Buying a fitness bench? Here's what to look for!

A fitness bench is an indispensable tool for effective home workouts. With fitness benches, you can perform a wide range of exercises for both the upper and lower body, such as shoulders, chest muscles, abdominal muscles, and quadriceps. When purchasing a training bench, there are several important features to consider.

Load capacity, stability, and safety

Firstly, load capacity, stability, and safety are essential. The maximum load capacity is determined by the construction, adjustability, and weight of the fitness bench. Flat benches are generally more load-bearing than adjustable ones, as they do not have hinge points. The load capacity is the total weight of the user AND the training equipment, such as barbells or dumbbells.

For example: if you weigh 90 kg, can bench press 80 kg, and plan to add an additional 30 kg in the future, the bench must be able to support at least 200 kg.

If you expect significant progress, choose a bench with a load capacity of 250 kg.

Different types of fitness benches

First, consider what you want to use the fitness bench for and what your training goal is. There are flat benches and adjustable training benches. If you plan to do a lot of bench pressing, choose a flat bench with a high load capacity. For training with free dumbbells, an adjustable bench is often more convenient. Pay attention to the number of positions: more adjustable positions mean more training possibilities. For example: an adjustable bench with 7 backrest positions and 5 seat positions offers a lot of variety.

The correct dimensions of the fitness bench

Length, width, and height are important. Your entire back and head should fit on the backrest during exercises. The bench should not be too wide, as this restricts arm movements; not too narrow, as this will not provide sufficient stability. The height is particularly important for bench pressing: your feet must be able to be flat on the ground.

According to the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), the ideal dimensions are:

• Length: at least 1.22 meters, level and flat
• Width: between 29 and 32 cm
• Height: between 42 and 45 cm (measured from the floor to the top of the cushion)

What upholstery do you need?

The upholstery provides grip during training. Backrests are often covered with black artificial leather or another synthetic material. Stiff upholstery with good grip is best, so you don't slip. Underneath the artificial leather is a layer of foam and a board. The thicker the foam, the more comfortable the bench, but too soft is not stable enough. A good bench therefore provides both comfort and stability.

Would you like to know more about which fitness bench is suitable for you? Feel free to contact our customer service specialists for personal advice!