(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best strenght training adjustable benches

I think that Rogue fitness has a lot of good quality stuff. You'll need an standard oly barbell, bench, squat rack/power cage, weights, collars for barbell and possibly a platform to deadlift on if you're wanting to do SL and not destroy your floor (not sure how much deadlifting is in SS since I don't do it). However, I will say this about Rogue: it can be quite expensive for someone on a budget. I would LOVE to have all Rogue equipment, but that's not a possibility for me in the near future and possibly not for you either depending on your finances (if you can afford it, def go with Rogue).

Otherwise, look into Craigslist in your area. Lots of people are trying to get rid of weights/racks all the time and usually at a pretty reasonable price. I think that what you should look for is someone who wants to sell between like $.50 and $.75 per lb of weight, obviously cheaper if you can get it! You should look for someone selling a set of probably around 300 lbs of oly plates (2 inch holes on the plates).

If you have the room, I'd suggest getting a power cage because they make lifting without a spotter (example: if your bf isn't home and you want to lift) a lot safer. You can fail your bench/squat and not have to worry about killing yourself, usually. Here is a decent cage for someone on a budget:

If you don't have room for something that tall, try going with this.

As for a bar on a budget, you can get one on Rogue for pretty cheap. I've heard good things about the men's economy bar.

or for something a bit cheaper.

Here is a good brand of collars.

Depending on your floor type, you may want to get some horse stall mats to put your rack on.

Good luck and happy lifting.

Edit: You will also need a bench...if you want to bench press at home. I personally do DB bench press because I feel like it activates the muscles better so I have kind of a cheapo bench. But here is one apparently rated for 500 lbs at an ok price. There are probably better ones out there but in the short term it could work alright.

Also, even if you don't do SL and do SS instead, SL is good at explaining the equipment and giving links to decent quality stuff.

Alright. Pushups are cool, but have massive diminishing strength returns. Absolutely massive. Can you do more than 30? Then you aren't gaining strength by doing any more pushups. Angle your pushups to give more resistance? Awesome. But now you are using less and less of your pec major, more shoulders and more upper pecs. So you are are limited. You run into the same problem with using a single set of dumbbells.

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Get a gym membership. Seriously. Don't get a bench, it will be way more expensive and you need to get a real set of weights, going up to MINIMUM 60lbs each. That's a projected cost of 150dollars. Save up and a membership. You cannot get good results with your equipment, even people who get moderate results with bodyweight training aren't looking for size. They also have way more equipment than you, minimum pull-up bars, bands and some ab-roller.

If you are just starting out, this might not be such of a problem. Such as if you can't yet do 30 pushups. In that case, here is what I suggest for a big chest. For reference, I am a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach. I have a size 43 chest at 135lbs bodyweight, and have a 275lb bench. So I do know what I'm doing when it comes to chest.

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If you absolutely insist on an inhome setup without wanting to spend much money, here are links to the best for your money equipment which allows most dumbbell routines.

Adjustable bench-$80

Adjustable dumbbells-$65

That's $145. That's almost 6 months at LA fitness. You might be able to find cheaper equipment, but don't get too excited about that. Most cheaper equipment on amazon is garbage and dangerous. You could peruse craigslist though. Worth a shot.

This is a chest routine, do it every other day but don't do it every single day. Recovery. please incorporate abs, biceps, squats and db romanian deadlifts on off days. 1 minute between all sets.

Dumbell floor bench press [elbows touch the ground, limited ROM but it will have to do. If you have a sturdy chair, lean it up against the wall and put your body against it at an angle. Do incline press.

You want roughly 100 reps a week per exercise as a beginner. I have no idea what your strength level is so for 4 days a week about 3 sets of 8-12 would be fine.

Weighted dips- Put the dumbell, or dumbells if you can tape/strap them together, between your feet. Again 3 sets 8-12 depending on difficulty.

Pec flies- lay on your floor, or do the incline method above and do flies. 3x8-12

Shoulder press- sit in a chair, or stand if you want. 3x8-12. If the weight is too light and you can strap the db's together, do skullcrushers with one strapped to the other. Be careful of your head.

