Comprehensive Buyers Guide for Weight Benches

A weight bench, sometimes called a fitness bench, is a piece of equipment that is used in weight training. Weight benches are generally a padded board supported by legs and their main purpose is for athletes to lay down on or sit on and perform different types of exercises. What separates gym plus’s weight benches compared to other benches is the quality, the sturdiness, and the ability to support a large amount of weight. Weight benches can also help you get an improved strength-training workout. Not only do they provide much-needed support compared with lifting weights while standing, but they also allow you to target muscle groups you may not ordinarily be able to focus on. Weight benches can make strength training easier for beginners, intermediates and advanced athletes and assist with muscle hyperextension and provide support to heavy lifters.

Things to consider: 

1. Size (length, height & pad width)

One of the main things to consider when it comes to weight benches is the size. Benches come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You’ll want to think carefully about three measurements before buying a weight bench: the length, the height and Pad width. These three measurements of the bench are very important and can affect performance depending on how tall you are and how much space you have available.

2. Weight capacity

How much weight can the weight bench hold? This is an important question to be asking, depending on the activity or the type of training you are going to use the weight bench for you should take this to consideration. It's extremely important to always purchase a weight bench that not only supports your current capabilities, but also your expected future strength.

3. Bench weight 

When benches are lighter, they are easier to move and they are often cheaper to buy, but they are not as durable and more solidly constructed benches. Lightweight benches are fine for home use and day to day training and heavier benches are recommended for heavier lifts and heavy training.

4. Stability 

stability is very important as some weight benches are prone to wobbling. This could be disconcerting and irritating when lifting heavy weights. Therefore, Gym Plus offers benches that are more stable than cheaper alternatives. Olympic and flat benches are usually rock-solid as there are no moving parts.  

5. Pad thickness/comfort 

The weight benches that Gym Plus offers are upholstered with firm but comfortable padding. If the padding is too thick or soft, you may feel unstable, however if the padding is too hard, or too thin it could be uncomfortable.  All the benches we offer provide the athlete with the right amount of padding and long-lasting durability.

6. Frame built

The weight benches at Gym Plus are built to last and can take a lot of punishment. When it comes to the finish, painted frames are usually cheaper and easier to “touch up” and to repair chips. However, Powder-coated frames tend to be more impact-resistant than painted frames and will stay looking good for longer and last longer. 

The Different types of weight benches:

• Flat / Olympic bench
• Adjustable bench
• Abdominal / back extension bench
• The preacher curl bench
• Multipurpose bench 

Let’s look at each, what they’re used for, what they look like, and everything you need to know about the different types of weight benches that gym plus offers. 

Olympic/flat bench

An Olympic weight bench is essentially a high-grade weightlifting bench that can handle extreme loads. The Olympic weight bench is competition grade equipment for advanced weight training. The construction of the bench is high quality, using durable high-grade composite steel.A Flat bench isa padded bench that is supported by a strong steel frame. Flat benches are compact, tough, and extremely versatile.With some free weights, a flat bench can be used to target almost all the major muscle groups. Their simple yet sturdy design makes them excellent for performing a broad range of compound and isolation exercises, including bench press, single arm bent over rows, and Bulgarian split squats, dumbbell flys, shoulder press, Arnold press and ext.

Ultimate Competition Flat Bench L3 with Wide Pad Option

ATTIVO L3 Ultimate Competition Flat Bench is a very sturdy bunch that has a single front leg, enabling users to firmly ground their feet and find the ideal position for bench pressing. With anti-slip pad and a maximum capacity of over 460kg this bench is ideal for big lifts.

Features
• 75mm x 75mm x 3mm (11 gauge) steel frame
• Built in handle and castors for easy movement
• Anti slip pad provides user with additional stability
• Heavy duty and super solid construction
• Black powder coated finish
• Maximum capacity of over 460kg
• 14" Ultimate wide pad option to eliminate shoulder hangover

Pros:

• Strong & durable
• Great Quality
• Less likely to require maintenance
• Suitable for heavy weight training
• Anti-slip pad 
• High weight capacity 
• The finish
• Wheels and handles for easy movement

Cons:

• Takes up a large amount of space
• No back support when seated
• Doesn’t offer various angles

Adjustable benches

The Adjustable Bench is a multi-functional bench for specific training activities using barbells, dumbbells, and small accessories, as well as for bodyweight exercises. The major benefit of utilising different angles and adjusting your movement pattern, is that you allow yourself to target certain muscle groups more accurately. For example, Take a decline/incline position. This angle is one of the best ways to hit your lower pecs, triceps, and abs. Another significant benefit of adjustable benches is their back support. Unlike a flat bench, these benches help alleviate the pressure placed on your lower back during various seated exercises such as shoulder presses and bicep curls. This added support can lower your risk of injury, whilst also giving you that extra bit of encouragement to lift heavier weights.

