Anyone serious about weights and strength training knows how important a weight bench can be. A weight bench endows your space with a defined purpose as well as giving you more workout options.
It also enables you to focus on specific parts of your body using other positions other than standing. The best compact weight bench gives you this without taking up too much precious space at home.
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My favorite straightforward, non-adjustable compact weight bench for home workouts is the Marcy Flat Utility Bench.
Our selection of all the best compact weight benches for different uses are:
- Marcy Flat Utility Bench for Weight Training – Best Overall
- Reebok Professional Aerobic Deck – Most Versatile Bench
- Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series – Best Adjustable Weight Bench
- Flybird Weight Bench – Suitable For Tall People
- PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench – Great Value Option
Our Five Top Compact Weight Benches For The Home
I hope you can find the most suitable compact weight bench for your home with my top five product reviews. They’re not necessarily in order first to least but rather best for certain categories and uses. We have covered the top weight benches, both adjustable and non-adjustable.
And what goes with a weight bench – weights. We have reviewed the best adjustable weights as well as barbells. Weights that you adjust mean less equipment lying all over the floor although barbells take up a fair bit of space.
1. Marcy Flat Utility Bench for Weight Training—Best Overall
If you’re looking for a flat weight bench that doesn’t take up lots of space in your home gym, the Marcy Flat Bench is ideal. Its flat nature enables you to perform different exercises in a compact space – it’s simple but elegant and tough.
This bench is made using a heavy-duty steel tube frame furnished with boxed upholstery and high-density foam, guaranteeing comfort and support while in use.
Another cool feature is its powder-coated finish that helps protect the bench from wear and tear. It also comes with a two-year warranty.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | 17 x 14 x 43 inches. |
| Maximum Weight Load | 600 pounds. |
Pros:
- High weight capacity.
- It’s lightweight, making it easy to transport.
- Sturdy build.
- Space-saving design.
Cons:
- The padding is not as thick and soft as some might like.
2. Reebok Professional Aerobic Deck—Best Versatile Weight Bench
If you’re looking for a weight bench that gives you a perfect blend of useability for weights, aerobics, and resistance training, look no further. The Reebok professional bench can be a deck, step, or weight bench, depending on the exercises you fancy doing on the day.
Another cool feature is its three-angle support position. You can choose to use the flat, incline, or decline position for any exercise routine. It also comes with a two-height position, enabling you to adjust your exercise height to what feels comfortable.
Its frame is durable, and the internal storage area helps you save even more space.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | 47.6 x 7.8 x 13 inches. |
| Maximum Weight Load | 330 pounds. |
Pros:
- Two height positions.
- Can be used for weights, aerobics, and resistance training exercises.
- Three angle support positions.
- Internal storage compartment.
Cons:
- Lower maximum weight capacity.
3. Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench—Best Adjustable Weight Bench
Known for its adjustable dumbbells, Bowflex doesn’t disappoint when it comes to making weight benches. This bench comes with six different adjustable positions.
It’s made of heavy-duty steel, giving it the durability and strength to withstand years of use. It comes with a detachable leg brace that provides the bench with extra stability and support when declined.
The Bowflex weight bench securely locks in place, ensuring you’re safe with every workout.
This model is bigger than most and not, perhaps, what you would call small but because this bench folds up and comes with transport wheels for easier storage we felt it worth its place here.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | 61.3 x 28.1 x 49.5 inches. |
| Maximum weight Load | 600 pounds. |
Pros:
- One-year upholstery warranty and a 30-year frame warranty.
- Wide range of decline and incline positions.
- Easy to move and folds up for storage.
- Sturdy and stable frame.
- High weight capacity.
Cons:
- No option to attach a standard leg extension.
4. Flybird Weight Bench—Best Bench for Tall People
If you’re looking for an adjustable weight bench that’s suitable for both tall and short people, then the Flybird weight bench should be at the top of your list. It has three seat positions and seven backrest adjustment options.
The lightweight bench folds up easily and measures only 30 by 16 by 9 inches when folded. This gives you the option to stand the weight bench by the wall and save floor space, so again deserving its place as a compact bench.
