Here we have a deep look at the adjustable workout bench products. There’s no denying that these adjustable benches are a mainstay in the fitness industry, so much so that many are prescribed by physicians for their unique engineering and design. Researchers and engineers just don’t slap together these benches. They can take years of study, testing with different materials to ensure durability, strength, and function. The top athletes are called in to help with design and engineering and testing, and even to endorse them on a commercial level. The bottom line with adjustable benches is the overall strength and performance that a high intensity tool requires.

They have to accommodate not only the weight of the person but also the weights the person is using. This calls for a structural design of considerable fortitude because one mistake could lead to serious injury or worse. On top of all that, if an adjustable bench isn’t comfortable and compatible ergonomically, it can lead to less than optimum results. So that being said, Let’s take a look at the top five adjustable workout benches on the market today.

Comparison

Product Rating Price
Bowflex 3.1 Adjustable Bench 4.5/5 $$
CAP Barbell Flat/Incline/Decline Bench 3.7/5 $
Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Adjustable Bench 4.4/5 $$$
Universal 5 Position Weight Bench 4.4/5 $$
Body-Solid Powerline Flat/Incline/Decline Folding Bench 4.3/5 $$

Best overall: Bowflex 3.1 Adjustable Bench

Looking like the executive chair of a starship captain, the Bowflex 3.1 Adjustable Bench is sleek in design and engineered brilliantly. It retails for almost $200 but you can get one for a bit less if you shop smartly.

The bench adjusts to four different positions whereby several dozen or more exercises can be performed safely and for optimum workout results. The design allows for promoting good posture and stabilizing the body while using free weights. It’s easy to store away and take out to use in any accommodating space and has removable leg hold down brace to add tot he decline position support.

The features show that it has a 4 total positions, -10 degrees, flat, +45 degrees, and +90 degrees. The bench is described as a single piece top, rounded seat for legs. The leg brace is removable. Maximum weight it supports is 300 lbs. The dimensions of the unit are 56” x 26” x20”. The assembled bench weighs in at 55.1 lbs. The warranty has a generous 2 years on frame, 30 days on upholstery.

We can clearly say that this Bowflex product lives up to the company’s reputation and provides the best basic adjustable bench around. The Bowflex 3.1 Adjustable Bench is a great workout tool for pro, aficionado, and beginner.

Remember, you’re getting an adjustable bench that you and your weights will test the mettle of. This bench is at the top of the list for good reason. It’s proven itself as hitting all the high marks set before it.

Best Budget Adjustable Bench: CAP Barbell Flat/Incline/Decline Bench

For those looking for a top notch adjustable workout bench, but on a small budget, the best of the breed is the CAP Barbell Flat/Incline/Decline Bench. At first glance, one would think it would be more expensive, but the average $50 price tag at discount for a new unit is quite an eye opener. It has four adjustable positions, flat, upright, incline, decline, a dumbbell holder that allows for easy access to weights, can hold a weight capacity of the user of up to 250 lbs, and has foam covered hand grips. Some higher priced models of adjustable benches don’t come with some of these extras, so getting them for such a low prices is a real bonus.

Dimensions for this product are, 27” x 15” x 9” and weighs in at a light 30 lbs, making it easy to carry and store away. You have to hand it to them here. The way this bench folds away is like those Transformers toys that go from car to giant robot. They did it so well here and the cost doesn’t reflect this smart design and engineering. Quite a bargain!

Of note, this unit is very well built. Designed and engineered for durability, safety, with the knowledge that maximum gains while working out require full range of motion. The product gets high marks from consumers, and the parent company, CAP has been providing fitness equipment for over 30 years. That says something about the quality and dedication behind this adjustable bench, and should make it a great starter bench for newbies, and a welcomed addition for pros and aficionados.

Best Adjustable Bench If Money Is Not An Issue: Bowflex Select Tech 5.1 Adjustable Bench

It may be expensive, but considering the value you get with the Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Adjustable Bench. This bench has a retail price of almost $300 but you can get one for just over $250. The bench can adjust to six different positions allowing for dozens of exercises of ranging intensity and motion. It has a 17 degree decline to a 90 degree incline. It also has probably the most generous warranty on the frame ever. A 30 year warranty on the frame and a one year warranty on the upholstery. No wonder it costs so much, Bowflex threw in the kitchen sink regarding design, engineering, and construction.

It’s dimensions come in at 54” x 19” x 9” and weighs in at 63 lbs. It actually boasts that the Bowflex SpiraFlex resistance technology is actually used by the crew of the International Space Station. It also has a wide range of accommodating fitness equipment and fitness accessories. It allows for great support and versatility for workouts allowing for full range of motion.

It’s clear why this adjustable bench is so tops, great design, engineering, and materials.

Honorable Mention: Universal 5 Position Weight Bench

Number three on our list is the best of the honorable mention line of adjustable benches. It’s the Universal 5 Position Weight Bench. It retails for just under $170, but it can be had for just under $100, making it a great bargain.

Features include a contoured shape with five inch foam rollers that allow for comfortable and safe workouts. It has stabilizing levers that give a stable base for any flooring surface you place the bench on. It has five primary positions at -10, 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees that allows for dozens of basic and advanced exercises.

It’s a single piece top standard seat with a fixed leg brace, it carries a weight capacity of 250 lbs, and has dimensions of 52” x 17” x 25”, it weighs 33.4 lbs, and has a 2 year warranty on frame and 30 days for upholstery.

Considering the sturdiness and generous warranty and other features, it may be expensive but you’re getting top notch design, engineering, and performance for anyone at any level of fitness training. A real bargain.

Honorable Mention: Body-Solid Powerline Flat/Incline/Decline Folding Bench

This last but not least, adjustable bench has an honorable mention. It retails for around $270, but can be found at around $150 if you shop smart.

It boasts 7 adjustable positions, multi-bench for doing dumbbell workouts, it has incline, flat, decline, and near vertical positions, you can do shoulder presses, chest presses, crunches, lateral lifts, and much more, and of a surprise, it actually has wheels so that you can move it about easily! That’s something you don’t see on most adjustable benches.

The dimensions of this unit come in at 57” x 22” x 10” and weighs in at 60 lbs.

This bench is built to last and for convenience as well as performance across the board. It’s not too expensive and it can be put away for safe keeping easily, and with the roller wheels on the base, that’s really saying something. What’s extra surprising is that the thing looks good too. People give this adjustable bench a full 5 stars regularly but the reason for it is multiple, not just one thing which shows how well produced this bench is. That’s the makings of a fandom. So don’t be surprised if after you get this bench and chat about it on Facebook, others ‘like’ your post and join in on a rousing supportive chat.

Conclusion

An adjustable bench is of great importance, especially if one is new to the game of fitness using weights. It’s a fundamental piece of equipment that gets you started and that after regular use, you’ll end up being so fond of it, you’ll treat it like a prized piece of furniture. Why? Because the new breed of adjustable benches have the best of both worlds. They are engineered and designed using today’s computer technology that employees stress and material.

The adjustable benches here are also popular because of tried and true use over a period of time. If you’ve ever lifted weights you know the importance of having equipment that won’t fold in on you. One mistake could lead to disaster. There is no second chance after company has a recall after harm is caused. If you see a company like the ones listed here in business, it’s because their equipment is reliable and trustworthy. Some people go for the look of a piece of equipment and in the case of these five choices a sense of aesthetics is employed. Some look better than those 5th Avenue expensive office furniture pieces. So overall, the selections here cover the full ground and any one you choose should make you happy in the short and long term.