Weight benches are some of the most versatile and efficient gym equipment. They can be used for a variety of exercises targeting different parts of the body. Weight benches, known in France as banc musculation, can be used in home and commercial gyms. In this post, we look at the uses and types of weight benches.
Types of weight benches
There are six primary types of weight benches used in gyms worldwide. They are:
1. Flat weight benches
These are the most basic type of weight benches in the market. They significantly resemble conventional benches since they do not incline or decline. They also do not have any special features. Despite their simple design, flat-weight benches can support a wide range of exercises.
These weight benches are popular among fitness fanatics because they are easy to assemble. This means that you can start using them as soon as you acquire them. The only challenge is that they can be heavy at times, making it difficult for you to lift them.
2. Adjustable weight benches
These benches have unique features that allow you to incline the bench when sitting. You can set the bench to a precise degree so that you can sit comfortably as you workout. Note that the inclination capacity or degree of the bench depends on the brand. Some adjustable bench brands go up to 180 degrees, while others can go beyond 180 degrees.
Adjustable benches can be used for a wide range of exercises, including incline dumbbell curls. Compared to flat benches, adjustable weight benches are more efficient and applicable to a broader spectrum.
3. Olympic weight benches
Olympic weight benches are high-grade Olympic benches that can handle extreme loads. They are called Olympic benches because they are made using competition-grade materials and composite steel. They are also designed to be more superior to their counterparts. They can handle a lot of stress. They are pretty durable, heavier, and larger than the latter. These products are usually more costly, and they are primarily found in commercial gums.
4. Folding weight benches
These benches are ideal for home gyms because they do not take up a lot of space. You can fold them and store them away when you do not need to use them. You can use these benches for both flat and inclined workouts. The challenge with using this bench is that you will need to get more gear to support you while working out.
5. Abdominal weight benches
These products are uniquely designed for abs workouts. Therefore, they can be used for a wide range of abs exercises. They can be adjusted in various ways, like adjustable weight benches. Most of the time, they come with foot rollers.
6. Preacher curl weight benches
These benches are designed to allow your upper arm to rest on a slanted surface as you workout. It gives you a more comprehensive range of motion for a variety of exercises. They are ideal for training the inner bicep regions.
Types of exercises you can do on weight benches
- Pulling exercises using dumbbells, kettlebells, bars, or resistance bands
- Chest-based exercises like bench presses and dumbbell chest presses
- Powerlifting
- Dumbbell incline curls
- Sit-ups and ab movement exercises
- Crunches
- Planks
Conclusion
When choosing the best type of weight bench, you should research how to use the different types of benches. It would also help if you knew what kinds of exercises you want to perform on the equipment.
