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Best Olympic Weight Benches

Updated April 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Marcy Olympic Weight Bench MD-857
Marcy
Olympic Weight Bench MD-857
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Target your legs, arms, back, chest, and core with this high-capacity Olympic weight bench. Our fitness expert recommends this for home gyms.

Pros

Five back pad positions, curl bar, and rack helps you create a comprehensive exercise routine. Thick pads make for a comfortable workout. Rack can be used for squats. Offers some storage of Olympic plates.

Cons

Large bench takes up space. Requires additional purchase of weights and plates.

Best Bang for the Buck
Body Champ BCB3780 Olympic Weight Bench
Body Champ
BCB3780 Olympic Weight Bench
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

The simplicity and low price of this Olympic weight bench with leg curl and squat rack make it perfect for beginners.

Pros

Versatile option provides full-body workout for toning and strengthening. Allows for presses, curls, and extensions. Backrest is adjustable for incline, flat, decline, and military positions. Squat rack is removable. Terrific price.

Cons

Relatively low weight limits. Some concerns about longevity.

MARCY Competitor Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
MARCY
Competitor Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
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Enjoyable to Use
Bottom Line

Our fitness expert appreciates the quality and price of this comprehensive weight bench from an industry leading brand.

Pros

Back pad can adjust to five different positions. Leg developer comes with adjustable, padded foam rollers for added comfort and safety. Entire bench is lined with extra padding to keep you comfortable. Bench holds up to 600 lbs.

Cons

The base is made with plastic pieces, so this bench is best for lighter lifters.

Body Champ BCB5860 Olympic Weight Bench
Body Champ
BCB5860 Olympic Weight Bench
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

Designed for the serious lifter, this bench lasted for years in our fitness expert's commercial gym.

Pros

Comes with preacher curl and crunch handle attachments. Adjustable weight rack can act as either bench press bar or squat rack. Comfortable foam backrest can be put into the flat, incline, or decline positions. U-shape front leg stabilizer provides extra stability. Compact size works well for small home gyms.

Cons

Suggested bench max is 180 pounds, so this isn't the bench for heavy lifters.

FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench
FLYBIRD
Adjustable Weight Bench
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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

Heavy-duty, no-frills weight bench with a versatile, adjustable design serving a variety of exercises. Ideal for serious lifters.

Pros

Features six back and four seat positions to diversify workouts and provide support. Decent weight limit of 500 pounds. Comfortable foam padding. Folding design saves space.

Cons

Not ideal for taller users or competitive strength trainers.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
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Buying guide for Best Olympic weight benches

Achieving your fitness goals takes time, dedication, and perseverance. It helps to have the right tools at your side to keep you moving forward in your journey. While casual exercise enthusiasts may want to invest in a versatile home weight bench, those who want to raise their fitness game to the next level should consider a comprehensive Olympic weight bench. 

More versatile and durable than a standard weight bench, an Olympic weight bench offers increased capacity and improved padding so you can push your reps, sets, and weights to new limits. For many athletes, an Olympic weight bench is a necessity for building muscle and improving strength over a long period of time.

In this guide, we discuss what an Olympic weight bench is and what this piece of equipment can do for you. We help you explore the possibilities so you can decide whether you need an Olympic weight bench and, if so, which one would serve you best.

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The versatile Olympic weight bench can also be used for body weight exercises such as tricep dips, incline push-ups, and step-ups.

Key considerations

Benefits

An Olympic weight bench can bring versatility and stability to your workout. It’s true that some exercises, such as hyperextensions, cannot be safely done without the right bench. With an Olympic weight bench, you can focus on your form and breathing, secure in the knowledge that the bench will support your weight as well as the additional weight of the equipment you’re using. 

Investing in a home gym means you can forgo acquiring a gym membership and instead get your workout at home. The initial upfront cost, though high, will likely save you money over time. An Olympic weight bench is a vital part of a home gym that’s meant to last a lifetime.

Expert tip
Olympic weight benches are designed to help you perform exercises other than just a bench press. Take advantage of their multiple accessories to help build all the major muscle groups, not just your chest.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Drawbacks

Olympic weight benches can be costly. This heavy-duty piece of equipment should be viewed as an investment that you will use regularly for years to come. 

Olympic weight benches accommodate Olympic plates and weights. Olympic plates have holes that are two inches in diameter, whereas standard weights have one-inch diameters. Therefore, any standard weights you already own may not be compatible with an Olympic bench set.

Common exercises

Most Olympic workout benches allow for bench presses and arm and leg curls, all of which can be done with various weights at different inclines. Some Olympic benches feature tools that allow you to perform more intensive ab crunches. Others include a lat pull-down apparatus. Some of the racks used for bench presses can also be used for squats.

