Posted by: neo2525

A weight bench is a sturdy padded bench that you can lie, sit, or kneel on to lift weights. To benefit the most from free-weights, it is very beneficial to have a weight bench. Sure, you could use the floor, but when your elbows smack against the ground you workout will come to an abrupt halt, and as a result you will feel les inclined to work out. Also, you will be missing out on the different varieties of bench working out that can be done on a weight bench.

            Benches come in a variety of designs. There are, however, four common types. Some benches are made so that you can adjust them to the type you want.

            One common type of weight bench is the flat bench. The flat bench looks like a long, narrow piano bench, only with padding and metal, instead of wood. This is used to work your upper body with workouts such as the bench press.

            Another type is the Vertical weight bench. A vertical bench looks like a formal chair with the seat back straight up. Although a bad spot for relaxing, they are very comfortable when it comes to weight lifting. The back support prevents you from injuring your lower back muscles during exercises that you perform sitting upright. The dumbbell shoulder press is an example in which you would need a vertical weight bench in order to perform.

            The incline weight bench is also very common. This bench can be adjusted to parallel to the floor or vertical, or any angle in between. Because of its versatility, the incline bench can be used with many exercises including the incline press.

            Last but not least there is the decline weight bench. A decline bench is sloped downward so that you're lying with your feet higher than your head. The decline bench is primarily used to strengthen the lower portion of the chest muscles. Although the decline bench gets good results, it is a little less common because it often requires awkward positions and the exercises have to be performed perfectly or else you may end up with a heavy lifting bar on top of you.

            It is a good idea to go to a gym and try all the different benches they have to offer. Once you have tried each one, you can decide which one you like the best for whichever muscles you wish to work out and buy that one. You can also buy a bench that is capable of being set up so that you can have an incline, decline, flat or vertical bench.