What Goes Into An Ergonomically Functional Weight Bench

By Braden Luckas

Knowing the characteristics of a good weight bench will be important when the decision has been made to start weight training with free weights. In fact, studies released recently show a direct link between the lifting of weight and the ability of the body to avoid developing Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, it makes sense to start and also to use quality weight training equipment whenever possible.

Besides a set of barbells, the single most important piece of weight equipment for the home gym -- or for any gym -- is the weight bench. On the marketplace currently there are literally hundreds of these kinds of benches and their quality ranges from very poor to outstanding. Certainly, many benches advertised as good are not even close to being good. In fact, they're very poor.

What should be looked for when it comes to this kind of bench is the quality of its build, its adjustability, how ergonomically functional it is, how durable it is and what its price is. Keep those qualities in mind when shopping for any bench whether on the Internet or at a fitness store or the like. More people have been disappointed by their benches than with any other piece of equipment.

This is why it is never a good idea to go for the most inexpensive weight bench one can find, generally speaking. Consider that one will be laying on it and possibly lifting a lot of weight one day. Risking injury from a weight bench that may collapse isn't very smart. This is why it may make more sense to spend a bit more on a high-quality and very durable bench.

When looking for one, it may be that a very sturdy unit made with a frame made up of steel that can support a great deal of weight is the best way to go. Some of these models can support well over 600 pounds and they don't actually cost much more money than something that is less expensive but cannot come close to supporting that kind of weight. The sturdier a bench is the better.

For those people who are just getting started in weightlifting, it is better to go for a basic bench that can be raised and lowered rather than some sort of specialty bench that promises a lot of other positions but really isn't needed at this time. With a bench that raises and lowers, a wider range of weightlifting positions can be taken. Along with barbells, it's usually about all that's needed.

Just about every exercise expert and weightlifting enthusiast recommends obtaining a bench that is incline-adjustable. Having a bench that isn't able to be adjusted in such a manner is probably a waste of money. With the incline adjustability, there are far more exercises that can be performed then with a bench that is completely flat and cannot be raised or lowered.

For those who are more ambitious, they may want to select a weight bench that has leg extension and leg curl features or that provide them as an accessory that can be attached to the bench. Along with a complete free weight set, the bench and the weights together can provide a powerful, fitness-inducing and muscle building experience that can quickly deliver a wide array of results. - 31525

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