A standard weights bench is designed to give you the support required to safely perform a wide variety of weight lifting disciplines and exercises. Whether you're looking to do bench presses with a full size bar and weights, or just some arm curls with your dumbbells; a weights bench is a vital piece of equipment to help optimise your weight training without risking personal safety.

Basic Adjustable Weight Benches

The fundamental design of basic weight benches is a simplistic structure with a static base/seat and a height adjustable back support; a good example of which are the Gold's Gym Weight Benches. These are particularly suited for usage with dumbbell exercises such as chest flies and presses. The flexibility created in the adjustable back support allows the user to work on different parts of the body and focus their workout accordingly.

Additional Weight Training Apparatus

Far from being just a simple adjustable bench, many modern Weight Benches feature a plethora of additional equipment to offer a more complete weight training apparatus. The most noticeable inclusion to most are the two weights supports or spotter catchers. These struts allow the user to bench press safely, by offering a secure structure on which to rest the bar before and after training. These are also height adjustable, which not only benefit people of different statures, but can also be used in tandem with the adjustable back support to allow the user to do other weight training exercises such as chest presses.

Leg Developers and detachable Preacher Pads are also a key feature of many mid-range weight benches, such as the Marcy Benches and Weider Benches. The addition of Leg Developers gives the user complete flexibility in workouts, offering weight exercises for both the upper and lower body. Preacher Pads are primarily used in conjunction with dumbbells, giving a solid foundation for arm curls and other exercises.

Multi-Gym Features

At the other end of the scale, many Weight Benches have incorporated a vast array of technical equipment, making them into what is tantamount to a Multi-Gym piece of apparatus. The all-encompassing nature of machines like the Marcy SM4000 Deluxe Smith Bench and Reebok Multi-Gym, allows the user to enjoy a full weights workout from a single, flexible machine. Built with the best quality materials and with every conceivable exercise accounted for, these benches include Lat Bars, V Bars, Butterflies and many other features besides, depending of course on the individual model.

Which Bench is Right for You?

What kind of Weight Bench you purchase is very much dependant on what level of training you are looking for and how much space you have at you disposable. Smaller Weights Benches and those with collapsible component parts - such as the Space Saver design utilised in Weider products, such as the Weider 245 Weight Bench - are an ideal solution for areas where space is at a premium. Larger benches like the Marcy MP3100 Smith & Bench require a good deal of space and a firm grounding due to the extra size and weight. These Multi-Gym style benches may also require floor protectors, so as not to damage the carpet or other floor surfaces.

For people at an advanced stage in weight training, only robust equipment capable of withstanding the extra weights required to sustain and develop your workout routine will suffice. Most Spotter Catchers can take a significant weight, so bench pressing shouldn't be affected by structural variations, although you should always check for maximum weight allowances. Leg Developers and Lat Bars often have a predetermined weight restriction for safety reasons; these vary across the entire collection so you should always compare each machine's capabilities prior to purchasing.