For many lifters, bench press day is one of the most exciting workouts of the week. However, getting into the gym and finding every bench is taken can be a buzzkill.
To avoid waiting around, and to make lifting as convenient and enjoyable as possible, you might be considering building a home gym.
And if you want a respectable home gym, you’re going to need a decent bench.
While you can often find very cheap benches at the supermarket, it’s worth investing in a quality bench – especially as you’ll be holding heavy weights over your neck! Cheap equipment increases your chance of injury and will have to be replaced fairly soon, and costs more in the long-run.
So what should you look for in a bench? This article will guide you on the different types of weight benches, what you need to know before you buy, and our recommendation on the best weight benches for a home gym.
In this article:
- Different types of benches
- What you need to know before you buy a bench
- What bench should I choose?
- Why choose a Strength Shop bench?
- FAQ
Rather just see our full range right away? Check out our benches
Different types of benches
A bench might look like a fairly simple piece of equipment – but it’s important to make sure you choose the right bench for your needs. Do you focus purely on bench pressing with heavy weights, or are you incorporating various exercises that require different bench positions?
For instance, an elite competitive powerlifter will likely want a different bench from a novice lifter focusing on bodybuilding movements.
Here are the different types of weight benches:
Flat benches: Simple yet sturdy, flat benches are the most common type of benches you’ll see. They’re perfect for exercises like bench presses, dumbbell rows, and more. They offer a stable platform for heavy lifting but lack adjustability.
Adjustable benches: These benches offer more versatility than a flat bench by allowing you to adjust the backrest angle. This means you can work on a flat bench press, as well as incline exercises (such as an incline bench, or seated overhead press).
Competition benches: Specifically designed to meet the standards of powerlifting competitions, these benches usually feature thicker, more supportive padding to ensure proper form and reduce the risk of injury during heavy lifts. They also often include safety racks or spotter platforms to enhance safety during solo workouts. These benches' height, width, and length are typically regulated to match IPF specifications, making them ideal for powerlifters who are training for competition.
Specialty benches: These benches are slightly different. They’re not designed for bench presses but are great for building general strength and stability through other exercises (which, in turn, can increase your bench). This includes products like the Seal Row 2.0 / Chinese Row Bench and the Chest Supported Lat Row Bench.
What you need to know before you buy a bench
Feeling overwhelmed by long spec lists? Here's a quick guide on the main features you need to consider before buying a weight bench for your home gym:
- Adjustability: Adjustable positions means more exercise options at a cost to stability (and price). Serious powerlifters focusing on the bench press often prefer a more stable flat benches, while bodybuilders might appreciate the versatility of an adjustable bench.
- Stability and weight capacity: A good weight bench should be sturdy and stable under heavy loads, ensuring safety during your workouts. Pay attention to the maximum weight capacity of the bench, including your body weight and any weights you'll be lifting.
- Size and storage: Depending on the space you have available, you might prefer a bench that's compact or foldable for easy storage. Also, it’s worth considering whether you need built-in storage for weight plates.
- Material and padding: Quality benches are usually made of steel, and have padding made of a durable material, like PVC
- Safety: Always make sure you’re using safety pins/hooks or a spotter when benching heavy – especially if working out at home.
Ready to upgrade your home gym? Shop benches
What bench should I choose?
At Strength Shop, we’ve been selling weight benches for nearly a decade. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular weight benches we offer, their features, and who they’re good for:
|
Model Name |
Type |
Key features |
Dimensions |
Bench weight |
Good for |
Rated to |
Warranty |
|
Combo Rack |
Versatile for powerlifting,squat and bench press with adjustable positions |
120 cm x 30,5 cm x 195 cm |
175kg |
Competitive powerlifters |
750kg |
2 years |
|
|
Competition Bench |
IPF spec, heavy-duty construction for competition use |
143 cm x 129 cm x 90-128cm (height adjustable) |
75kg |
Competitive powerlifters, |
750kg |
2 years |
|
|
Flat Bench |
Enhanced design for stability and durability, ideal for bench press |
145cm x 59cm x 42cm |
20kg |
Powerlifters, bodybuilders, general strength training |
600kg |
2 years |
|
|
Flat Bench |
Extremely durable with 3MM steel, designed for heavy lifting |
126cm x 70cm x 42cm |
20kg |
Competitive powerlifters |
600kg |
2 years |
|
|
Utility Bench |
Versatile, suitable for a wide range of exercises |
133.4cm x 59.9cm x 43.5cm |
40kg |
Powerlifters, bodybuilders, general strength training |
400kg |
2 years |
|
|
Specialty Bench |
Designed for isolated back training, improving muscle engagement |
100cm x 102cm x 86cm |
38kg |
Bodybuilders, powerlifters, general strength training |
300kg |
2 years |
|
|
Specialty Bench |
Targets lower back, glutes, and hamstrings for core stability and strength |
141cm x 76cm x 90cm |
34kg |
Bodybuilders, general strength training |
300kg |
2 years |
|
|
Specialty Bench |
Focuses on lat muscles, providing stability and reducing strain on the back |
220.8cm x 94cm x 115.5cm |
50kg |
Bodybuilders, powerlifters, general strength training |
350kg |
2 years |
Why choose Strength Shop weight benches?
Whether you’re a competitive powerlifter looking to upgrade your home gym, or a beginner lifter just looking to get stronger, we have a weight bench for you.
We’ve been providing lifters with high-quality flat, adjustable, and competition-ready bench set-ups for over 10 years. With a 4.8 rating on Trustpilot, you can trust the quality and customer service of Strength Shop.
But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what our customers say about our weight benches:
“This bench is of the best quality imaginable. It's sturdy, it's the right width for shoulder health. Delivery was surprisingly fast. All in all I am very pleased”
A review of our Riot Competition Flat Bench on Strength Shop EU
“Absolutely brilliant piece of kit. Sturdy and extremely strong/robust. Easy to manoeuvre with the wheels attached. 10/10 and priced well”
A review of our Heavy Duty Utility Bench on Strength Shop UK
“Because I am training for a powerlifting competition, this is the best bench! Solid, the perfect height and it remains stable, even with heavy hip thrusts. Super happy with it!”
A review of our Competition Flat Bench on Strength Shop EU
FAQ
Can I use the same weight bench for different types of workouts in my home gym?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a multi-purpose weight bench, an adjustable bench might be worthwhile. If you’d prefer to have a set-up to focus completely your bench press, a competition-style bench might be a better option.
How important is the padding on a weight bench?
Padding on a weight bench is often the first sign of wear. Cheaper brands will use poor materials. Most Strength Shop weight benches use high-quality PVC or anti-slip material, for a comfortable but grippy bench.
How do I maintain my weight bench at home?
Maintaining your weight bench involves regular cleaning to remove sweat and grime, checking for any loose bolts or parts, and ensuring the padding remains intact and free from tears. Proper care will greatly extend the life of your bench, and keep you lifting safely and making gains for years to come.
Create your dream home gym with a Strength Shop Benches
If you’re looking to get strong, a weight bench is an essential piece of equipment to build your upper body.
We have a wide range of benches, suitable for the novice home-gym lifter to the elite IPF veteran.