T3 surely is the home of the most popular weight bench reviews – that is, if visitor numbers on our buying guide are anything to go by. I personally have been reviewing benches for years, although I must add that it means I reviewed a handful of them, as there isn’t much movement in the market.
This is why I jumped on the opportunity to test the Nike Rolling Weight Bench, a simple, sturdy and highly portable model from the brand that gave us the Nike Grind Dumbbell. This uncomplicated bench surprised me with its robustness and quality; I even prefer using it over my Bowflex 3.1s Stowable Utility Bench for dumbbell workouts.
Of course, Bowflex’s adjustable model costs nearly a third of the Nike bench, which is probably why it feels less solid (it’s fine for my kinds of workouts, though). Is the Nike Rolling Weight Bench the best weight bench for your home gym? It might be, as long as you’re happy to splash the cash on it.
Nike Rolling Weight Bench review
Price and availability
The Nike Rolling Weight Bench is available now at Nike Strength UK and Nike Strength US for a recommended price of £297/ $285 (approx. AU$453.61). It comes in two colours, white and black. Nike Strength also has a non-rolling bench (Nike Flat Weight Bench), which costs £192/ $200. I tested the black Nike Rolling Weight Bench for this review.
Specifications
- Max weight capacity: 500 kg/ 1,100 lb
- Adjustments: N/A
- Dimensions (in inches): 18.19 x 16.42 x 48.90
- Bench weight: 23 kg/ 50.7 lb
Design and build quality
The Nike Rolling Weight Bench is constructed from 11-gauge, 3" x 3" powder-coated steel tubing, providing a robust and stable foundation suitable for any workout. The bench features firm foam padding encased in durable synthetic leather, which is probably my favourite feature – the firmer, the better, in my books, anyway.
A notable design element is the single-column front foot, which allows you to position your feet under the bench for heavy bench presses and other exercises. The grab handle and the Swoosh branding are also on this foot. The rear of the bench also features a single-column support but with a crossbar for added stability. This is where the two TPU transport wheels are located. The Nike Rolling Weight Bench can be stored upright.
In terms of dimensions, the bench measures 48.9 inches in length, 16.4 inches in width, and 18.2 inches in height, providing a compact yet supportive platform suitable for various exercises. It is designed to support up to 1,100 pounds (500kg), accommodating a wide range of training intensities.
The bench weighs 50.7 lb (23 kg) and can be moved easily thanks to the transport wheels. It’s slender enough to feel out of the way when stood up. Plus, thanks to the lack of moving parts (and good-quality soldering/parts), it feels durable and an excellent value for money.
Setup
The Nike Rolling Weight Bench arrived in a comparatively small box. It's well packaged – I couldn't find any evidence of damaged or ill-fitting parts. It's super easy to set up, too. There are six bolts to screw in, and the whole process takes under 10 minutes. The assembly tools are included in the box (I used my own, which sped up the process).
Performance
I absolutely love working out on the Nike Rolling Weight Bench. The pad is the perfect size for my frame (6’0” / 184cm) at 12.01 x 47.01 inches, providing excellent support for both my lower back and neck. From the very first use, I could tell the padding was something special – it strikes an incredible balance between firmness and comfort.
It’s solid as a rock in the best possible way, instilling confidence that the cushioning will maintain its shape for years to come.
Despite the single-column front foot design, the bench feels remarkably stable. While it’s possible to rock it slightly, this is only noticeable during extreme lateral movements. For everything else, the Nike Rolling Weight Bench remains impressively sturdy, thanks to its well-proportioned pad.
I also appreciate the slightly taller bench height, which makes it noticeably easier to sit down or stand up while holding dumbbells, something I never realised I needed until I experienced it firsthand.
The transport wheels are the icing on the cake. At first glance, I thought they might be a little too small, which often means having to lift the bench quite high for the wheels to engage. Fortunately, that’s not the case here; the threshold is just seven inches, making it easy for even shorter lifters to manoeuvre the bench effortlessly.
Of course, as a flat bench, the Nike Rolling Weight Bench doesn’t offer the same versatility as an adjustable model. However, flat benches tend to be more compact, easier to store, and generally more durable, especially when they’re built to this standard of quality.
I’ll update this review if I notice any signs of wear and tear, but honestly, don’t hold your breath – it may be years before that happens.
Verdict
I’ve been using the bench for about a month now, and I’m absolutely loving it. It’s rare to find a bench that’s both compact and robust. Sure, much like the brand’s dumbbells, owning Nike Strength equipment comes at a premium, but in my experience, it’s worth every penny.
That said, if you’re a beginner lifter who’s unsure about sticking to a workout routine, the Nike Rolling Weight Bench might be more than you need. It’s unlikely you’ll come anywhere near its impressive maximum weight capacity (1,100 lb / 500 kg); even serious bodybuilders would struggle to push those limits.
That’s not to say the bench isn’t beginner-friendly. In fact, newcomers would likely benefit the most from its unmatched stability and durability. However, there are more budget-friendly options out there that still offer solid performance while making home workouts more accessible to those just starting out.
If you can afford the Nike Rolling Weight Bench, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a well-built, highly portable model that will undoubtedly impress anyone looking to invest in premium home gym equipment.
