Designing and setting up your new home gym can be a very fun project. You get to choose the pieces of equipment, the design, etc. One piece of equipment that you must get right is the adjustable weight bench.
You might think that choosing one shouldn’t be so difficult and you are right provided you know certain factors to consider. The fact that there are different variations, sizes, and styles of this bench means that your decision might not be that simple.
Some folks think that the best adjustable home gym bench is only determined by the price. This is so far from the truth. It is possible that a cheap adjustable weight bench might just be the best for you when other factors are considered.
Therefore, in this article, we will share with you certain important factors that you need to consider when choosing an adjustable weight bench for your home gym.
Let’s begin, shall we?
Factors to Consider Before your Buy an Adjustable Home Gym Bench
1. Workout Frequency
The frequency of your workout sessions will influence the kind of equipment you buy. For instance, as a beginner, you don’t need to get a pro bench which is quite expensive. The reason is that the workout frequency of a beginner is usually less and inconsistent.
Besides, since you are just starting, you won’t be lifting heavyweights. Hence, the pressure demand on the workbench won’t be much. Therefore, you can opt for a low-cost bench.
In contrast, as a seasoned gym buff, you might need to get a professional gym weight bench to bear the demands you’ll place on it. The reason is that you are more experienced and will likely work out more frequently. Furthermore, we don’t think you’ll be using beginner weights.
If your workout frequency is low but you intend to increase it as you get better, then you can still go for the higher-quality machinery provided it is within your budget. We’ll talk more about that later.
You can improve your overall workout session by applying the FIIT principle. Visit https://www.healthline.com/ to learn more about the FIIT principle.
2. Expected Maximum Lifts
Workbenches are designed with a specific weight limit. This limit is set based on either Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulated calculation or physical testing. Therefore, when the limit is exceeded, it could damage the equipment.
Hence, before you purchase an adjustable weight bench for your home gym, calculate what your expected maximum lift will be. To do this, do the simple calculation below:
Your target bodyweight + Maximum Weight Lift = Minimum Obligatory Bench Rating
Once you get your result, compare it to the weight limit of the workbench you intend to buy. If it is more, then you should go for another one. If it is less, then you can go ahead and buy the equipment.
Note: Even if the weight limit is less than the minimum obligatory bench rating, it is likely that before you get to that limit, the machinery might begin to become unstable while still retaining structural integrity. Therefore, you need to take this into account and always go for an item that is far higher than your expected maximum lifts.
3. Gym Space
All home gyms are not created or designed equal. Therefore, you need to consider the available space before you get an adjustable weight bench.
The rule of thumb is that the size of your gym space determines the size of equipment you can use. Hence, you shouldn’t get an item that will not fit into your gym area.
To avoid such a problem, ensure that you measure the area where you want to install the workbench. This will then give you an idea of the size of the equipment you should buy.
4. Budget
As much as we all want our home gyms to look so good, you shouldn’t overdo it especially when you are on a tight budget.
You don’t need to spend so much to equip your gym. All you need to do is to get the essential gears at affordable prices. Therefore, you should have a budget before you even think of buying this item. Click here to learn how to stay on your budget.
The fact that you might be the only one using the equipment means you don’t have to impress anyone. Even if you will have friends over, you shouldn’t spend beyond your means.
5. Exercise Variation
Another factor to consider is what kind of exercises you plan to perform on the workout gear. Since you are going for an adjustable weight bench, you should be able to perform the following exercises:
i. Shoulder press
ii. Incline chest press
iii. Arnold press
iv. Incline front dumbbell raise
v. Side lateral raise
vi. Rear delt raise
vii. Y raise
While this kind of weight bench allows you to perform all the above, you still need to look for those that will offer you the best comfort and angle for your preferred exercises.
6. Brand Reliability
You must always buy your gear from a reliable brand. You must be knowledgeable about the brand, its reputation, and its products.
Speaking of products, the equipment you intend to buy should be one that you have seen physically and not just online. This is necessary to avoid ordering something that works differently compared to what you thought you saw online.
7. Material Used
You should examine the thickness of the workbench as this will determine the strength and durability to a large extent. The moving parts should have an electroplated coating of nickel, zinc, or stainless steel.
The end caps should be made of welded steel to ensure that it withstands the demands and pressure you will place on them.
8. Warranty Period
The welds and frame should have at least 6 months minimum warranty while expensive gears should have a lifetime weld breakage warranty.
Conclusion
Choosing an adjustable weight bench for your home gym isn’t difficult if you know the factors to consider before you choose. These factors which include workout frequency, expected maximum lifts, gym space, budget, exercise variation, brand reliability, material used, and warranty period have been discussed in detail in the article above.