Body-Solid Flat/Incline Bench

Advantages: stable and versatile....did I mention stable (Its excellent)
Disadvantages: A bit costly, the weights you will need are expensive.

...This is the best bench out there for the money, offering versality of exercise but being one of the sturdiest benches I have used. FUNCTIONALITY Adjusts from decline, flat, incline, and full upright position Now this for me is a really improtant aspect of the bench as the ability for the bench in particular to decline is an important aspect of weight training that is not offered by other benches. Most benches will operate from flat, through to fully upright. This covers most exercises from bench pressing to arm (bicep curls etc) and shoulder work (shoulders press). However with the introduction of the decline, it provides the opportunity to do decline presses and/or decline butterfly's (bench pressing on the decline) This is particularly useful to be able to develope the muscles in the lower pectorial's (in the chest... Read review

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Advantages: easy to assemble
Disadvantages: the design could be improved

...During my gap year from sixth form to university I got a job as a lifeguard at the local sports centre and as a consequence spent a lot of time in the gym. I puchased a york 6605 weights bench so I could workout at home instead of travelling to and from the gym on my days off. It was reasonably straightforward to assemble and at first I was delighted with it. However, after using it a few times I began to notice the design faults. Firstly, when doing leg curls, especially quadricep raises it was hurting my shins, I don't think it was designed with tall people in mind (im 6ft 1'). Because of this I had to place something on the seat to elevate my vertical position. The second problem was the bench press. This was fine when performing flat or decline bench presses, but when performing incline ones it is very hard to lift the weights off... Read review

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Advantages: Comfortable strong and rigid
Disadvantages: Price

...the back can be folded up or positioned flat. This allows you to stretch out fully or sit upright or a variety of positions between the 2. At the "Feet" end of the bench is a leg curler. Again this is padded and allows the user to position their ankles or feet under the curler and lift weights which can be attached to the front of it. Good for building your calfs and Thighs. At the "head" end of the bench is the barbell support. This comprises of 2 long upright bars with weight rests on top. These are V shaped to hold the barbell safe above you when not lifting. Again they are strongly constructed to hold the weight. Overall. This is a great bench. Sure you can use a bench from a breakfast table if you want but it is not going to be as good or as safe as a proper weights bench. Go for a York one as they last and they are very strong. you... Read review

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