Best Adjustable Weight Bench 2017 Edition
You might have seen these bulky contraptions in your local gym. Chances are some of you might have also been intimidated by this machine. The truth is, it might look complicated or difficult to use, but it’s actually among the simpler and user-friendly exercise equipment available. It also comes with several significant advantages that you would be amiss to ignore. Now, before we go through the list of the best adjustable weight benches, I would like to take some time to share some worthwhile information about this exercise equipment.
We’ll discuss the many benefits of utilizing this machine, key tips and tricks to maximize your workout, the do’s and don’ts and what features you need to look for in an adjustable weight bench. Learning the ins and outs of any product/subject is vital to ensure that you prevent any mistakes down the road. Now then, let’s get to it.
Why Use An Adjustable Weight Bench?
- Provides Optimum Support, And It’s Perfect For Beginners
You might ask yourself why to use an adjustable weight bench if you can simply skip the bench and head on straight to the weightlifting part. Well, weightlifting is an effective way to build muscle tone and improve posture, but it also requires proper form and technique. When doing exercises like deadlifts, you need to be conscious of your form. Improper form will result in reduced effectiveness and might even lead to injuries.
With an adjustable weight bench, you can pretty much ignore thinking about proper posture as the bench is designed to do that for you. An adjustable weight bench can be a great place to start if you are focusing on strength training.
- Helps You Focus On Specific Muscle Groups
As pointed out earlier, adjustable weight benches are designed to provide individuals with optimum support. This also means that it can help you focus on specific muscles. The design of a great quality weight bench also gives you multiple movements on specific body parts. This in turn can maximize the benefits you can acquire in the long run as the machine can deliver several different movements for every muscle.
- It’s Not Just For Weightlifting
As the name suggests, the adjustable weight bench is, well, adjustable. This means you can adjust it to suit your particular needs when it comes to working out. Some weight benches come with other accessories that push its utility past being a weight lifting machine.
By adding an accessory or changing the setup of the machine, you will be able to do crunches and chip ups on this bench, among other things. This makes adjustable weight benches a smart investment for those looking to stay in shape.
- Improves Muscle Tone, Bone Density And Overall Health
The adjustable weight bench is designed not only to help you build and trim your muscle tone but can also contribute to improving your health in several ways. Not only will it help increase muscle mass, but it can also improve bone density over time. Incorporating several movements when doing your workout routine can improve your flexibility significantly. Other benefits of having and using a weight bench regularly include:
- Improve cardio.
- Reduce body fat and lower cholesterol.
- Help maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Tips To Maximize Use Of Adjustable Weight Bench
It is important for you to grasp the importance of proper use of this equipment. Simply using it without the proper know-how will significantly reduce its effectiveness and might even lead to injuries.
- Proper Use and Form
When using a weight bench, there are a couple of key factors that you need to keep in mind. Before beginning your workout routine, you must ensure that your body is properly positioned atop the equipment. Make sure that your feet are flat on the floor. Your head, legs, and the entirety of your back must be against the bench. Make sure that you are comfortable and secure in this position.
When using the bench press, it is imperative that you make sure that you have a secure grip on the handle bars. The last thing you want is to drop that big weight on your chest accidentally. You should also position your hands so that they are shoulder width apart.
Don’t rush through weightlifting. Pace yourself properly. Inhale once you lower the weights towards your chest and then exhale when you push them back up. Rinse and repeat at a steady pace.
- Find the Best Angle When Setting Up the Weight Bench
Try to find the right angle when inclining the bench. Positioning it too high can put a tremendous strain on your shoulders. Finding the right height can maximize the workout that the muscle fibers on your chest get. Lowering the bench can help put the focus on your lower chest. Try to change up the angle of the bench regularly in order to work your upper torso’s muscles fully.
Safety Tips when Using an Adjustable Weight Bench
Now that you have a firm grasp of how to properly use this exercise equipment, I think it’s also important that we talk about the don’s and don’ts of using adjustable weight benches. While it is quite a versatile workout equipment, certain exercises are not appropriate to for this bench.
For example, the weight bench is specifically for weight exercises only. Don’t incorporate it in other exercise routines such as step aerobics. Look, it might look and feel stable, but I highly advise that you don’t use it for any other exercise routines except for what it was designed for.
You should also avoid raising your legs when using the equipment during bench presses. Elevating your legs will create an unstable position and can cause you to wobble. Remember to keep your feet flat on the floor. This helps to stabilize your body at all times.