ATTIVO L2 Adjustable Weight Bench Semi-Commercial

 

 

The Adjustable Weight Bench Semi-Commercial is built with heavy duty steel frame, weighting at 25KG in net weight. It comes in matt black powder coated finish with a maximum load weight of 260kg. This solid and versatile bench offers 6 levels of flat, incline and decline settings with fully adjustable back and 4 levels at seat pads. The decline setting and ankle supports also mean the bench is a great option for abdominal workouts as well.

Features
• 6 Levels of backrest angles
• 4 seat adjustment levels with Pin-lock mechanism
• Fully adjustable. Flat, incline, vertical and decline positions
• Built in handle and castors for easy movement
• Thick and comfortable padded cushions
• Easy to assemble
• Heavy duty steel frame
• Assembly tool needed: adjustable spanners (Not come with the package)

Pros:

• Offers various angles
• Provides optimal positioning
• Safe & secure
• Offers the most exercise variety
• Allows you to target muscles more accurately

Cons:

• Lower weight capacities

ATTIVO L3 Commercial Grade Adjustable Weight Bench FID Bench

 

This Adjustable Weight Bench is built with a heavy duty steel frame, at 30KG in net weight. It comes in a matt black powder coated finish. The weight bench is thoroughly tested and comes with an impressive maximum load weight of 450kg. This solid and versatile bench offers 7 levels of flat, incline and decline settings with fully adjustable back and 5 levels at seat pads. This bench comes with thick padded cushions and strong steel frame are ideal for heavy use. Perfect for fitness professionals.  

 

Features

• Superior strength
• 7 Levels of backrest angles for incline/decline
• 5 seat adjustment levels with Pin-lock mechanism
• Fully adjustable. Flat, incline, decline and vertical positions
• Built in handle and castors for easy movement
• Thick and comfortable padded cushions
• Heavy duty steel frame
• Matt black powder coated finish
• Easy to assemble
• Assembly tool needed: adjustable spanners (Not come with the package)
• Weight plates in the product picture are NOT included

Pros:

• Offers various angles
• Provides optimal positioning
• Durable and well built
• Thick and comfortable padded cushions
• Safe & secure (Heavy duty steel frame)
• handle and castors for easy movement
• Offers the most exercise variety
• Allows you to target muscles more accurately

Cons:

•  bit more expensive

ATTIVO L3 Zero Gap FID Adjustable Weight Bench

 

 

ATTIVO Zero-Gap FID is the best adjustable bench gym plus has to offer. This Bench is a heavy-duty weight bench designed for Strength Training, it comes with 8 backrest positions ranging from -15 degrees to 90 degrees upright, in 15-degree increments, and 5 seat positions ranging from -15 degrees to 45 degrees in 15-degree increments at the front. The seat can also be adjusted forwards and backwards, eliminating any pad gaps. This system utilises a high tensile steel rail and heavy-duty linear bearings ensures durability and long-lasting performance. The bench can be quickly and easily adjusted to be inclined, completely flat or somewhere in-between for different exercises. A pull-pin system is used to easily adjust the backrest, and likewise another pull-pin for the seat. High-density rubber end caps ensure no damage to the floor during use. The backrest is 310mm wide. It uses 45mm thickness high-density foam padding, offering a secure and comfortable seating or lying position. This durable base is perfect for all movements and positions. The Zero-Gap FID Adjustable Bench features a 75mm x 50mm steel frame, and a zinc plated adjustment arm, ensuring no powder coat chippings or paint removal from your bench when adjusting the angle. Label angles are cut into the zinc plating, ensuring you know what angle the bench is at. This bench can be used for many different exercises, it can also be used for declined bench press, incline bench press and normal bench press.

Features
• Superior strength
• 8 Levels of backrest angles for incline, decline, flat, and vertical. (-15 to 90 degree)
• 5 Levels of front seat adjustment (-15 to 45 degree)
• Fully adjustable. Flat, incline, decline and vertical positions
• Built in handle and castors for easy movement
• Thick and comfortable padded cushions
• Heavy duty steel frame
• Matt black powder coated finish
• Easy to assemble
• Assembly tool needed: adjustable spanners (Not come with the package)

Pros:

• Offers various angles
• Provides optimal positioning
• Durable and well built
• Thick and comfortable padded cushions
• Safe & secure (Heavy duty steel frame)
• handle and castors for easy movement
• Offers the most exercise variety
• Offers incline
• Allows you to target muscles more accurately

Cons:

•  Price

Adjustable Weight Bench Strength Training Bench for Full Body Workout 

 

 

This adjustable bench offers 3 seat positions with and 11backrest positions that give this bench lots of versatility and the option to perform different exercises. The weight capacity of this bench is about 200kg. It weighs about 17kg. The foam used on this bench is the 6cm Thickness high density foam.