AMRAP pushups. 3 sets all out.

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Good luck my dude. Everyone's got to start somewhere. Start with what you have, but plan on getting more equipment or preferably a gym membership once you can do 30 pushups, or can do all the sets with relative ease. The last few reps should be challenging.

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I'm looking for a SOLID bench to use for bench pressing inside my power rack. Both flat and incline presses will be the primary use, but wouldn't mind being able to decline press as well. I like the look of the X-mark Xm-7472. Seems pretty beefy, and I like that it has the option to add various attachments. Of course you can't research far in this forum without finding the Rep AB-3100 to be pretty highly regarded. Curious if anyone has experience with both, and if so what they would recommend?

Xmark: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0127KK3I4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8i9UCbA206M40

Rep: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07L39HRC3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nq9UCbTFEWHBP

Let's start off with gear - don't know what your budget is for improvements, but I'll start with some suggestions.

Must Haves

• Do you have a bench? Because if you don't you should get one. This Reebok one or this Fitness Gear one from dick's. Depending on what the sales are, you can get the Dick's one as low as $130. You could always check out Titan Fitness as well, their equipment is pretty well-reviewed, but people do complain about some QC issues ans wobbliness but that might be user error putting them together.
  
• Resistance Bands. I assume you can't do pull-ups based on how you describe yourself, so a set of resistance bands to help you initially, plus there are plenty of other things you can do with them.
  
  Nice to have, in order I would buy them
  
  
• Dip Bars. If your rack is 2"x2" you should be able to use the Titan T-2 dip bars. Alternatively, you can generally find a dip station somewhere in the $50 range as well
  
• Power Blocks. If you keep your eye out for a deal, you can get the basic 50lb set for $230ish, and they're expandable in the future as you get stronger.
  
• Landmine. There are a variety of exercises you can pull off with one, but none of them are entirely necessary.
  
  GSLP is a great beginner routine that doesn't require that much equipment. You can use kettle-bells for curls and triceps initially if you find a barbell to be too unwieldy. Ultimately, you have most of everything you need. I'm planning on building my own home gym, and all I plan on owning are a rack with dip and pull-up multi-grip attachments, adjustable bench, barbell, and adjustable dumbbells - I can accomplish everything I need to do with just that.

I'm surprised that no one has suggested a good adjustable bench. With a 200$ gift card you could come away with a pretty good adjustable bench for that price, or come away with a top of the line bench for about 100$. Like these two :
https://www.amazon.com/Rep-Adjustable-Bench-Capacity-Incline/dp/B00YNS7D9G/ref=sr_1_12?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1468221622&sr=1-12

https://www.amazon.com/Steelbody-Deluxe-Utility-Bench-STB-10105/dp/B01DB2DHXU/ref=sr_1_88?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1468221891&sr=1-88

I've got a similar one (except the board is full length - got it through Amazon's warehouse deals for like $90!) and I love it. I can't lay down with my back on the floor due to some spine issues, but I can do all of the workouts with a hyperextension bench. It also doubles as a second flat bench, which is super nice since my husband is usually on the incline bench.

I just put mine together, so far I have:
Set of 50lbs. PowerBlock Elites
Ironmaster Adjustable Weight Bench w/ Situp Attachment

I really want to get the Dip and Pullup attachment as well. I live in a semi-cramped apartment on the third floor of a very old apartment building, otherwise I'd have a heavy bag and a jump rope to go with it. I love being able to workout at home, I should have started setting up a home gym years ago. Tough to do when before you find a place that you know you're going to live in for a while. I honestly think the biggest upside of owning a house for me is going to be the epic home gym setup I can have there.

What's your max budget? This looks like a solid flat bench with great reviews and it's under $150 after the shipping. Seems to hit all the marks. Correct height, good width and length on the pad, even has a handle + wheels, 3x3 tubing for high weight rating.

https://smile.amazon.com/Atlas-Heavy-Capacity-handle-wheels/dp/B00S8U7WV4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1472745265&sr=8-7&keywords=flat+bench

• I mean you could go with those benchs, or you can go with this Porsche of a bench at $219 and free shipping with prime: IRONMAN AMAZON
  
• The only reason this high quality bench is so low cost is my company is no longer going to partner with Ironman * for strength equipment. You'll still get the lifetime warranty too.
  