Finally, the most important safety tip is not to overdo it. If you feel that your muscles are at their absolute limit, then stop your session there. Let your body adapt to the workout routine. Once you start feeling that your current routine is becoming too easy, then you can start to increase the intensity of the workout steadily.
Choosing The Best Adjustable Weight Bench
Now then, let’s go over a quick rundown on specific features that you need to look for when it comes to choosing the right adjustable weight bench. One quick glance through online shops or at your local sporting goods store will land you with a heap of adjustable weight benches to choose from.
The question is: how do you decide which is the best one?
To a beginner, a lot of these machines will look quite similar to each other. Most will go into this looking for the most affordable one. While that is a smart path to take, the price should not be the determining factor. You must gather all details about the product, then compare it with other brands on your list. To help you understand what to look for, I have created a short list of essential “must have” features of an adjustable weight bench.
Durability – This is where you need to start when choosing the best adjustable weight bench. Check its structural integrity. How much weight can it support? Does the bench offer maximum stability? It’s understandable to look for one that is portable (i.e. easy to assemble and disassemble) but never sacrifice durability for that.
Highly Adjustable – Don’t settle for a bench that only features an adjustable incline. Look for those that also offer an adjustable rack. This is especially important if you plan on bench pressing heavier weights. Of course, having a spotter is still the best way, but if you’re alone, then the adjustable rack will deliver.
Leg Curl Feature – While not exactly something that is essential, having a leg extension for curling should help if you want a total body workout. It might not compare to actual leg exercise machines, but it will do.
Comfortable – As always, test it out to see if you feel comfortable. There are weight benches that have extra padding. Some like it, some don’t. It all comes down to preference. This is one aspect that you decide on your own.
Now that we got the basics out of the way, it is now time for the main event.
I have already compiled a list of the top 5 best adjustable weight bench in the market today.
These are the most popular and well-received products by customers. We’ll take a closer look at these adjustable weight benches and point out what makes them high tier material.
I’ll also include pros and cons of each particular product. After that, it will be up to you to decide which one suits you the best.
So, without further ado let’s go straight to -
The Top 5 Best Adjustable Weight Bench Of 2017
Rank | Image | Product Name | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|  |
4.2
/5
| ||
2
|  |
4.5
/5
| ||
3
|  |
4.6
/5
| ||
4
|  |
4.4
/5
| ||
5
|  |
4.4
/5
|
At a Glance…The Universal 5 Position Weight Bench delivers what it advertises; 5 positions. You can adjust the incliner from -10, 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees. It also appears to focus on comfort with its contoured design and 5-inch thick foam rollers. The stabilizer levelers are also a welcome inclusion in the overall design of the weight bench as it allows for optimum stability at all times.
PROS:
- One aspect that I thoroughly liked about this adjustable weight bench is its affordable price tag. This is a great choice for beginners as it delivers quality, performance, and price.
- The Universal 5 is also one of the most comfortable weight benches around thanks to the thick foam rollers that cover the surface.
- The stability levelers are also quite sturdy, and you can’t shake it easily even if you tried.
- It weighs around 40 lbs which makes it lightweight. This translates to easy maneuvering around your room.
- The aesthetics look great in any room or gym interior. It looks professionally made.
- This is also from a manufacturer that has a solid track record when it comes to exercise equipment. Tried and tested quality.
CONS:
- This weight bench cannot adjust to 90 degrees which limits the level of intensity for your workout.
- The leg extension is positioned at a rather awkward place. If you are planning on utilizing the leg extension, you’ll find that it feels weird during certain positions.
- The handles do not include a practical frame.
Conclusion
The Universal 5 Position Weight Bench delivers the goods. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who are looking for an affordable weight bench. The lack of a 90-degree level kind of limits it somewhat but it’s still a solid all-around weight bench.
Simple and efficient seems to be what the Powerline Body-Solid Folding Bench is aiming for. And I have to admit that it certainly delivers on both fronts. It features a compact design with little to no bells and whistles. It can adjust/angle into a total of 7 positions. This is a bare bone high-quality adjustable weight bench.
PROS:
- Extremely compact design. It’s designed with the intention of being used in smaller spaces.
- The bottom includes a wheel which allows this bench to be positioned easily. This a great additional feature especially if you consider that this bench weighs around 60 lbs.
- Minimalist design fits nicely with all interior. It has that classic gym equipment look and certainly evokes that no nonsense vibe.
- It’s easy to adjust and setup. Disassembling can also be done quickly. If you are looking to move this around constantly, then it has you covered.
- It is delivered ready and assembled right out of the box. A nice touch for those who are less technically inclined.
