The latest fitness trends have seen a return to strength training that was hugely popular back in the 1980s.
This type of workout was once all about muscle definition and aesthetics (think bodybuilding), but the modern revival of the movements is linked to the greater awareness of the mental benefits as well as the physical.
According to a report published in the National Library of Medicine, studies have shown that after resistance exercise, mental health reaps the rewards: “Increases in cognition, increases in self-esteem, and decreases in depression were noted across several randomized clinical trials”, it revealed. It is also well-publicised that exercise can raise energy levels, create discipline and release dopamine (the feel-good hormone) and serotonin (to improve sleep, appetite and digestion) – especially when you complete short-term goals like finishing a set.
The same 2014 report details the benefits of weight-based resistance training on muscle and tissue growth, referring specifically to an “increase in muscle mass, bone density, and endurance”. So, whether you’re training for a race or a competition, doing functional exercises or HIIT bursts, strength training is an unmissable part of any fitness enthusiast’s routine. Not only does it boost performance, but it prevents injury - and best of all, it can be done from the comfort of your own home.
When curating a home gym, the very first purchase that is generally made is a set of dumbbells or two. They’re small in size, come at a low price point and increase the intensity of any anaerobic exercise.
But as you start to up the amount of kgs that you are adding to your movement, it becomes all the more pressing to protect your lower back. A weight bench offers stability as you progress, encouraging better form to prevent aches and pains from occurring or intensifying.
Weight benches allow you to partake in a huge variety of movements for a full-body workout and you can even target specific muscle groups if you prescribe by specific days to put your core, arms or legs through their paces. The versatile designs have a range of heights so you can adjust from flat to incline depending on the exercise at hand.
You can even add extra attachments like resistance bands or battle ropes, while some even have handy weight storage below if you’re in the market for double-duty kit. If you’re short on space, however, there are folding options that will sit flush against the wall when not in use.
Shop the best weight benches below
Home Fitness Code Adjustable Workout Weight Bench
Home Fitness Code offers gym equipment that solves common concerns. We are already huge fans of the retailer for its folding treadmill and this weight bench provides the same space-saving features.
You can easily fold it up near flush to the wall for seamless storage when not in use, making it a great option for those short on real estate for their home gym. It also has a premium, sturdy and durable construction.
Its ability to be used for abs, lower chest and lats training comes down to its adjustability in which you’ll find eight backrest positions ranging from 75° to -20° and four seat, head and footrest positions. The bench can withstand up to 300kg in weight.
Buy now £69.99, Home Fitness Code
Technogym Bench Home gym bench
Technogym is a brand that is spotted in high-end studios around the world and that is as much about the functionality of the equipment as it is about their good looks (as far as gym equipment is concerned). The aptly named Technogym Bench was created as a slimline home gym solution. With this in mind, you can find maximum impact without a whole lot of floor space required.
The accessory-packed weight bench is not adjustable but doubles up as a storage solution for typically bulky and hard-to-store equipment like dumbbells. Inside you will five varieties of weights, elastic bands and knuckles as well as a mat for comfort. The brand suggests there are over 200 exercise options available from the equipment provided to tone muscle, improve strength and enhance flexibility.
Buy now £1450.00, Technogym
BodyMax Selectabell SB500 Weight Bench
Weight storage and adjustable bench in one, BodyMax offers a forward-thinking solution that edits your home gym to one essential. You can move the backrest from flat to three levels of incline to make it versatile for all manner of weight-based movements.
The weight bench is made from a heavy-duty alloy steel construction to stand the test of time and through the rigour of your workout – but it comes on wheels so it is easy to move around when needed. The Selectabell Dumbbells pictured are not included.
Buy now £549.00, Amazon
Primal Performance Series Studio HIIT Bench
Primal has designed an all-encompassing weight bench that can store up to five pairs of dumbbells so you can build up and get creative with your workouts.
There is even space for kettlebells or a slam ball and an anchor for a battle rope if you want to incorporate the dynamic fat-burning, full-body exercise into your home workout. The bench itself is adjustable and can go fully flat when needed.
It comes with a one-year warranty.
Buy now £599.99, Best Gym Equipment
Life Fitness Weight Bench
LifeFitness is another brand that you will spot in boutique gyms across the country and takes a no-nonsense approach. You will find high-quality equipment that supports your fitness goals with little fuss. This bench is the embodiment of that with its commercial-level construction that is sturdy, solid and hard-wearing. It can be moved through different inclines or go completely flat with tactically shaped padding so you feel comfortable as you work through the movements.
Buy now £695.00, John Lewis
JX FITNESS Adjustable Weight Bench
This weight bench from JX Fitness breaks away from the sea of muted gym equipment to bring a pop of colour – which may just be the decider of whether you add it to basket or not. If you are a fan of the blue hue, it is set on a workout bench that has up to six different backrest positions so that you can get a full body workout from biceps to calves. There are also three seat heights.
The training aid is made up of stainless steel with thick tubes to enhance its stability with high-density foam so that comfort is a priority as you exercise. It can also be attached to a squat rack if and when you add more kit to your budding home gym.
Buy now £87.35, Amazon
FLYBIRD Adjustable Utility Weight Bench for Full Body Workout
This is one of the most highly-rated weight benches that we’ve come across with over 21,000 reviews on Amazon. It makes for the ideal option if you are just starting out with strength training as it’s not a huge financial commitment, while you work out if you will truly use it.
The sturdy piece is made from thickened steel with eight different angles (from 90° to -30°) in which to position it to get the most out of your workout. The padding is made from high-density foam with a welcomed cushioning at the knees. It’s easy to assemble and seamless to stash away.
Buy now £89.99, Amazon
YOLEO Commercial Weight Bench
For a weight bench that wouldn’t look out of place in a commercial gym, Amazon has the solution with the YOLEO that can withstand up to 300kg in weight. It can be moved through six back, four seat and three level adjustments to customise your workout. But here’s the USP.
In order to prove the quality and indestructible nature of this weight bench, the brand has put it through its paces. You can find pictures of the weight bench being run over by a truck that shows the product still intact compared to another damaged competitor.
Buy now £66.06, Amazon
CORENGTH Tiltable and foldable weight bench with adjustable pegs
Decathlon is the home to affordable workout gear that extends from accessories to full-on equipment. The Corength weight bench is one such piece of kit that will aid you in your functional training with a relatively modest outlay.
The design is compact and the seat and backrest will fold up to store away vertically when not in use. Yet even with its stashable nature, it still feels robust – but it is worth mentioning that the maximum weight is 100kg.
The back rest moves between two positions so it’s not the most versatile on this list but there is the added benefit of the height adjustable pegs so you can safely rest a weights bar between sets.
Buy now £99.99, Decathlon