Size and space

Many Olympic benches are over six feet long and five feet wide. Make sure you have enough space to set yours up, keeping in mind that you may be stepping up on the bench to perform certain exercises. If you plan to perform jumping exercises with the bench, you’ll want to make sure the room has enough height as well.

Because Olympic weight benches are so large and heavy, they’re harder to move than most standard weight benches. This definitely isn’t a portable piece of equipment! 

Limits

Check the height and weight capacity of any Olympic weight bench you’re considering. While it’s true that these benches are more durable and supportive than traditional weight benches, they still have their limits. For example, a bench may have a weight limit of 400 pounds as well as height restrictions. If you’re a tall person trying to do bench presses, you may not receive the proper support to safely perform the exercise. The product literature should be able to clear up any questions about this.

Accessory investment

When acquiring an Olympic weight bench, bear in mind that you will need to purchase weights to use with it. This may include free weights as well as plates to use in conjunction with the barbell. You may also need storage for the weights. All of these are additional investments that add to your cost.

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Expert Tip
Olympic weight benches are designed to support heavy weights, so they are ideal for heavier lifts, but be careful in the beginning. Start with a lighter weight and work your way up.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Features

Mobility

Some Olympic weight benches have a pair of wheels on one end to allow for easier movement. These wheels should lock into place when the bench is in use.

Olympic adapter

We mentioned that Olympic plates have a larger diameter than standard plates. However, some benches come with an adapter to allow you to use your standard weights on the Olympic bench, preventing you from having to buy a new set of plates.

Additional workouts

Some Olympic weight benches feature equipment that allows you to perform additional workouts. For example, there may be a pull-down bar that allows you to work on your lats or a rack that can be used for squats.

Storage rack

Some Olympic weight benches feature a small rack where you can store your plates when they’re not in use. This option can save you time, space, and energy while you’re exercising.

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Did you know?
An Olympic weight bench is terrific for toning and bulking, but it’s not as useful for intense cardio. Consider a treadmill or elliptical for a more complete home workout.
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Accessories

Water bottle: Always stay hydrated when exercising. Choosing a water bottle you like can help you remember to use it during your workout.

Yoga mat: A yoga mat is a great accessory for stretching before and after workouts. You can also use it as a secure spot to perform bodyweight exercises.

Olympic weight bench prices

Inexpensive

For under $150, you can find an Olympic weight bench of decent size that is suitable for a variety of exercises. Notably, a bench for this low price may have lower-than-average height and weight limits.

Mid-range

Most Olympic weight benches cost between $150 and $300. These products offer a wide range of exercises and accommodate higher weight capacities.

Expensive

For over $300, you'll find elaborate Olympic weight benches that come with numerous accessories and features. Many benches in this pricing tier also allow you to perform pull-downs and squats.

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Expert Tip
Use your Olympic weight bench for a full-body workout that takes under an hour: bench press (chest), barbell bent over rows (back), seated knee extension (quadriceps), leg curls (hamstrings), barbell bicep curls, lying tricep extensions and Dragon Flag abs. Yes, that is the name of the exercise, and it is a client favorite. 
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Tips

  • Wipe down your bench after workouts. Even at home, it’s smart to keep your equipment clean and safe for future use by you and others. Wipe down your bench with sanitizer after every use.

  • Always stretch. Keeping your muscles limber and flexed is vital to staying healthy. Take time to stretch before and after workouts. Don’t be afraid to take a day off if you’re feeling sore.

  • Rest. It’s not healthy or safe to work out everyday. You may be eager to use your new piece of equipment, but make sure you take days off to properly recover from your workout.

  • Don’t skip leg day. It's a familiar comment in gym circles, but it’s said for a reason. It’s important to stay balanced in your workout. Make sure you give proper attention to your upper and lower body.

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Track your fitness sessions to see where you’re improving and where you need to refine your focus.

FAQ

Q. Is assembly required?

A. Some assembly will be required for your Olympic weight bench, although in certain cases, you may be able to purchase expert assembly at a higher price. Assembly can take around 30 minutes and should always be done by two people to ensure the safe handling and lifting of the materials. Make sure you have the proper tools on hand as well; if the Olympic weight bench is not properly assembled, it presents a serious safety hazard.

Q. Does my Olympic weight bench purchase include a guide or exercise instructions?

A. Few, if any, Olympic weight benches include a user manual that guides you on a fitness program. The unit allows for a multitude of exercises to be performed in and around it, but it’s up to you to decide which exercises you want to do. Take time to consider all the possibilities, and then work out a routine or schedule. There are plenty of training programs available online or at the gym, either free or for a price, that you can use to create an exercise routine that’s tailored for you.

Q. What’s the difference between a standard weight bench and an Olympic weight bench?

A. Olympic weight benches are more durable, have a higher weight capacity, and generally allow for more exercises than standard weight benches. As a result, Olympic weight benches tend to cost more. They are geared toward those who are highly dedicated to working out and bulking up.