• The bench will return under the brand FITNESS REALITY, so it's not like we are bailing on the design.
  
• PLEASE CONSIDER THIS BENCH. - Ask me anything, I helped design it.
  
  
• ADDITIONAL BREAK DOWN base on rated weight capacity and the ammount of steel you are getting:
  
• Rep FID (max weight 1000lbs) (Product weight 85 pounds)
  
• x-mark: (max weight 1500lbs) (Product weight 82 pounds)
  
• body solid: (max weight 500lbs) (Product weight 60 lbs)
  
• fitness gear: (max weight 600lbs) (Product weight not listed)
  
• powerblock: (max weight 550lbs) (Product weight 57 lbs)
  
• ironman: (max weight 1500lbs) (Product weight 106 lbs)

How are the fitness reality?

850lb - $175 with coupon. Fitness Reality 2000 Super Max XL High Capacity NO Gap Weight Bench with Detachable Leg Lock-Down https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3Q9F22/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p6mWCbJ6XW2EK

800lb - $90 Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Adjustable Weight Bench, 800 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CR4XFIK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_l3mWCbDAWTQ4X

You could try secondhand stores or gym equipment resalers for dumbbells. Something like this would take up a lot less space than individual dumbbells, and may be cheaper than Bowflex-style adjustables (depending on your needs, obv).

I own a flat bench like this that stands up in the corner when I'm not using it. I use a stability ball if I want to do something like an incline dumbbell press at home, but a foldable incline bench like this might also work well.

In addition to other recommendations - consider getting a back hyperextension bench or a Roman chair. It might take-up a good bit of space, but I find them a good way to gently load-up your back if you've got structural problems.

Something sorta like this guy: https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Strength-45-Degree-Hyperextension/dp/B001105FNK

Here's a quick guide to the excercise:
https://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/main/popup/name/hyperextensions-back-extensions

EDIT TO ADD: A Glute-Ham-Raise (AKA GHR) is another option along these lines.

Almost looks like a piece of workout equipment. Maybe for sit ups?

Edit: Confidence Fitness Pro Adjustable Sit Up Ab Bench V2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MUOJEWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hTxDCb2Y96AF7

Something similar on Amazon.

I went contrary to most opinions on here and bought new. I bought bar and weights off of xtrainingequipment. I believe a 320lb set of bumper weights came out to 700 with an olympic bar as well.

I bought this rack and although it took about 2 hours to put together by myself, I've absolutely loved it since.

I also bought this bench on Amazon and have no real complaints, although I can't put my finger on why I don't absolutely love it. I've definitely felt better benches at gyms.

I just got this one off amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QJZAE4/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Its pretty sturdy. I wanted incline for flies and such. I just wish it did 90 degrees.

You can buy these with barbell support, such as this. It's not high end, but it folds up like an ironing board for storage. The one I originally sent was the most compact, but you would need to use dumbbells instead of a barbell for bench press. That being said, many of us would argue the DB bench is actually the superior exercise.

Please help me finding a good bench in EUROPE (I LIVE IN ITALY)

I don't really have a budget, I just want a good quality bench without spending too much (€200-€400 is ok)

I need it for my homegym, I will use it for bench/incline bench. And others exercises for bodybuilding.

I don't need the decline bench (I don't like it..)

On Amazon.IT I found:

- BODY SOLID GFID225 https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B002EEOO9S

- BODY SOLID Gfi21 https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0013ZCDME

They don't have adjustable seat pad but I can't find a better bench ..

Thanks..

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Can you guys give me any feedback on these benches? I'm not a power lifter. I don't plan to be. I am just going for the four main compound lifts and accessories for general fitness. Off the top of my head, the only thing I would use an adjustable bench for is incline bench and incline dumbbell press. I don't have a routine I'm set on following, so I can look for one that doesn't incorporate any incline bench work.

