So you’re looking to set-up your own gym equipment at home? The first place most of us start is getting some dumbells and weights but if you have the space for a weights bench then this is going to be a focal point for achieving your goals and working out.
There are a vast range of weight training benches on the market and choosing one can seem harder than it actually is. Much will depend on your budget as benches range in quality, the features and the the accessories that you get with it. Some things to bear in mind are:
Style and Type – The style of bench that you choose should be suited to the type of exercises that you plan to do. You may decide to opt for a simple, flat bench with no incline, this would be suitable for beginners. Alternatively there are benches that have a inclide/decline or that can be adjusted to variable degrees to suit the exercise.
Moving further up the range, there are benches that come with a built-in barbell holder which is designed for chest and shoulder exercises. If this is the option you are looking for you will want to find one that has a variable incline to perform variety of exercises.
Bench Attachments – Additional features that may come fixed onto the bench are a leg extension for working those thigh muscles and preacher curl pad for working out the arms. If they don’t come with it then see if they can be added on to it if you decide to purchase them separately further down the line
Smith Macines – More suitable for people working out alone, looking for safety and stability is a bench with half smith machine. This will give you added help and a bit of security when lifting heavier weights. Whether you choose this option will depend on your preference and workout goals though as using free weights is more beneficial for your strength, co-ordination and natural stability.
Build quality, durability and stability – If you have the budget to spend a bit more and purchase a good quality weights bench then go for it. If you’re serious about weight training and aren’t going to let it gather up dust then it will be worth it further down the line when the cheaper bench of lesser quality has worn out or broken. Look at the thickness of the frame and whether it is built with heavy duty steel. Some benches/machines come with a strength of steel rating to support your choice. A 1000lb rating is considered best in class. Also consider the bench and support materials and don’t forget to look at the stands and base of the unit to see if it is non-slip and floor friendly as well.
Space saving – If space is of importance to you then there are a wide range of bench units that are foldable and can be stored away when not in use. These range from the simple flat benches to a fully equipped weights bench with barbell rack, preacher curl and other features that can be folded up so don’t be put off from getting the machine that you want.
If you are going for a simple bench then look for one that has a built-in weights rack for somewhere to store you dumbells. This will keep your work-out area tidy and also keep your weights close to hand.
Weight/Height/Incline Adjustments – Always check the maximum user weight that can be supported by the bench and also any height adjustments if there will be more than one person using the equipment. For varying levels of difficulty and incline/decline check how many levels there are.
