Why You Need A Weight Bench

A weight bench is one of the most crucial pieces that a home gym can have. No matter what you’re trying to achieve with your training, this equipment will no doubt be a central part of your routine. Whilst there are plenty of exercises that you can perform while standing up, but it will allow you to perform even more and in a safe way.

A quality weight bench makes the best home gym equipment addition and your routines a lot more fun. Gym equipment that isn’t right for you however can be dangerous, so it’s important for you to find a weight bench that works for you. Read our guide below to find out why you need a weight bench and how you can find one that fits your needs.

Flat designs

A flat weight bench provides a flat surface perfect for a myriad of different barbell and dumbbell routines. They can be used in combination with smith machines and cable devices for a wider variety of exercises. They can also be used for bodyweight resistance exercises, like dips, split squats and leg raises. Flat weight bench options are perfect for commercial gym settings because they are durable and last for a long time. They are one of the most affordable types of equipment and can be easily shifted around gym spaces. They’re also fairly small and compact and give plenty of options for exercises.

Adjustable designs

Adjustable designs are often called FID designs and can be laid out flat, inclined or declined. The angle of the equipment can be easily adjusted so different muscle groups can be worked on during exercise. The majority of FID’s will include an adjustable seat to help you avoid sliding off when the equipment is at a deep angle. The adjustability of the weight bench gives you a lot of options over exercises. You can for example do a variety of exercises with different levels of difficulty in on an incline or decline.

It’s also possible to adjust the back support to sit on a 90-degree angle so that you can do shoulder presses, curls or tricep extensions. FID’s additionally can be used for rows. Some FID’s will offer a decline and will use leg straps that will stop you from sliding off of the equipment. Decline FID’s can be used for sit-ups and crunch exercises.

FID’s often tend to be larger and heftier than flat designs but usually come with wheels for easier movement.

Olympic designs

Olympic designs are great for bench presses and heavy barbell routines. They are built to support dumbbells between exercises. Because they are reinforced to be strong enough to hold heavy barbells, Olympic designs are hefty and can be difficult to move around.  

Speciality designs

Specialty equipment are usually dedicated to a single function that can’t be achieved with a flat design. They usually don’t offer a large range of options for routines but can be extremely useful for performing specific exercises without compromising safety or comfort.

Whether you have a home gym or run a commercial gym, a weight bench makes a perfect addition to round out your equipment and makes a big variety of exercises possible. When looking to purchase new equipment you should make sure you’re choosing good quality equipment that will last for many years. When it comes to working with dumbbells or on different inclines and declines, safety is key. If you’re not sure what would work best for you and your training goals, ask equipment retailers as they will be able to talk to you about what best fits your needs.