You’re dedicated to getting the perfect home gym, and we’re dead-set on providing you the ultimate guides on every aspect of your fitness arsenal. Squat racks, adjustable workout benches to rowing machine and more, all the way to our olympic weight bench selection, you’re able to create the ultimate workout without getting taken for a ride with high-end monthly gym fees. Whether you’re looking to trim, bulk or shred, you’ll need the right olympic weight bench to get things underway. We’ve laid-out every question you could have, answered them, and provided you with an in-depth analysis on eight fantastic olympic weight bench set models.
The Best Olympic Weight Bench
1Marcy Competitor Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
Marcy wipes the floor with a lot of the competition and provides enough value and customer support service that we couldn’t help but give this one the crown for the top Olympic weight bench. You get multiple racks to lean your barbell on, and in total, you get up to 600lbs of weight capacity. The section that connects the bench to the incline positions does contain plastic caps, which can come loose, so it’s best to inspect your bench before you hop on and ensure proper assembly.
The inclusive leg developer is superb, giving you a killer leg workout to go along with your core and chest. The whole kit is fairly simple to assemble, with straightforward and helpful instructions. If you have a barbell from a previous bench, you might run into one issue: you can’t use a 56”, only a 72” or higher to ensure you won’t encounter issues. That being said, you also get the comfort of ultra-durable foam padding, along with the five-position adjustable seat. From top to bottom, you get value, power, and a great addition to your in-home gym equipment.
Includes leg developer
Holds up to 600lbs
Five adjustable positions
- BrandMarcy
- ModelCB729
- Weight62 pounds
Full manufacturer-backed two-year warranty
Extremely affordable price
Must use 72 inch bar; nothing lower
Has plastic caps that can come loose on certain areas
2Marcy Full-Body Olympic Weight Bench
We said Marcy had the lockdown on weight benches, and we meant it. Our number two pick- Full-Body Olympic Weight Bench- includes a larger, full-body version of their award-winning Olympic weight rack set. You get a full-body workout from the leg developers to the core, arms, and chest workout. One of our favorite features of this rack is the sliding track seat, allowing you to make nearly unlimited positions dependent on your preferences, and your height.
Assembling this one is not going to be a fun time, we’ll tell you that right up front. However, it doesn’t take up as much space as you would think, and could work to eliminate other workout equipment from your shopping list, saving you some cash. We’re a big fan of the comfort the dual foam leg developer gives you, and the fact that this bench (unlike a few that didn’t make this list) doesn’t wobble or show signs of stress, no matter what exercise you’re doing, thanks to the all-steel and vinyl construction. Our handy guide to the best ab machines features more great products like this.
Crafted of highly durable steel and vinyl
Holds up to 600lbs
Dual foam roller leg developer
- BrandMarcy
- ModelMD857
- Weight110 pounds
Seat sliding track for multiple adjustable positions
Allows for full-body training from arms, legs, chest, and core
Comes with weight plate storage, but that weighs down on your total capacity
Assembly is quite a hassle
3Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench and Squat Rack
Finding an olympic weight rack that doubles as a safe squat rack is no easy task, which is why, once again, Marcy took to the task. Sporting a stellar 14-gauge steel tube design, once assembled, this thing isn’t going anywhere. On that note, putting it together isn’t as difficult as it would look. With more components comes a longer process, but it’s nowhere near as frustrating as we thought when we opened the box. One major feature we love is the leg developer, and not just for the reasons you’d think. It includes an armrest and Y-handle for the perfect posture and support.
Marcy is usually pretty good about warranty information, though they didn’t put any straightforward info about Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench and Squat Rack, which raises a flag for us. You can request it through a long-winded process, but it’s still a bit upsetting to see from a brand that focuses on customer service. From the adjustable seat right on down to the excellent squat rack feature, as well as the rust-resistant design, you get a superiorly solid bench for a rock bottom price, in comparison to the “leading brands” that try to charge you an arm and a leg. You get a full-body workout here, and we have to say, it’s one of the best additions to our gym we’ve had yet.
