Most people love having weight training equipment in their homes. Yet, they hate how much it gets in the way when they’re not using it. That’s where a fold-up weight bench can come in real handy.
Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max: Highest Capacity
Our Top Recommendation for Recumbent Exercise Bikes!
- 800 LBS WEIGHT CAPACITY
- UPGRADED WIDER BACKREST/SEAT
- 12 POSITION ADJUSTABLE BACKREST
- DETACHABLE LEG HOLD-DOWN
- FOLDABLE
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The best folding, or collapsible, weight benches can fold flat to fit under your bed. Others can fold upright. They can stand against the wall in your closet, garage, or shed.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max: Highest Capacity | • 800 LBS WEIGHT CAPACITY • UPGRADED WIDER BACKREST/SEAT • FOLDABLE | |
 | Reebok Professional Aerobic Deck: Best Lightweight | • VERSATILE HOME EQUIPMENT • SAFE AND STABLE • MULTIPLE POSITION OPTIONS | |
 | Gymenist Foldable Weight Bench: Best Multi-Purpose | • NO ASSEMBLY NEEDED • ADJUSTABLE • FHIGH QUALITY SEAT |
The Pros & Cons at a Glance
In a hurry? Quickly skim the following to get a general idea of what’s good and bad about foldable weight benches.
Pros
- Durable
- Portable
- Convenient
- Easy to assemble
- Designed to endure heavy workouts
- Can accommodate both upper and lower body exercises
- Effective muscle-targeting
- Cost-effective prices
Cons
- Prone to wobbling
- Some models aren’t compact when folded
- Joints and pivots are prone to malfunction
The 3 Best Fold-Up Weight Benches
Let’s examine 3 of the top benches on the market.
1. Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max: Highest Capacity
Fitness Reality combines high capacity and a high-quality comfortable build.
Made with a powder-coated tubular steel frame, this is an extremely sturdy weight bench. It can support up to 800 pounds. It features a unique, triangular support structure that offers maximum stability.
Both of its legs have different positions for adjusting the angles of the backrest. The front leg features 2 positions, while the back leg has 6 positions.
The best part is that the seat also can be raised or lowered with its 4 different positions. This is a great feature that suits people of all heights.
At 35 pounds, its dimensions are 59 x 23.5 x 48.5 inches, with a 1.75-inch thick foam backrest. The backrest is big and comfy, measuring 15 x 14.5 inches.
The Fitness 1000 Super Max is one of the most durable fold-up weight benches on the market. Its folded size is 51 x 23.5 x 9 inches. This is the least compact folding size of the 3 benches on our list.
Pros and Cons of Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max: Highest Capacity
Pros
- Comes mostly pre-assembled for less hassle
- Durable and sturdy steel design
- Adjustable 12 leg positions for maximum efficiency
- Adjustable, removable leg hold-down bar
- Soft foam seat and backrest
- Folds easily for storage
- Equipped with transportation wheels
- Cost-effective price
Cons
- Some users complain that the seat isn’t level
- Not suitable for decline exercises
2. Reebok Professional Aerobic Deck: Best Lightweight
Reebok is a name that knows sports. It also knows how to design collapsible weight benches for convenience and durability.
This weight bench is made with non-slip textured bubble rubber, offering 3 angle-support positions. Plus, it can easily incline and decline for targeting many muscle groups. The maximum weight limit is 330 pounds.
It comes with clips to attach resistance tubes. This varies your workout routine for maximum benefit. The rubber legs cover a large contact area with the ground. This is to ensure stability as you’re exercising.
One of its best features is that it folds flat. You can store it virtually anywhere without being intrusive. Standing at 43 x 8 x 13 inches and weighing 28 pounds, this bench is both compact and versatile.
Pros and Cons of Reebok Professional Aerobic Deck: Best Lightweight
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Easy to fold
- Non-slip wide rubber inserts
- Textured rubber surface
- Wide seat
- Clips to attach resistance bands
Cons
- Low capacity
- Rubber padding on the seat doesn’t provide enough support
- Price is a bit high
3. Gymenist Foldable Weight Bench: Best Multi-Purpose
The Gymenist bench has so many great features, we don’t know where to start! Let’s begin with its dimensions of 48 x 17 x 18 inches when flat and its convenient 29-pound build. It’s not as compact as the Reebok when folded, but it’s pretty average.