Features

• Sturdy and Durable: 50mmx50mm thickness steel. 200KG weight capacity.
• Semi-commercial level.
• 6cm thick high density foam.
• 11 Backrest positions and 3 seat positions. Suitable for your full body workout.
• Anti-slip caps for good stability.

Pros:

• Offers various angles
• Provides optimal positioning
• Safe & secure
• Offers the most exercise variety

Cons:

• Lower weight capacities

Back extension bench

A back extension bench, often called a back extension machine, uses gravity as resistance. It requires you to face the floor with your thighs on the pad, letting your spine extend upward. Also known as a hyperextension bench, this equipment comes in two versions: 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Gym plus offers a 45 degree bench.

ATTIVO Back Extension Bench is an ideal addition to any home gym set up. The bench allows you to target and strengthen the muscles in your back, as well as improving your core strength. To use this bench, you lie on your front on the bench, with the padded cushion set at and just below your waist. This is height adjustable, so you can ensure that the cushion is at your most suitable position. Your feet should be placed securely on the foot plates, with the padded leg guards against your calf muscles, holding your legs in place. The leg pads can be placed in 2 different height positions, so you can again ensure you are working in a comfortable and safe position. Starting with your body in a straight line, you can now perform back extensions by lowering your upper body to a suitable angle, before bringing it back up again to the straightened position. With this bench you can work on your core muscles and abs by performing ab exercises and work on your back by performing back exercises.

Features

• Frame is set at a 45-degree angle for an optimal training position
• Position of waist pads can be adjusted to suit your height
• Steel construction with padded cushion supports
• Non-slip rubber feet

The preacher Curl bench

The Preacher Curl Bench or Scott Curl Bench isolates the upper arm to ensure proper form and allow maximum muscle concentration when performing a barbell curl exercise or single arm dumbbell curl exercise. Preacher benches remove the ability for you to lift your hips, back or shoulders during bicep curls, which is a common mistake most lifters make. This bench is used and made to target the bicep muscles mainly. You can perform seated bicep curl exercises on this bench.

ATTIVO Preacher Curl Bench

 

 

The Preacher curl Benches are ideal for helping you build bigger, more defined arms. Each bench features a padded seat and angled rest to help you isolate your biceps and perfect your form. This bench also offers wheels for easy movement and - 7 height Adjustable pad options.

Features

• Designed for barbell/dumbbell curling exercises
• Adjustable pad height - 7 height options
• Built in castors for easy movement
• Strong black powder coated steel frame
• Easy to assemble - includes instructions

Pros:

• Durable and well built
• Thick and comfortable padded cushions
• Safe & secure (Heavy duty steel frame)
• castors for easy movement

Cons:

• Max user weight 130kg

Multipurpose bench 

You can get a complete full body workout with the versatile multipurpose bench.  You are able to target your upper body with different types of presses. Also, able to perform lower body exercises like the leg extension and leg curl. This bench includes an adjustable Bench, preacher pad, leg extension and leg Curl, weight plate storage and a preacher attachment.

Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench with Preacher Curl Pad

 

 

This Multi-Station Weight Bench Press is designed for a full-body workout. It includes a bench press station, adjustable weight bench, preacher pad, leg curls, and extension developer. It is versatile and suitable for a wide range of exercises. 

Features

• Leg extension adjustable in height to accommodate plates in different sizes
  • Arched front legs to prevent from tipping when adding weights to the front.
  • Flat, incline, and decline weight bench with preacher curl and leg developer to develop both your upper and lower body.
  • Weight bench with adjustable preacher curl attachment for customised biceps routines. Leg extension targeting your quadriceps and hamstrings.
  • Adjustable workout bench with 6+3 positions for precise positioning while ensuring maximum stability during your weightlifting bench training.
  • Heavy-duty steel frame with 250kg distributed weight capacity. Compatible with both standard and Olympic size weights. Safety foam rollers to keep you secure in place while performing reps.
  • High-density foam bench
  • Sturdy and robust construction

Pros:

• Thick and comfortable padded cushions
• Multifunctional 
• 250kg weight capacity

Cons:

• Hard to move around

We hope you've found this weight bench buyer's guide helpful. If you require any further assistance, we welcome you to contact our expert team via email.