it helps other muscles grow, too.
Incline exercises which imply raising the back of the bench up are also popular. They help trainees build the upper part of their chest and shoulders.
In order to exercise on a weight bench, you will need to either buy one for home use or go to a gym. Gyms usually have different types of benches, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
Dumbbells or Barbells
Before starting to exercise on a weight bench, you have to decide whether you want to train using dumbbells or a barbell. Dumbbells are better for newbies and people who are really skinny because they are lighter and offer the trainee freedom of movement.
On the other hand, barbells are more suitable for experienced weight lifters who already have their muscles build and need to start increasing the weight they lift.
Weight bench exercises look easy to perform and so they are, although if your body posture is poor or incorrect, the exercises will look much more difficult than they are.
First of all, it is important to maintain a correct back posture. Your back should be always straight and your abs should be uptight.
Chest Press
When performing the chest press, you can do it on a straight bench or an inclined one. The difference between the two is that the upper part of your chest will be stressed more when using the inclined bench. If you choose to exercise with dumbbells, you have to keep your head down and your arms perpendicular to the body, with the elbows to the sides. When you press, the arms become parallel.
Skull Crush
When performing the skull crush, you have to lie back in the same position, holding your arms straight and then lowering them towards your ears. This exercise can be performed on an inclined bench, too.
In order to be able to perform these exercises correctly, you have to make sure that the dumbbells you choose are not too heavy. Take it slow and you will start seeing results in just a few weeks.
Also See: 8 Top Bench Press Benefits!