It can be folded to half its original size. This makes it easier to move and store, even in tight, small areas. When you fold it up, it measures 34 x 17 x 10 inches. The backrest measures 11 inches at its lower end, 12 inches in the middle area, and 9 inches at the shoulder area.
This fold-up weight bench can be adjusted from fully flat to multiple inclines. The seat has 3 different positions, and the backrest features 6 positions. It can support up to 550 pounds of weight.
What’s more, it has a fully declined position. This way, you get more exercise options, especially for your upper body. The decline press on the Gymenist is one of the best on the market.
Another thing we liked is that this bench comes pre-assembled. Simply open the box, take it out, start exercising. How great is that!
You’ll find an adjustable headrest that feels quite comfortable as you’re working out. It adapts to the size and shape of your body for added support.
Another feature that boosts support and stability is the adjustable end cups. They prevent the bench from shaking, even if the ground is slightly uneven.
Pros and Cons of Gymenist Foldable Weight Bench: Best Multi-Purpose
Pros
- Adjustable for decline, incline, and flat positions
- Adjustable pillow for optimal neck support
- Folds easily
- Versatile and convenient
- Comfortable padding
- Comes pre-assembled
- Adjustable wobble-free end cups
- Moderately-priced
Cons
- Has a lower capacity compared with other benches
- May become wobbly when used for step-ups or with heavy dumbbell training
Kinds of Fold-up Weight Benches
There are 2 basic types of foldable weight benches. Let’s find out more about each one.
1. Flat Benches
Flat benches are simple, straightforward, and solid. There are no joints that separate the seat from the backrest. It’s one big solid rectangular padded bench.
They’re quite sturdy. This makes them the perfect choice for doing bodyweight exercises.
Most flat benches have a maximum weight capacity of 500 to 1,000 pounds. This is why they’re better for step-ups and general weight exercises.
2. Adjustable Benches
Adjustable benches have at least one pivot area where it can fold up or down. Either the seat, the back, or both of them can be adjusted to lie back at certain angles.
These are also called incline/decline benches. They’re best used for targeting several muscle groups. They offer more exercise possibilities with various inclines or decline positions.
The downside to these benches is that they have a lower weight capacity. Some are also less stable, which may result in some wobbling during your workouts.
Portable vs. Non-Portable Workout Benches
Now it’s time to see what sets folding benches apart from the standard non-folding benches you find at the gym. Below are some of their advantages and disadvantages.
1. Portability and Storage
Convenience and easy storage, that’s what folding benches are all about. They’re designed with light material, making them a lot easier to move. On average, fold-up benches weigh anywhere from 20 to 30 pounds.
Non-folding benches weigh more. They’re made with sturdier, heavier materials, which makes them harder to move and difficult to store.
2. Sturdy Frame
Folding benches have hinges, joints, and pivots. This makes them more inclined to wobble and shake slightly. Some recent models feature non-slip sturdy leg inserts that reduce this shaking.
Non-folding benches have legs that are welded to the rest of the frame. This boosts the bench’s stability and prevents it from shaking.
3. Maximum Weight Capacity
Since folding weight benches are hinged, this compromises their ability to support heavy weights. Their maximum weight capacity ranges between 300 and 600 pounds.
On the other hand, non-folding benches are sturdier. They’re able to support more weight without the risk of shaking or braking.
The Takeaway
Fold-up weight benches are an ideal choice if you like working out at home without restrictions. They’re ideal for small spaces in home and apartment setups. They offer many great features and functionalities.
Also, just because they fold up flat or upright doesn’t mean they’re not as durable as other types of benches. Some have been reviewed as being some of the ‘best workout benches’ of 2020.
So you know now why you absolutely should buy a fold-up weight bench. There are many choices out there to ensure you find the right one based on your personal preferences.
No more making excuses or skipping your workouts. Now is the time to start looking fabulous, fit, and phenomenal!