The gym bench - burn your love handles away!
A gym bench is one of the handiest home and gym exercise equipment pieces. This is because you can exercise your whole body using just free weights and the bench. And as training with free weights is one of the best ways to burn body fat and getting rid of love handles, the only problem will be to decide what gym bench to invest in.
To help you do so, we will look at the different types of gym benches you get and also have a look at the more popular ones. You are probably burning to start!
Why use a gym bench?
If you still need some convincing, here are a few reasons for using a home gym bench:
- Convenient - If you have your bench set up, you can hop on it any time to get a great workout.
- Multi-tasker - You can tone and exercise your whole body using a exercise bench
- Free weight training - Training with free weights are more beneficial than using a machine, as machines tend to "isolate" muscles where free weights targets multiple muscles at once.
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The best way to burn fat
- Using a bench with weight training (weight training is the best way to burn fat) burns a lot of fat.
What are the different exercises you can do on a gym bench?
A gym bench can be used to tone and tighten all the muscles of the body. Here are a few examples:
- Upper body: Shoulder press, chest press, triceps extension, back row, bicep curls
- Lower body: Step ups onto the bench, calf raises
- Abs: - Knee pull ins, crunches
What are the different types of gym benches available?
There is actually not only one gym bench but a whole lot. Let's look at the different types to find your right bench:
Gym equipment bench
This gym bench is used to store gym equipment on. Some gym equipment benches are like a normal gym bench but it has storing space for weights underneath.
Gym step bench
The gym step bench is just another name for the step. The step is a great way to get some cardio in and can also be used for toning exercises.
Gym sit up bench
The gym sit up bench is primarily used to tone and exercise the abdominal muscles. Some of them are adjustable while others are non-adjustable and either with or without an incline. If you are interested in a gym ab bench, you can read all about it by clicking the link: sit up bench
Gym incline bench
The incline gym bench is just as its name suggests, inclined. Doing an exercise with an incline targets different muscles as when you would do the exercise without an incline.
Gym flat bench
This gym bench is flat and can't be adjusted to an incline and it usually doesn't have back support. This type of bench is great for upper body exercises.
Which is the best gym bench?
If your pocket allows it, I would consider that you have a look at an adjustable bench, as it allows you to adjust the inclines and the back support to allow for different exercises. If you travel a lot, then you should have a look at a portable gym bench as it can be folded and taken with you.
Some gym benches come with extras like weight sets, while other have a barbell rack for press ups with a barbell. So the answer would be the best gym bench is the bench that suits you as an individual. Consider your personal needs, your storage space that you have available and then also your travel arrangements.
What are the most popular gym benches?
Here is a look at what gym benches are dominating the markets as the most popular benches:
The Golds gym bench
The Gold's Gym weight bench has 2 different workout arms with 4 different positions allow you to perform over 45 different exercises with the help of resistance tubing of 3 different resistance levels. The total weight capacity is 350 pounds. The machine is collapsible and can be stored away.
The Iron gym bench
In the Ironmaster Super Bench & Dumbbell Combo package you get the iron master gym bench plus a 75 pounds quick lock dumbbell system. Just what you need to sculpt and tone. The gym workout bench can be adjusted to various inclines to target different muscle groups. Here is what others are saying about the Iron gym bench package:
- "After a year's use, I have a clear favorite--the Ironmaster" - Actual user comment from Amazon.com
- "The only drawback to the system is the time that it takes to change the weights as compared to others systems." - Actual user comment from Amazon.com
The Bowflex gym bench
The Bowflex home gym bench transforms to four different positions to target different muscle groups. It has storage wheels if you need to store your bench away. Here is what others have thought about the Bowflex gym bench:
- "This is a very nice bench by any standards and as other reviews mention, it was very easy to put together" - Actual user comment from Amazon.com
- "I considered this bench among many others and chose it for it's sturdy, attractive design " - Actual user comment from Amazon.com
- "This bench is excellent for doing dumbell workouts." - Actual user comment from Amazon.com
The Stamina ab / hyper gym bench
If you are looking for a gym bench that is suited to sculpt the muscle of your abdominals, your lower back and that can be used as a normal exercise bench, then the Stamina gym bench might be the right choice for you. You can perform abs exercises as well as hyper extensions for your lower back on it. It can also be used for other upper body exercises. It can be folded and stored away when not in use. Here are what other think about this bench:
- "The Ab/Hyper Bench, however, is easy to use and has several purposes."
- "I was very pleased with this purchase"
Conclusion
If you have the budget that allows for a gym bench, then I highly recommend investing in it - gym equipment are a wise investment that will last a long time. Just make sure that there is a warranty included in your purchase and that you have enough storage space.
And when you have decided to invest in a gym bench, just make sure that you use it regularly by storing it in a well lit place that you have access to.