Marcy Exercise Utility Bench for Upright, Incline, Decline, and Flat Exercise SB-261W

Marcy Flat Utility 600 lbs Capacity Weight Bench for Weight Training and Ab Exercises SB-315

Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Adjustable Weight Bench, 800 lbs

Also, I'm not attached to Amazon or anything. These just happened to all be on it.

I would just buy a cheaper 2nd bench for your wife to use.

I own the CAP bench and its strong enough for me (185lb) to bench 240lb with no signs of it breaking, so it more than strong enough for your wife.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N983R0N/ref=twister_B01MXYW6FT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This is the bench I use at home. Its adjustable with 5 positions and a weight capacity of 450lbs, all for less then 160$.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002QJZAE4?pc_redir=1405568006&robot_redir=1

Ive been using it for about 2 years, still works great.

EDIT:
In regards to a barbell rack, I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VLKOB8/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?qid=1405700398&sr=8-17&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Great for any barbell exercise.

It does not come with a barbell, it comes with a chin up bar that mounts to the top. Still a great price IMO for beginners, I've heard nothing but good things about this company.

I have a small cheap setup currently with a shitty benching rack with the built in bench. I want this rack so I can squat without almost dying.

For a bench if you're just doing something like normal stronglifts with normal flat bench go with: a Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G44X9D6/ref=cm_sw_r_api_iFzLxb10MB8ZR. Really cheap and well built.

When you start getting into the adjustable type of bench, that's when it becomes bitch. The prices shoot up. For adjustable I'd go with this guy: adidas Utility Bench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0184R8VD8/ref=cm_sw_r_api_jJzLxbXTAEZPS. Cheap and not too badly built, it's only weighted to 300 pounds so it's obviously not gonna work for long (if you're getting strong and bigger ;)) it's pretty stupid that it has a leg attachment but you can most likely get away with just skipping it's installation.

For a bar, you want Olympic. Look on Amazon, CAP makes cheap stuff that will work until you get big enough to go model and make money.

Akonza Adjustable Squat Stands for bench and squat

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FYLE8UM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8yAKBb2RCY9RG

Fitness Reality 2000 Super Max XL High Capacity Weight Bench with Detachable Leg Lock-Down (this FID bench folds up flat for storage)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3Q9F22/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lCAKBbS38T2VX

Both of these items can be put in a closet and work well. You can also buy some power block u90s and ironmaster 120 Dumbbells with the kettle bell handle from ironmaster and you have an entire gym that can be put away in a closet. Add a folding walker for dips and a door way pull up bar with rings and you can start charging people to use your studio.

Here are links to my posts that have all of the above items.

Before the basement: https://www.reddit.com/r/homegym/comments/8djxal/how_its_done_in_a_small_apartment_pumpnasium/

After buying some ironmasters and getting a basement (imgur album): https://imgur.com/gallery/e4xGjPq


https://www.reddit.com/r/homegym/comments/8yiply/welcome_to_my_tetnatorium_booster_shots_are/

Buy a used one from CL or play it again sports.

If you have to buy new this is plenty of bench for you want something higher end I'd buy this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FMYAOA
1000 lb capacity. Dip, pullup attachments available separately.

Or if youre looking for something more reasonable: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=22455766
600lb capacity, has wheels for moving it around. Should be plenty of bench for a long time.

Dick's has a 300lb olympic weight set for $200. Add an olympic dumbbell for $35 more while you're there.

Order a T2 Power Rack for $300. Or check Craigslist for a deal on a used one.

Finally, get a decent bench from Amazon for $90 and maybe a rubber mat for $35 to put underneath.

For $660 (or $360 without the rack), you have a 24/7 gym in your garage or basement. Since getting mine in Feb, I've picked up a couple more plates and some accessories, but the initial investment was more than worth it.

Squat rack

Bench

Spend the rest on a barbell and as much weight as you can afford. Definitely get cast iron, and go for used, you'll get more for your money.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. I'm 6'2 with broad shoulders and have used many benches that were not built well. I wanted a very sturdy flat bench because i prop one side up on a plyo box for incline work as I dont care for the angles of most adjustable benches.

