This bench shines in that it is as comfortable as it is durable. Few benches combine sturdiness, comfort, and versatility like this one from REP Fitness. It offers six different incline angles and a three-post design that anchors it to the floor no matter the exercise. It can also support up to 700 pounds, making it a solid option for novice to intermediate lifters. Stability: We first note if the bench sits flat and has rubber grips to prevent sliding. We use each weight bench to complete sets of eight to 12 repetitions of bench presses, dumbbell incline rows, chest flys, lying tricep extensions, and dumbbell step-ups. We then note how stable and secure we feel with each exercise: Does the bench feel wobbly or slide around? Adjustability: Adjustability allows a weight bench to be more versatile. While using the weight benches, we note how many different adjustments the bench offers. We also evaluate how easy it is to make adjustments, including the mechanism style and whether it can be done one-handed.

Over the years, we've put the best weight benches to the test, ranging from high-end commercial-grade options to more budget-friendly models. We rigorously assessed various aspects in our testing, such as size, longevity, performance, adaptability for different fitness levels, and value to guarantee we recommend only the best flat and adjustable weight benches. We thoroughly examined each gym bench's capabilities with exercise using both flat and incline bench positions. For gauging stability and structural strength, we tested adjustable and flat weight benches with comfortable and near-maximum loads. According to Samuel, this is a very solid entry level bench. "It's more on the cushioned side and actually very comfortable," he explains. "It's obviously not going to do incline and it is prone to sliding, so you definitely want a yoga mat under it." Since the bench is low to the ground and its height can't be adjusted, it may be too short for taller users.

Why We Like It: This weight bench doubles as an inversion table alternative, making it a great option for folks who want to improve strength and mobility at once. These are the names commonly given to a bench with no upright barbell supports and some degree of adjustability. Having no vertical supports may render the bench as impractical/unsafe for the purposes of barbell presses but it does make them ideally suited for a plethora of dumbbell exercises needing freedom of movement without obstruction. Most weight benches that are incline or decline allow you to edit the angle of the incline or decline. The greater the number of angle options there are, the greater the number of exercises you can use the bench for, says online performance and nutrition coach Seamus Sullivan, C.S.C.S. The adjustability of the seat is an important consideration, as the angle of the body will determine what portion of muscles will be targeted. In simplified terms, think of a decline angle working the lower portion of the pectoral muscle (chest) and the higher the angle is inclined, the higher up the chest you’ll be working (so a 45-degree angle will be working the upper chest region). When the angle exceeds about 60 degrees then the muscles of the shoulder will take over. I love this bench for indoor use because of how ultra versatile yet compact it is," says Samuel. "At its shortest, I can do step-ups and lunges on it (and it's even better than a traditional bench, thanks to its ultra-hard surface). I can also use it for incline biceps curls and light ab exercises."

Assembly was difficult, and we found the included instructions not very helpful, so we recommend setting some time aside to get started with this bench. Something else that really makes this Weider Home Gym option stand out from the rest is that it has a superior steel frame that is not going to bend, break, or come apart anytime soon. Moreover, this thing has a very stable base with wide feet for a wobble free workout experience, plus it has a 300-pound user weight limit to support even the biggest of people with ease. Even though the construction is especially *great* for abs, it's still a versatile tool that can be used for upper body and arm workouts, too. For instance, you can kneel on the pad to do exercises like bent-over dumbbell rows. Bonus: When your session is over, the bench simply collapses and folds down to be stored out of sight in a closet or under your bed. If you’re reading this weight bench round-up and realizing that your fitness goals would be better served by an ab machine than a classic weight bench, look no further! The ProForm Ab Trax has a unique design that allows it to function as an ab blaster *and* an anchor for certain weighted exercises. The tool, which looks like the love-child of an incline bench and rowing machine, has three different levels and can help you target lower, mid, and upper abdominal muscles.

Leg Developer

Without a doubt, the most important thing to look out for before buying any Weider Home Gym is how many exercises that you can do with it. In the list below you will see a great variety of home gym options to go with, ranging from smith cages and full home gym systems to power towers and door gyms too. It is up to you to figure out what exercises you want to be able to do with the home gym in question. A comprehensive option is going to be fairly large and will allow you to work out every single muscle in your body, which is true for something like the Weider Smith Cage. The bench is just 16 inches tall, which makes it more accessible for short athletes. For instance, when you’re doing a split squat you want to use an anchor platform that is knee-height or lower, which the Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench will be for shorter folks. Similarly, when you bench press you want to be able to grind your feet into the floor, which will be possible for shorter athletes with this short-height option. It stands 17 inches from the floor to the top of the pad, and features a three-post design equipped with wheels and a handle to make moving it around easy. Its dimensions are largely consistent with benches used in powerlifting competitions, ensuring powerlifting users a training experience that closely aligns with professional standards. Talk about setting up for success, right?