Catching a movie in a theater is a great experience, from the smell of popcorn to the excitement of the big screen. But sometimes you just want to want to relax at home and watch a trashy movie on Netflix. The same principle can be applied to your fitness routine. Sure, being around others at the gym can drive your competitive side and encourage you to work harder. But sometimes you don’t want to have to fight for popular machines or deal with the showoffs. You can get just as thorough a workout at home — the key is getting the right equipment. Just like a beautiful rug ties the room together, a proper weight bench can make your home office/game room/garage/nursery feel like a proper home gym.
Like any exercise equipment worth its weight (and cost), a workout bench suits a variety of exercises. You can do dumbbell exercises ranging from shoulder presses to curls to rows. You can also take advantage of the elevation of a bench to work your core and legs with exercises like dips and step-ups. The key to maximizing your workout is choosing the right bench.
What To Look For In A Workout Bench
Measure your workout space. Not only is important for the bench to fit, but you need enough clearance to be able to comfortably and safely move while on and around the bench.
Adjustable benches are typically much heavier than flat benches. If you want to be able to move your bench frequently, you may want to opt for a flat model.
Have an idea of the weight limit you’ll need. More expensive benches can typically handle a higher weight load. Factor in your weight and the weights you’ll be lifting when looking at options.
How We Choose The Best Workout Bench
There are two kinds of weight benches — flat and adjustable. Flat benches lack the versatility of adjustable benches because they cannot be raised and lowered to suit different workouts. What they lack in flexibility, they make up for in stability and value. Flat weight benches can often hold greater weight loads, and they’re generally more affordable. Flat benches can still do a lot, though — you can use them for curls and presses as well as leg exercises. We included both options on our list and hit a variety of price points to find a bench that works for your space and budget.
Ready to get pumped up in the privacy of your own home? Check out the best workout benches below.
1. Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series
Bowflex didn’t become a household name just because of a dedicated marketing team — they make innovative and dependable products. Their SelectTech bench adjusts to six different positions, ranging from a 17-degree decline to a 90-degree incline. Both the seat and the backrest are adjustable. The leg brace is detachable, and the wheels make the whole thing easy to move as needed.
Pros: Both the seat and back are adjustable. Bench includes wheels for easy movement. Removable leg support.
Cons: Lower weight capacity than some other options.
2. Fitness Reality Bench
The Fitness Reality Bench proves that you can still get a great workout even if you’re in a tight space. The adjustable bench can be used flat or on an incline and has 12 different settings to get the perfect arrangement for every exercise. Made with powder-coated tubular steel, the triangular support system helps the bench reach its impressive 800-pound weight limit. Comfortable for users up to 6’4”, the Fitness Reality Bench folds easily and can be stored vertically to help save space.
Pros: High weight limit, easy to adjust, takes up minimal storage space when folded.
Cons: There’s a large gap between the seat and backrest, although an upgraded version with no gap is available at a higher price.
3. Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench
For a workout bench that has the same high quality as the one you’re used to using at the gym but for the price of only one month’s membership, we like the Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench. The heavy-duty construction of the steel frame bench features a powder-coated finish that resists wear and tear even from heavy use. The high-density foam is covered with vinyl boxed upholstery and a fixed design for sturdy support. With a 600-pound weight capacity, the Marcy is tough enough to take on heavy workouts.
Pros: Affordable, powder-coated to resist wear and tear, fixed design for a sturdy frame.
Cons: At 43” in length, the Marcy may be too short for taller users.
4. Finer Form Multi-Functional Weight Bench
For a workout bench that provides endless exercise opportunities, we like the Finer Form Multi-Functional Weight Bench. With a design that helps users target just about every major muscle group, the bench can be used flat or with two decline settings, as well as four adjustments for the feet and eight adjustments for the thigh cushions. Made with a durable steel frame and a powder-coated finish that resists scratches, the Finer Form bench has an impressive 660-pound weight limit. High-density cushions provide a comfortable and supportive workout space and each Finer Form bench comes with a detailed PDF with ideas on how to get the best workout with your new bench.
Pros: Multiple setup options, high weight limit, includes PDF with examples of workouts.
Cons: Cannot be folded into a space-saving option when not in use.
5. Yes4All Multifunctional Aerobic Deck for Home Gym
The Yes4All Multifunctional Aerobic Deck for Home Gym is the most versatile bench on our list and is a great option for anyone with limited space or who shares the workout area with another member of their household. For aerobics enthusiasts, the bench can be used as a stepper and sits flat at 8” high. When it’s time to lift weights or work on abs, the legs of the bench can flip outwards to bring the height up to 14”. The bench can also be used on a decline and the back can be raised for support. When workout time is over, the bench opens up to reveal storage for small weights and bands. A non-slip rubber surface and anti-slip rubber bottom keep users and the bench in place and built-in clip openings make it easy to attach resistance bands.
Pros: Works for aerobic exercise, includes a storage compartment, compact for easy storage.
Cons: The bench has a 270-pound weight limit.
6. Best Choice Products Adjustable Folding Fitness Barbell Rack & Weight Bench
If you’re serious about lifting weights and like to complete your workouts with a friend who can spot you, check out the Best Choice Products Adjustable Folding Fitness Barbell Rack & Weight Bench. The built-in barbell rack can adjust to three heights and includes additional brackets. The bench can sit flat or be adjusted to become an incline bench. We also like that the easy-to-clean bench can be stored vertically to help save space.
Pros: Includes adjustable barbell rack, can be used flat or on an incline, stores vertically.
Cons: The bench only has a 330-pound weight capacity.
7. FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench
Flybird’s adjustable weight bench can be switched to a variety of positions for a versatile and complete workout. There are seven different backrest positions, with as high an incline as 95 degrees to as low a decline as 215 degrees. The seat can also be adjusted to three different positions. The versatility doesn’t come at the cost of sturdiness — the bench has a 620-pound weight capacity.
Pros: Easy to adjust automatic lock feature. Widely adjustable design with seven different back positions and three different seat positions. Folds to a compact size.
Cons: Bench is somewhat high above the ground when set up, which may be awkward for shorter people.