Well.... I wanted to love it, but I simply can't. I'll be selling it on craigslist.

• Needlessly heavy duty. it's HEAVY duty and has proven to be quite the PITA to maneuverer in my 12x12 basement gym.
  
• Leg drive is a problem. I'm not a power lifter so i'm not trying to have a crazy arch with my feet tucked back. It just so happens that where my feet need to be is exactly where the very wide rubber feet are. And even if one side of the bench had a narrower feet, It's just too damn tall for this guy. I think you need to be 6'4+ or have very long legs to get good leg drive on this setup. I have to use blocks.
  
  When I saw this for 123 shipped I jumped on it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S8U7WV4
  I can easily maneuver it, it's wide enough to support my retracted scapulars, and the way it's setup I can place my feet where I want them without the base getting in the way. I was going to get this Elite FTS one but the amazon one for 123 shipped seemed like a no brainer. I'll update /r/homegym if this new bench is any good or not.
  

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N983R0N/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Has worked for me. 500lb limit I believe which is fine for me.

Power Rack, Bench, Olympic Bar and Plates.

If you do not have the room for a power rack you can start with these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L5QE3L0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

But when you start lifting and squatting heavy you should really make room for the power rack. Sometimes you get stuck at the bottom of a squat and need to bail.

Then add the bench to slide in and out when needed: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QJZAE4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

If you squat each workout you really don't have to worry about the leg extensions on the bench, just if you really want the extra work.

Weights:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087T8UOE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003073YNU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(4 x 1.25 lb)

Bench:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QJZAE4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Don't look back!

Here are the links for the products:

floor mats

barbell

255 lb weight set

power cage

clip collars

bench

weight tree

Yo tengo esta... $1500 pesos.

https://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/offer-listing/B001IKHUNQ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

You could make one for cheap.

http://www.home-gym-bodybuilding.com/homemade-power-rack.html

I made one and bought this bench

If you're looking for reviews, it used to be distributed as the Atlas bench and Bells of Steel has a yellow version

I just got this bench and so far so good.

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-5-Position-Weight-Bench/dp/B002QJZAE4?ie=UTF8&keywords=universal%20bench&qid=1462208795&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-5-Position-Weight-Bench/dp/B002QJZAE4/

A little better than the cheapest of the cheap but not much.

Have you tried craigslist?

If you have to go new and ~$300 is your budget you can't do much better than the Superbench:

http://www.amazon.com/Ironmaster-Super-Bench-Adjustable-weight-lifting/dp/B000FMYAOA

It has its shortcomings (it's tall, it's narrow, the seat is a little weird) but at this price point you have to make compromises.

Power rack: $350
Example

Adjustable bench: $50
Example

300lb Olympic set: $125
Example

One thing I found is that weight sets skyrocketed in price since I last bought any weights. My 300lb set cost a little over $100 back in 1993-94, and dumbbells were about $.50/lb.

Got everything on amazon, no tax no shipping. I do have amazon prime though.

bench

squat rack


weight set

The barbell set has since gone up in price, it was 400 when I bought it.

Thinking about getting this bench by Rep Fitness, but found this one buy Fitness Reality which seem significantly cheaper. Which one do you recomend? Also, how are the width on both? Is it wide enough to not make me feel uncomfortable?

You can upgrade for fairly cheap, such as this one for ~300 dollars. Or just a bit more and get an Ironmaster for ~320. (this is the one on my upgrade list, but my current one is 800lbs capacity so I'll probably never break that limit, my current one does incline and flat bench, but no decline, that's the only upgrade factor, so not sure it's worth it yet)

If you've got the room, the best thing I ever did was ditch my LA membership and purchase a power rack, bench and 300lb Olympic weight set.

I've added a couple accessory items, but that was enough to get going on a power lifting routine and hit the big compound lifts (squat, dead, bench, overhead) for ~$700 or about 2 years of gym memberships as I saw it.