How to Choose the Perfect Weight Bench for Your Home Workouts

A weight bench is a total game-changer when setting up a home gym. It's right up there with your weights as a must-have piece of equipment. Whether you're into heavy lifting or just keeping up your strength, a good workout bench opens up a whole new world of exercises that you can do right at home.

Why You Need a Weight Bench in Your Home Gym

A weight bench is super important because it supports two of the three main positions in weightlifting: seated and lying down. While you can do some exercises standing up with just a barbell or dumbbell, having a bench gives you more options.

Think about it, you can do bench presses, chest flys, and step-ups, just to name a few. Plus, a weight bench isn’t just for lifting weights. You can also use it for bodyweight exercises like dips, decline push-ups, and step-ups, making it a versatile piece of home gym equipment.

How to Choose the Right Weight Bench for Your Home Gym

There are a few important steps to take when selecting a weight bench for your home gym. You want to take your budget, goals, needs and space allowances into account. It is also important that you do your research and speak to a professional about what different types of weight benches would work best for you. 

Step 1: Figure Out Your Budget

We all dream of having an endless budget for our home gym, but let’s be realistic, most of us need to stick to a budget. Setting a budget is key because a good weight bench should last you years, so think of it as a long-term investment in your fitness. Plus, having a budget helps you figure out what features are most important to you, so you can get the best bang for your buck.

Step 2: What Are Your Goals?

What do you want to get out of your home workouts? If you're planning to lift heavy, you’ll need a sturdy, maybe even commercial-grade, bench. However, if your goal is to maintain your current strength, a basic bench might do the trick. If the weight bench is going to be the main piece of equipment in your home gym, you might want to go for something more versatile that lets you do several different exercises.

Step 3: Think About Your Needs

Now it’s time to get real about what you need in a weight bench. It might be tempting to go for the bench with all the fancy features, but sometimes simple is better. Make a list of the exercises you want to do and think about how the bench will work with the other equipment you have. This will help you avoid buying a bench that doesn’t suit your workout style.

Step 4: Check Your Space

Space is a big deal when setting up your home gym. Make sure to measure the area where you’re planning to put the bench. Remember, you’ll need enough room for your arms to fully extend during exercises like chest flys, and for the barbell when you’re doing bench presses. You’ll also want to make sure there’s enough space for your legs to hang off the end of the bench during certain exercises. Knowing your space limits will help you pick the right size bench that fits just right in your home gym.

Types of Weight Benches for Your Home Gym

There are several different types of weight benches to choose from. You want to make surre that you educate yourself on the different kinds, in order to pick the one that will work best with your home gym.

Simple Flat or Adjustable Bench

These are no-frills benches that are super effective. They’re lightweight and easy to move around, and while they don’t come with extra stands or attachments, you can still pair them with lifting stands and frames for a more complete workout.

●      York FTS Flat Bench

The York FTS Flat Bench is a heavy-duty, all-purpose bench designed for stability and durability in your home gym. With a wide base and sturdy white frame paired with black upholstery, this bench offers both style and functionality. Measuring 48 inches in length, 22 inches in width, and 19 inches in height, it’s built to handle all your weightlifting needs while maintaining a compact footprint.

●      Altas Adjustable Bench

The Altas AL4006 Adjustable Bench is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their home gym with a reliable and versatile option. Designed for both beginners and seasoned lifters, this bench features 7 adjustable positions, allowing for a wide range of exercises from flat to incline. Despite its heavy-duty construction, which supports up to 800 pounds, the bench maintains a compact design, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or need a sturdy platform for intense workouts, the Altas AL4006 offers the durability and flexibility you need.

Barbell Bench

This type of bench comes with a built-in barbell rest, which is perfect if you want to do bench presses but don’t have a separate stand or frame. Some even come with a leg curl attachment, so you can mix up your workouts even more.

●      York 9201 Powerlifting Bench Press

The York 9201 Powerlifting Bench Press, designed to international powerlifting standards, is perfect for lifters at any level. Its heavy-duty pad is securely bolted to a stable, contoured steel frame with thick vinyl upholstery for long-lasting durability. With a rear frame support to reduce wobbling, this bench is ideal for 7-foot barbells, offering a solid and reliable foundation for both beginners and experienced lifters.

Multi-function Bench

If you want something versatile, a multi-function bench is the way to go. These benches are designed to let you do a wide range of exercises, making them perfect if you don’t want to buy a bunch of different pieces of equipment for your home gym.

●      Altas Strength 3018 Multi-Function Bench

The Altas AL3018 Multi-Function Bench is a versatile adjustable bench designed for a variety of strength training exercises. With 12 adjustment points, it allows for customized decline, incline, and flat positions. The bench includes a preacher curl attachment, a leg extension/lying leg curl attachment that accommodates Olympic plates and can support up to 800 pounds, making it ideal for heavy workouts. Built with durable materials, it's perfect for enhancing your home gym and handling regular, intense training sessions.

Choosing the right bench for your home gym comes down to knowing your goals, understanding your space, and picking a bench that fits your workout style. Whether you’re lifting heavy or just starting out, the right bench can make all the difference in your fitness journey. Take your time, think about what you need, and go with the option that will best support your workouts for years to come.