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A bench and some weights are all you need to get a short, sharp workout in at home. These are our favourites Workout Equipment Home
Having a reliable weight bench is what can transform a few dumbbells on the floor into the foundations of a home gym that's the talk of the street, especially if you've been making the most of a daily home workout — whether that's a bodyweight routine, a lunchtime yoga session or a quick kettlebell blast.
Think about it. With a bench, you can press, fly, curl, split squat and much more than your training had previously allowed. You can also incorporate it into tougher cardio workouts, using it for box jumps, bench jump-overs and more to ramp up your heart rate and burn stubborn fat. Make your way through our guide below of the best weight benches to use at home and you'll unlock a host of new exercises that had previously been unavailable. Let's get to it.
When shopping for a weight bench there are three things you need to consider: what you're going to be using it for, the cash you're willing to part with and how much space you can allocate to your new weight bench in the name of a better home workout.
Ideally, you'll go for an adjustable weight bench, where you can tweak the seat and the backrest while being as comfortable as possible. Flat benches, however, tend to be cheaper. The best advice we can give you is to figure out what you'll be using it for, as well as how much space you're willing to let it take up and go from there. Below, we've etched out a few options for you to consider if you're looking to purchase a weight bench.
Let's start simple. If you're looking to add to your home gym arsenal, a flat-weight bench is the ideal starting point — especially if you want to keep things simple. Flat weight benches can't be adjusted to an incline or a decline, but are perfect for bench pressing, bench tricep dips, Bulgarian split squats, bench step-ups, shoulder presses, glute bridges, mountain climbers and so much more.
Usually spotted in your local Globo gym, adjustable weight benches are the most popular iteration of the weight bench. They can be adjusted to an incline, for exercises including chest presses and should press; to a decline for abdominal work and lower chest exercises; and, of course, to a stable flat surface for the exercises we've mentioned above. If you're looking to maximise the potential of your weight bench and feel short on space, this is the best option for you. Some adjustable weight benches even fold flat, which is an added bonus for space-savers.
Lastly, multipurpose weight benches are another option if you're looking to transform your training set-up. Usually incorporating a barbell rack, tricep dip stations, foot holders for crunches or leg raises and, if you're lucky, storage for your dumbbells.
Lie on a flat weight bench holding two dumbbells over your chest with an overhand grip. Push up until your arms are straight, then lower under control. Dropping dumbbells stresses your rotator cuff. Rest them on your thighs and kick to bring your body upright and place them down.
Stand facing away from the weight bench with one leg resting on it, laces down. Squat down with your standing leg until the knee of your trailing leg almost touches the floor. Push up through your front foot to return to the start position.
Stand facing away from a weight bench, and grab it with both hands at shoulder width. Extend your legs out in front of you. Slowly lower your body by flexing at the elbows until your arm at the forearm creates a 90-degree angle. Using your triceps lift yourself back to the starting position.
Place your upper body on a weight bench and your feet firmly on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Hold a barbell just above your hips and keep your body straight. Bend your knees and lower your hips towards the floor, then return to starting position and repeat. Don't just thrust with your hips. Squeeze your glutes at the top of each rep and get an instant power boost.
Sit on the weight bench holding two dumbbells at shoulder height with an overhand grip. Press the weights up above your head until your arms are fully extended. Return slowly to the start position. For more deltoid activation, twist your wrists slightly so the outside of the dumbbell is lower than the inner weight plate.
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This weight bench from Bulldog Gear can be used as a flat bench or adjusted to incline and decline positions. It's easy to move around with inbuilt wheels and packs down to be stowed away when not in use. The back pad works through seven adjustment positions and the seat bad can work through three.
If you're looking to save some cash, this reinforced weight bench is worth your attention. With built-in storage rack for two pairs of dipped cast dumbbells and six adjustable seat positions (-15°, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 80°), it makes for a cost-effective addition to your home gym, especially on a cost-per-use basis.
It doesn't get simpler than this. Bulldog's box flat weight bench comes with a heavy-duty frame and weighs just over 18kg, making it ideal for your home set-up without compromising on quality. It's super simple to assemble and has dozens of five-star reviews.
The classic Mirafit weight bench has been remixed to make it more comfortable when you're punching out the reps, using a thick padded cushioning and a maximum user weight of 250kg. Sturdy and easy to assemble, this is a no-nonsense, minimalist workout bench for those who like to keep their workouts simple.
One of Again Faster's most popular weight benches, this adjustable bench has a 4 to 14 variable gauge steel frame with a durable, thick anti-slip padding. The weight bench comes with six adjustable back positions and three seat options, ranging from flat to 90 degrees of incline. It has rear wheels which make it easy it move around your home, as well has a low-profile design to help with storage.
Bring the luxury of your favourite studio class to your home, with Primal Strength's Studio HIIT Bench. With enough space for five pairs of dumbbells, a battle rope anchor and additional space for kettlebells and slamballs, it's a smart space-saver.
This folding weight bench is an ideal entry-level bench. It folds and stores easily, with four adjustable positions, padded and wipe-clean cushioning and a stable steel ladder rail.
Hit your biceps, triceps, chest and shoulders on York Fitness' best-selling weight bench, which has a maximum user weight of 200kg. Train in flat and incline positions - up to 90 degrees - with an extra-thick padding to keep things comfortable.
A more contemporary choice, WaterRower's 3-in-1 weight bench is a smart pick for those looking to get a little more from their purchase. In the closed position, you can work your abs; in the semi-bench position and full extension you can also hit your chest, back and glutes.
An ideal multipurpose weight bench, Bulldog Gear's Zero Bench folds away compactly and has seven separate back paid positions (0°,15°,27°,36°,45°,54°,67°) and three seat pad positions. The adjustment ladders are also enclosed within the steel structure for safety when adjusting the bench's angle settings.
No matter what you want a bench for, chances are this one from Winnow will be able to measure up. It moves through six adjustable back and four adjustable seat positions – from flat to heavy incline – and is perfect for performing curls, bench press, shoulder press, ab training, leg exercises or whatever else your looking to buy a bench for. Plus, it collapses downwards if space is an issue.
This multi-functional gym bench is a real all-rounder. Great for all your ordinary pressing movements, this bench also has extra leg rests that allow for ab-based exercises, such as sit-ups, press-ups, hyper extensions and more.
Got a barbell, but not ready to commit to a home squat rack? This adjustable weight bench from Winnow, stocked on Amazon, is an ideal first step to expanding your home repertoire beyond a set of dumbbells. It also comes with a built-in dip station.
The Reebok Deck weight bench can collapse flat to help lift from a stable platform or work through three different angles. It's also lightweight enough to move around the house and can be used for plyometric work including box jumps and step-ups.
Ed Cooper is the Deputy Digital Editor at Men’s Health UK, writing and editing about anything you want to know about — from tech to fitness, mental health to style, food and so much more. Ed has run the MH gauntlet, including transformations, marathons and, er, website re-designs. He’s awful at pub sports, though. Follow him: @EA_Cooper
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