Adjustable seat positions
Rust-resistant
Includes handle and armrest design for leg developer
- BrandMarcy
- ModelMD879
- Weight93 pounds
Fairly simple to assemble
Doubles as a great squat rack
Padded seats aren’t as thick or cushy as we would have liked
Doesn’t provide you with straightforward warranty information
4Best Fitness Olympic Bench with Leg Developer
Coming in at a killer price and sporting some serious features, Best Fitness isn’t simply a brand name; it’s a commitment. With this easy to assemble olympic weight rack, you get focus on the intended purpose, as well as a stellar leg developer section. Unfortunately, that section can’t hold a bunch of weight. They went fairly straightforward with this machine, ensuring it focused on the key reasons why you’re looking for it instead of adding all the bells and whistles (and consequential price tag that goes along with those).
You get a max user weight of 300lbs, accompanied by a series of custom adjustments and a comfortable seat. In our guide, we’ll explain why your workout shouldn’t make you uncomfortable, and why the seat matters so much. This set allows you to use six foot barbells (some kits only allow seven foot and up), allowing you to use a previously-purchased barbell for deadlifting, and apply it to your new bench. Make sure you also check our guide to the best barbell collars for more great items like this.
Three year warranty on the frame, one year on parts
Easy to fold up and store
User weight limit of 300lbs
- BrandBest Fitness
- ModelBFOB10
- Weight74 pounds
Works well with six foot bar lengths and up
Comfortable and adjustable seat
Leg developer peg can’t hold a lot of weight
Plastic leg casters have been known to slide off, unbalancing your bench
5Body Champ Black Steel Olympic Weight Bench
We’re coming down the back-half of this list but don’t lose steam yet. Body Champ gives you a reason to keep going, both here and in your soon-to-be-completed home gym. We try to bring you the best bang for your buck possible, and for a reasonable price, this one comes with a barbell rack, leg developer (which can withstand up to 150lbs of weight), and a detachable feature to move the seat, and use the back-half as a squat rack. If you’re a fan of multiple positioning, you’ll be able to incline, decline, lay flat, or even achieve the military position all with your comfortable seat.
Assembly is a bit of a pain, ranking it a bit lower on our list. With that pain, no matter how you assemble it, you’ll have a bit of a rough time adjusting the bell caps along the top. They don’t slide into place easily; they’re not affixed, so unless you line it up perfectly, it’s going to take a minute or two. User weight is capped-off at 300lbs, giving you enough room to lose weight, and bulk back up where it counts, with the right muscle definition. This is your one-stop full-body training shop, backed by Gear Hungry readers and budget-friendly home gym buyers everywhere.
Dual-action leg developer
Utilize the single piece design as a squat rack
300lb maximum user capacity
- BrandBody Champ
- ModelBCB3780
- Weight73 pounds
Comes with an added locking safety hook for additional safety
Good for incline, decline, flat and military positions; one of the most versatile on this list
Assembly doesn’t have many processes, but they’re all aggravating
Adjustable barbell height has trouble locking during movements
6Body Champ BCB Model with Preacher Curl
Last but not least, we have the bench that’s fit for the lad who’s trying to bulk-up from being the skinny guy. We like to put the cons right out in the open: this only supports up to 180lbs of user weight. While that’s their recommended setting, we’re willing to bet it’ll shot more, but it’s better not to test the waters when it comes to safety. Assembly is a lengthy one, due to all the added features. Body Champ BCB Model comes with an olympic plate adapter, spring clip for the leg developer addition, as well as an ab crunch foam grip for the roller handles. You get the prospect of a great full-body gym machine, if you’re at the weight requirements.
Now, the low price is also going to come with some lower features, but this bench is far from dead in the water. The seat adjusts to seven different positions, and supports most six and seven foot sets of barbells and weights. For some benches, it’s either/or, so this was refreshing to see. Body Champ really went out of their way to add as much to this as possible, albeit it with a few restrictions. Take a peek into the buying guide to learn everything you’re going to need to know about finding the perfect olympic weight bench from our list by putting the main features you need first in line.
Seven-position adjustable seat
Comes with olympic plate adapter, preacher curl pad, and more attachments
Works well with more six and seven foot weight bars/sets
- BrandBody Champ
- ModelBCB5860
- Weight78.5 pounds
Great price, especially for all the added features
Built-in safety hook feature; better for lifting alone
Lengthy setup process with intricate instructions
Only hosts 180lbs of user weight capacity
7Weider XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench
The Weider XRS 20 is a lot of workout equipment for the price. Combining an Olympic workout bench, squat rack, preacher curl pad, and leg developer, you can get a full-body workout without ever going near a gym. Of course, we’re here to talk about the Olympic weight bench because that’s why you clicked on this article. The bench has a total of five different positions, so you can do incline, decline, or standard bench presses. It has foam covered knee and foot pads for extra stability. Plus, the uprights and spotting arms are completely adjustable, giving you all the versatility you’d get in a gym.