Another cool feature is its 6 foot 2 inches maximum user height, making it perfect for tall people to use. Its entire construction is made from heavy-duty steel, enabling the bench to withstand wear and tear from prolonged use. The pad is made using soft synthetic leather with 2 inches of dense foam padding.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | 49.2 x 15.7 x 44.5 inches. |
| Maximum Weight Load | 620 pounds. |
Pros:
- Sturdy construction.
- Surprisingly lightweight.
- Comes with three seat positions and seven backrest positions.
- Largest weight capacity of reviewed benches.
- Easy to fold and store away.
Cons:
- Not recommended for use in public gyms despite its heavy-duty steel material.
- Not so suitable for barbell work.
5. PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench—Best for Value
The PASYOU Adjustable Bench is a budget-friendly weight bench that still offers versatility. It has seven adjustable positions that enable you to perform workouts efficiently. You can also choose from a variety of exercises on both your upper and lower body.
Another cool feature is its sturdy construction, thanks to its triangle shape. Its heavy-duty steel helps make the bench resistant to wear and tear from prolonged use. The high-density padding enhances your comfort, making it easy to work out with minimal muscle fatigue. This weight bench is also easy to fold and transport.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | 55 x 15.75 x 20 inches. |
| Maximum Weight Load | 500 pounds |
Pros:
- 30-year warranty.
- Sturdy construction.
- High-density padding that provides the comfort you need.
- Easy to fold up and store away.
Cons:
- Some buyers reported a wobble.
- Doesn’t incline to a full 90-degrees angle.
How to Choose the Best Compact Weight Bench for Home Workouts
With the different options available on the market today, it can be a challenge to choose a quality, space-saving weight bench. Here are several factors you should consider.
Size
Unlike working out at the gym, exercising at home can be a challenge because of space. The first factor you should consider is the weight bench size and weight. Most benches are a standard size, but if you’re short of space, go for a compact, portable, or foldable bench. Remember that you need to leave some space around the equipment for a safe workout.
Type
There are four types of weight benches: the flat bench, adjustable benches, Olympic weight benches, and folding workout benches. Just as the name describes, a flat bench is a simple weight bench with no adjustments.
The nature of these benches limit the exercises you can perform on them, but they are perfect starter bench and their simplicity belies the range of exercises you can still do with a non-adjustable platform.
Adjustable benches are more versatile, and you can use them with a variety of exercises. You can incline, decline, or use the bench flat depending on the muscle group you want to exercise.
Olympic weight benches are larger compared to other weight benches. They come with attachments like dumbbells or squat racks and can take up a lot of space in your home.
If your home gym doesn’t have lots of space, folding workout benches may just be what you need.
Maximum User Weight
Despite size being something you should consider, don’t forget to look at the maximum user weight. You need to look at how the bench will support you and your weights during every workout. A good compact bench shouldn’t mean its made of inferior material.
Leg Bar
This bar aids in stabilizing your legs during each workout. You also get to maintain proper form through all your workouts. It extends your range of exercises like core workouts through sit-ups.
Comfort
If choosing an adjustable weight platform for more comfort and stability, make sure you choose one with a sufficient backrest. A large backrest will help support you comfortably. Also, check whether the seat is comfortable but firm.
What’s the Best Way to Use a Weight Bench?
Choose Your Workout
The workout you choose will depend on the weight bench you purchase. For instance, if you purchase an adjustable weight bench, you can choose workouts that target different muscle groups in your body and especially specific areas of the abdominals.
Setting up the Bench
If you have an adjustable bench, ensure you adjust it according to the exercise you do. This enables you to perform your workouts correctly.
Choose Your Workout Weights
The last but most crucial step is choosing your weights. All you have to do is decide on whether to use dumbbells or barbells. Your exercises will determine the weights to use.
Conclusion
Your decision on what weight bench to choose for your home workout is primarily based on its size. From there, you can include other features.
Based on these factors, my top runner weight bench is the Marcy Flat Utility Bench for Weight Training. It’s compact, easy to assemble, comfortable, and saves space in any apartment or house. The good thing is that you also get the freedom to do a variety of exercises on the bench, not just for weights but as a platform for cardio routines.
