Adjustable Weight Bench:
Flat/Incline/Decline Bench Review

If you're looking to buy an adjustable weight bench, or simply want to learn more about them, then you're in the right place...

...On this page, I'll discuss the benefits of flat/incline/decline weight benches, the exercises you can do on them and what to consider when you're shopping for one.

At the end, I'll also tell you a bit about my very own Body Solid GFID31 weight bench (see my Body Solid weight bench review).

Adjustable Weight Bench Benefits

A quality adjustable weight bench is a foundational piece of home gym equipment. When combined with some kind of rack (preferably, a power rack), it completes the dynamic duo of bare-essentials weight training equipment; that is, the minimum equipment needed to pursue and achieve your physique and strength goals.

You might ask, "But what about the more traditional type of weight bench. You know, the kind with the wide base and built-in uprights for racking the weight. What are the benefits of an adjustable bench, over this bench?"

Well, gee, I'm glad ya asked...

Benefits of Adjustable Benches Over Traditional Benches. While traditional benches certainly have their place, they simply cannot compete with an adjustable weight bench in many aspects that are especially crucial for individual home gym owners. Specifically, here are some of the biggest advantages that adjustable benches have over their traditional bench nemeses:

• Versatility. Adjustable weight benches are extremely versatile. Unlike on (many) traditional benches, you adjust the backrest's angle from decline to flat to incline to vertical (on some models). Thus, they allow you to perform a much greater number and variety of exercises. And whereas traditional benches have uprights that can get in the way when attempting dumbbell exercises, adjustable benches are obstruction-free and perfect for dumbbell work.
• Mobility. The typical adjustable bench comes standard with built-in wheels on the base, making it a sinch to lift up one side and roll it to your desired destination. This is helpful because it cuts down on the hassle of shuffling equipment around. To give example scenario: You can roll the bench out of the power rack squats, push it back in for bench press and take it right back out for reverse flyes – no straining required. This wouldn't be possible with a traditional bench, because 1) it would be too heavy to move (easily), and 2) it wouldn't even fit inside a power rack (not to mention it wouldn't even make sense to put one inside a rack in the first place!).
• Storability. This one's related to mobility. An adjustable bench is easier to store than a traditional bench, not just because you can simply roll it out of the way when you're done, but because of its size: It's significantly smaller and is also compactable to a certain degree (i.e. folding the backrest up makes it shorter). This is essential if, like me, you need to move your equipment out of the way when done working out, because it's located in a "multi-purpose" area of your house.
• Affordability. If you take two weight benches – a good quality adjustable bench and a good quality traditional bench – the traditional bench will almost always be the more expensive of the two. Not because it's necessarily better, but it's a lot bigger and heavier because of the extra steel needed for the frame. The extra steel makes it more expensive to make the bench, and thus, the adjustable bench wins in the price category.

Adjustable Weight Bench Exercises

With a flat/incline/decline adjustable bench by itself, or in combination with a power rack, you can accomplish any of the following exercises (and their respective variations)...

• Bench Press (Dumbbell, Barbell - Flat, Incline, Decline)
• Bench Dips
• Close Grip Bench Press (Dumbbell, Barbell - Flat, Incline, Decline)
• Crunches (Decline)
• Dumbbell Flyes (Flat, Incline, Decline)
• Dumbbell Reverse Flyes (Incline)
• Dumbbell Pullovers (Flat)
• Lying Tricep Extensions (Dumbbell, EZ-Curl Bar - Flat, Incline, Decline)
• Seated Dumbbell Bent Over Lateral Raises
• Seated Dumbbell Curls
• Seated Dumbbell Front Raises
• Seated Dumbbell Lateral Raises
• Seated Shoulder Press (Dumbbell, Barbell)
• Seated Tricep Extensions (Dumbbell, EZ-Curl Bar)
• Situps (Decline)
• YTWLs (Flat, Incline)

...and these are just exercises that I can think of, off the top of my head.

Tips on Buying an Adjustable Weight Bench

Don't Be Cheap! If you're in the market for an adjustable weight bench, do yourself a favor and avoid the the cheapo stuff like the plague. If you're serious about training, then you absolutely need something that is strong, durable, stable and comfortable.

Your weight bench should last you through many years of hard training. So, invest wisely in a quality product. You don't want to deal with something that will start to wobble, rip, bend, crack, or otherwise break down, shortly after you start using it.

I went the cheapo route when I bought my first bench. It ended up holding back my bench press progress because the backrest would wobble from side to side a lot, while I benched. After I finally got tired of this, I decided to scrap it and ante up for a home gym upgrade. This obviously meant getting a new weight bench, but I bought my Power Rack at that point, too.

Needs vs. Wants vs. Budget. Take a little time to figure out what you're looking for in bench. Figure out which qualities and capabilities are absolutely necessary and which ones would be nice to have, but that you can live without. Some things to consider could be:

• Weight Capacity Rating
• Bench Dimensions (i.e. height, lenth, width)
• Backrest Length & Width
• Steel Thickness
• Upholstery/Padding Type & Thickness
• Number Of Angle Settings
• Expandability (i.e. add-ons)
• Brand Name

Once you've (more or less) figured out what you want, decide how much you're willing to pay. Finally, judge any benches you look at against your budget and criteria, and choose the best match.

Try It Before You Buy It. It's a smart idea to go for a "test drive" on your bench before buying it. No, that doesn't mean taking it for a spin around the block or down the interstate, attached to a moving vehicle. Rather, check if any nearby fitness equipment or sporting goods stores have the bench you want in stock and on display. If so, then try it out and see how it feels. This may not be possible for you. But if it is, I urge you to take advantage of the opportunity.

My Adjustable Weight Bench Review

I bought the Body Solid GFID31 weight bench about 3 years ago (in 2008), and it immediately made a world of difference. I have been very happy with my purchase, and if I had to go back in time to when I was buying it, I wouldn't change my decision...

...In fact, the only thing I really regret is that I didn't buy it earlier; instead chancing my safety on a rapidly deteriorating gym setup. If you are looking to buy an adjustable weight bench, I highly recommend that you give serious consideration to the GFID31.

Though I give high praise to the GFID31, it is not perfect for everyone. And like any product, it has its own unique set of pros and cons, which need to be weighed against your needs and wants. I urge you to check out my Body Solid GFID31 weight bench review, where I explain my opinion on it and thoroughly discuss its pros and cons.

If you already know you want this bench, then you can buy it on BigFitness.com, which offers the lowest price. Or you may prefer to buy it on Amazon.com, where it is a bit more expensive.

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