Of course, the Weider XRS 20 is much more than an Olympic weight bench. The leg developer and bicep curl are probably the most useful of all the add-ons. Both of these provide isolation exercises that you couldn’t otherwise do at home. For anyone trying to sculpt their body the way they want it, these will come in super handy. Be warned though, this bench isn’t gym-quality. It’s perfect for home workouts but it’s probably not suitable for pro bodybuilders/weightlifters.
Five-position bench
Squat rack
Leg developer
Preacher curl pad
Isolated bicep curl
- BrandWeider
- ModelXRS 20
- Weight115 pounds
Suitable for full-body workouts
Competitively priced
Feels high quality
Can wobble
Weight capacity isn’t that high
Olympic Weight Bench Buying Guide and FAQs
While the concept seems pretty simple, there’s a lot of brands out there, and various additional features/ways to use an olympic weight rack to work out. We’ve covered some of the best time-tested exercises out there, everything you need to know about the proper body type you’ll be going for, and far more.
How We Chose Our Selection Of Olympic Weight Bench
There’s got to be a few hundred different brands out there, all pushing olympic weight racks and other fitness products. It’s a lot to go through, but this is how we did it:
- Customer reviews
- Personal recommendations
- Selected brands we’ve seen in gyms
- Additional feature inclusion and quality
- Weight limits (you wouldn’t believe how many bottom-barrel models have under a 350lb weight limit)
- Comfort/padding
- Size when built
- Customer service ratings on companies
- Warranties
We go through an extensive cross-reference before trying these out for ourselves. From personal recommendations to the same brands and models we’ve seen in local gyms, (and asking the attendants how long they need to be replaced), we were able to build and test a great list, and comprehensive buying guide for you.
Features To Look For In Olympic Weight Bench
Weight hold - Most benches will tell you this, but in case they don’t, there’s one thing you need to know about weight capacity: it’s the weight of the barbell, barbell handle, plus your body weight. The bench can’t take any more than that. On average, we spot a 500lb - 700lb weight limit, meaning that most mid-weight guys at about 250lbs could eventually lift their own body weight, and the bench would still be fine.
Adjustable back - No two weight benches are created the same. Some are going to cut down on costs to remove the adjustable feature, but it’s one we highly recommend keeping in your ideal endgame olympic weight bench. You’re going to reach different milestones in your weight lifting journey, especially if you’re bulking up for the first time. The adjustable back will give you the proper positions to maintain your physique, or add more weight to it.
Leg developer - It’s the fancy way of saying that you can work out your legs when you’re not working out your arms and chest. These are sort of a bonus, as not all olympic weight benches are going to have them, but our reigning champion on the top of the list, the best olympic weight bench we’ve had the pleasure of using, does give you one of these (at a killer price, too).
Padding - You’re working out, not putting yourself into a highly uncomfortable situation. One of the top reasons that guys start working out and then stop, is due to the discomfort they feel; not the difficulty. You need foam padding that’s not going to kill your back while you’re shredding your arms, making it more comfortable, and leaving the only light burning sensation exactly where it should be: in the parts of your body you worked out.
Warranty - You’re not buying a small electronic or a new shirt, nothing that seems like it would require a good warranty, right? While olympic weight benches usually don’t encounter many issues thanks to their sturdy build, these warranties include missing parts, defected parts, and issues with additional features, such as leg developers. The build be great, but things can get messed-up in shipping. You’ll usually see one to two year warranties on olympic weight benches, and if you address any issues or concerns in that time, you’ll be good to keep this for decades to come.
Q: What is an Olympic weight bench?
A: They allow you to do barbell presses while keeping your back level, and providing a catch for safety. They’re the benches you can either lay down on and barbell press, or use (most of them have this) the integrated leg workout feature to build up your calves and thighs. They’re one of our favorite in-home gym equipment components, and they don’t take up as much space as you’d think. The thing that sets them apart from standard benches is the multi-tiered barbell rack system. These are a bit safer than doing standard motions on your own, and provide you with additional storage (provided that the weight limit allows).
Q: What are the benefits of using an at-home Olympic weight bench?
A: We’re going to lay it all on you, so be ready.
