Should I Buy a Flat Bench or an Adjustable Bench?

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Aussies spend an average of $1,140 a year on gym memberships, including weight bench and other lifting equipment.

Whether you are kitting out a commercial gym or trying to set up a home gym for yourself, having the right equipment is crucial. A bench is one of the most essential pieces of exercise equipment you can own. But should you go for a flat bench or an adjustable bench?

To help you decide, we've done a quick comparison. Keep reading for more.

Should I Buy a Flat Bench or an Adjustable Bench?

Aussies spend an average of $1,140 a year on gym memberships, including weight bench and other lifting equipment.

To help you decide, we've done a quick comparison. Keep reading for more.

Flat Bench

Initially, you might think that a flat bench is worse than an adjustable one. It is more limited, right? So why would you choose one?

Benefits
Flat benches have no moving parts, making them generally stronger and more stable than adjustable benches.

A strong base beneath you will make things easier and is all-around safer. This is an important factor if you plan on lifting heavy. This is why powerlifters use flat benches when doing the bench press in competitions.

Adjustable benches are split into two parts, the seat and the backrest. While not a huge difference, this does cause some instability. This also provides extra comfort when laying flat - again not a huge difference, but one that you will notice doing certain exercises.

Drawbacks
When compared to flat benches, the main disadvantage is obvious. Flat benches can't be adjusted, and are therefore more limited in terms of the different exercises you can do.

They are also usually lower to the ground. This can be an advantage if you want to maintain a lower centre of gravity and have your feet more firmly planted on the floor. Sometimes people find lower benches a bit uncomfortable, especially people that are taller than average.

Adjustable Bench

Adjustable benches go well with a lot of other home gym equipment. Adding one to your home gym will give you the freedom to add a wide range of exercises to your workout.

VERVE offers several different adjustable benches that allow you to set the back pad to multiple positions from upright to completely flat. Many of our benches also have adjustable seats so you can make any exercise comfortable.

If you are more focused on a more comprehensive workout, rather than being able to max out specific exercises, an adjustable bench is the best choice.

Which Should You Buy?

To determine which is best for you, there are a few questions you can ask.

Do you want to lift heavy in a few exercises such as bench press and chest press? Then a flat bench is your best choice.

Do you want to incorporate other exercises such as shoulder press, incline chest press, or incline bicep curls? Then an adjustable bench is the way to go.

Finding Your Perfect Bench
Whether you are going for an adjustable bench or a flat bench, VERVE has got you covered. We have a range of different benches of each type, as well as any other workout equipment you may need.

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Flat Bench

Adjustable Bench

Which Should You Buy?

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