CONS:
- When in its folded position, there seems to be a metal frame sticking out at the bottom part of the seat. Better be careful when sliding it across the floor as it can scratch the surface.
Conclusion
Overall, the compact design is a great choice for those aiming to save space. This is a basic weight bench design that has been put through the ringer to be optimized to its full potential. There are some little nitpicks with the design, but this is definitely one that I highly recommend for those looking for an affordable and portable weight bench.
A quick look at the Xmark Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Bench XM-7630 will immediately give you the impression of the overall sturdiness of this weight bench. The bench can be adjusted to 6 positions: -20, 0, 35, 50, 65 and 85 degrees. It claims to support up to 1500 lbs. which makes it ideal for serious weight lifters. The bench comes with a wheel located at the bottom for easy transportation.
PROS:
- Made of the industrial grade steel frame. It’s pretty much guaranteed to last exceptionally longer than other weight benches in the market today.
- The inclusion of the transport wheels is a welcome addition as it makes moving it around quite easy.
- It utilizes thick paddings and is quite comfortable with adequate back support.
- The significantly high weight support makes it great for those looking to bench press heavier barbells.
- Assembling is quick and easy with the help of a simple guideline.
CONS:
- The gap between the seat and the back is noticeably large. Just a nitpick but lying on it can feel a bit awkward due to the extra space.
- The foot rest is positioned at an awkward place.
Conclusion
This is a solid adjustable weight bench that is made for the long haul and heavy duty bench pressing. It is not perfect, as issues with the positioning of the seat and foot rest have been the biggest gripe of customers. That being said, it’s a great entry into the adjustable weight bench category and is definitely a product that customers should include in their shortlist.
Quite possibly one of the most popular in this list and the market. One quick search online about the Reebok Deck will shower you with hundreds of satisfied customer reviews. Is this a sneaky marketing ploy or does it truly deliver? When you first see the Reebok Professional Deck, you will instantly figure out why it’s praised for its innovative design. The futuristic space age design separates it from most weight benches on the market. It is also the most compact and portable weight bench around, making it a true space saver.
PROS:
- It has three angle supports and can be customized in 26 different ways.
- Can be set up to be used as an incline or decline bench.
- It features two height level positions.
CONS:
- It can only support 252 lbs. so it’s not exactly ideal for those looking to bench press something serious.
Conclusion
All in all, the Reebok Professional Deck Workout Bench should offer health buffs what they need. However, look at the name closely. It’s a workout bench and not a weight bench. You can still use it for bench pressing but only with dumbbells, at most. It offers flexibility in exchange for its weight support. As an all-around workout machine, the Reebok Deck is an excellent gym equipment. As a weight bench, it falls short when compared to actually adjustable weight benches in the market.
This bench comes with a simple design. However, don’t let this deter you from giving it a second look. The Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 can be adjusted into four different positions. This allows the user to perform 30 different exercises. It features a removable brace that can help pin this bench down when in a decline position and give absolute stability.
PROS:
- The maximum weight limit for the Bowflex 3.1 is around 480 lbs. which makes it a good choice for those who wish to put their bench pressing to the test.
- Designed with larger body types in mind. It’s quite comfortable and stable.
- It also comes with built-in wheels for easier maneuverability and positioning around the house.
- The heavy-duty base can help support intense workout sessions.
- Of course, the 15-year warranty is a great addition and should make this a worthwhile investment.
CONS:
- It is designed specifically for home use. This makes the Bowflex 3.1 not an ideal choice for those who plan on opening up their own gym. It is designed for light to medium use.
- It a bit bulky even when in a folded position. But that is so that it can support heavier set individuals.
Conclusion
The Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 is an excellent choice for people looking for a heavy-duty weight bench for their home. The 4-position capability allows it to offer around 30 exercise routines. The removable brace that comes with this weight bench helps deliver 100% stability when in use. It’s a reliable, comfortable, safe and sturdy adjustable weight bench that I highly recommend you check out.
Final Thoughts
Comparing all five products in this list, I would have to say that the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 edges out the competition. While each of the products I listed above has its specific strengths in certain aspects, the Bowflex was the only one that managed to deliver a consistent level of quality regarding structure, performance, and use.
Its downsides are also not as glaring as the ones the other four have. The Bowflex is a robust and well-rounded adjustable weight bench that passes the test with flying colors.
It checks all factors that we discussed earlier the aspects you need to look for in a great adjustable weight bench. It’s comfortable, durable, user-friendly, and even sports extra features like the leg curl extension and the attachable brace to help secure it to the floor.
If you have been looking for the best adjustable weight bench then I highly recommend you hunt down the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1.