For starters, you don’t have to upkeep a monthly gym membership. We’re not exactly big fans of spending money that you don’t need. A gentleman needs to be finely groomed and adequately toned, but you shouldn’t have to rely on subscriptions to get you there. Getting a home gym is an investment, because most equipment will last you for well over a decade. Cast iron (found in most dumbbells and barbells) doesn’t just fall apart after prolonged use. So firstly, you’re making an investment, not a month-to-month commitment. That’s more cash in your pocket every month.
Next, we have privacy. The world would like to believe that most muscular men, toned men, basically any body type that they envy, are the same guys who say, “It’s not a choice, it’s a lifestyle.” Even toned guys can still feel self-conscious in the gym, (some of us included), but you don’t have to endure the glares when it’s just located in your home office.
One of our favorite things is that you don’t have to waste time commuting to and from the gym, or even shower there. You’re within a few hundred feet of your gym and personal bathroom at all times, making it far easier to work out, hop in the shower, get ready for the day, all within the span of a single hour or less.
Q: What muscle groups are engaged when using an Olympic weight bench?
A: The three primary muscle groups you’ll work are the triceps, biceps, and quads. If you’re using the bench solely for lifting (we’ll get into additional barbell exercises in a minute, offering a diverse range of muscle group movement and), these will be the focus. Men want a V-shaped body, which we’ll get into in a minute, and this is the primary way to get there.
Q: What is the V-Shaped body?
A: It’s not wearing a deep v-neck t-shirt, so don’t even try that. If you look at most physiques of attractive, non-bodybuilding crazy large men, you’ll be able to see wider shoulders, coming down in an angular line to their core at about a 30 degree angle. This is how you’re supposed to look to appeal to the sex of your choice.
If you ever look at before and after photos of guys who bulk up and look excellent, whether it’s on a Bowflex infomercial or YouTube video, you’re going to notice that their shoulders are a bit wider. On average, you can get about 3-5 inches of additional length on your shoulders, and that’s a good thing. Exercises that work your triceps and quads add muscle definition and a touch of width to your shoulders, giving them a topheavy look when you work your pectoral muscles as well. For the top of your body, and a little bit of your core, olympic weight benches get you in shape, and help keep you there.
Top Five Exercises to Do With Your Barbell
You’ve got to think outside the box every now and again, and when it comes to your home gym equipment, you can use them beyond their intended purposes. That being said, we’d like to preface this with a little PSA about being safe when you use alternative exercises, and if possible, always do it when someone else is home. Now that the boring junk is out of the way, let’s talk about alternative ways to use your barbell for additional exercises.
- The Overhead Press
A slightly more simple and beginner exercise, but easily adaptable to higher weights and more thorough training regiments. You’ll work out your triceps, deltoids, and your trapezius with a healthy dosage of these resistance exercises. Remember: posture counts, people.
- Deadlift
Instagram trends come and go, and one of the strongest has been 5-7 second videos of doing deadlifts. These have been around for ages, and while they may look impressive, they’re not just for show. Deadlifts work your quads, glutes, latissimus dorsi, and as most strength training exercises do, they also work your hamstrings.
- Biceps Curl
It’s like a super deadlift (kind of). These focus on your quads, triceps and biceps mostly, while also offering excellent all-around core strength. Give your body some time in between these, and space them out to get the maximum benefits.
- Barbell Lunges
Lunges suck, but with a barbell on your shoulders, they suck even more; that has to mean they’re working, right? You’ll feel the burn in your calves and thighs with this one, but the additional resistance really bulks up the .legs, working the glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, and a little tricky spot called your hip flexors.
- Barbell Squat
We have a guide dedicated to power cage squat racks, but if you’re trying to keep it low-budget for your home gym, you can always practice freerange barbell squats. These work your quads, glutes, and your hamstrings, while also providing you with a realistic scope of your abilities for resistance training.
Q: Can I get the same results from working out at home?
A: If you’re committed, then yes. If you’re the type of guy who needs to go to the gym to either be in a workout-style atmosphere, or be sort of shamed into putting in your best effort to not feel embarrassed, then this may not be for you. Having a home gym is a far more reliable and rewarding experience than going to a testosterone-fueled pissing contest. Namely, most gyms on the face of the Earth. You can get better results from home with a drop of dedication. If your car breaks down, you have a reliable gym in your home, and no need to go to your membership spot. Are they closed on Sundays? Doesn’t matter; you have your own equipment. You can get the same results, or better ones, by doing it at home.
