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Buying the best sit up bench for your home isn’t easy…
As you can imagine there are hundreds of different models, brands, and designs but which one is the best one for you and your needs?
If you read the next couple of chapters you are going to learn:
Hi there, my name is Bozhidar and in this article, I will teach you everything you must know before you buy a home sit up bench using my previous experience and expertise.
As a person who actually owns a sit-up bench for a while (more than 2 years) I’m pretty familiar with all the details and can really help you make the right decision that you won’t regret.
So without any further ado, let’s jump right in!
Are you are in a hurry?
If you don’t have the time to read the whole post (which I still recommend) and what to learn which sit-up bench is the best I highly recommend you to check out my personal bench I own and use regularly when I train at home – The Weider Pro 255 L Sit Up Bench. (click here to check it out)
Click Here to check my sit up bench’s latest price on Amazon
I really like and highly recommend this sit up bench to anybody because it’s awesome and has everything you need.
I’ve used it hundreds of times and it still looks fairly good (the photo is recent) and everything is working fine.
In addition to that you can easily adjust it to different positions and even use it as a normal bench for even more exercises.
I’ve used it to train my entire body with very heavy adjustable dummbells and the whole thing is pretty solid. There isn’t any shaking or annoying sounds when you use it and the leg locks are comfortable.
The price is really good (click the link below to check it out), the padding is thick so there aren’t any issues and the overall quality is good.
It’s also very lightweight so you can move it around (around 33 lbs or 15 kg), can hold a lot of weight (300 lbs or 136 kg) and it doesn’t take a lot of space when you don’t need it.
I really like to use mine as an additional chair or small table when guests come into my room.
Overall I really like training on the Weider Pro 255 and I believe it’s worth every penny.
If you want to learn more about my sit-up bench, read more reviews and see the latest price please Click Here to check it on Amazon. <<
With that being said, let’s start with the other great stuff.
Are you excited?
Me too!
Let’s begin with the most important part …
Even if my sit up bench is really good and I highly recommend it to anybody it’s not the only one that’s worth it.
In order to help you make the best decision and select the best sit up bench for your own needs, I’m going to review and compare the top 5 models using 9 unique and different categories. In addition, I’m going to rate each one on a scale of 1 to 10 in the most important ones.
Here are the 9 categories I’m going to use to compare them in:
But before we start with the in-depth reviews I want to give you a quick sneak peek using this detailed comparison table so you can see all the 5 sit up benches side by side.
If you like something and want to learn more details please click over the name.
Here are the top 5 best sit up beches for home gym:
| Name | Best for | Weight capacity | Weight | Size (L x W x H) | Number of positions | Uniqueness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weider Pro 255 L Sit Up Bench | Best Sit Up Bench for Home Gym | 300 lbs | 33 lbs (15 kg) | 32 in x 17 in x 7 in | 6 | Very stirdy, comfortable and has a nice price |
| XMark Fitness XM-4416.1 Sit Up Bench | Most Durable Sit Up Bench for Home Gym | 400 lbs | 45 lbs (20 kg) | 61 in x 20 in x 47 in | 12 | Good for taller people and has a lot of adjustments |
| Marcy SB-261W Exercise Sit Up Bench | Best Sit Up Bench for Weight Training | 300 lbs | 27 lbs (12 kg) | 51 in x 19 in x 42 in | 5 | Very lightweight, compact and sturdy |
| Apex JD-1.2 Sit Up Bench | Most Compact Sit Up Bench for Home Gym | 250 lbs | 19.5 lbs (8.8 kg) | 53 in x 13.5 in x 22.5 in | 3 | Very stirdy, comfortable and has a nice price |
| Stamina Pro Sit Up Bench | Most Versatile Sit Up Bench For Home Gym | 250 lbs | 42 lbs (19 kg) | 56 in x 27 in x 35 in | 10+ | Offers extreme variety of different exercises |
As you can see all 5 sit-up benches are very unique and different so pick the one you like the most.
If you find this list helpful and want to learn more details about each model keep reading because I’m going to get more in-depth.
So let’s start with my favorite sit-up bench…
Click Here to check my sit up bench’s latest price on Amazon
Bench Specifics
My overall experience and opinion:
I really recommend this sit up bench because it’s really durable and well made.
I’ve used it for many months and everything is still working fine. There isn’t any rust, ripped places or squaking sounds.
As you can see from the specifics this bench is very lightweight (only 33 lbs) and doesn’t take a lot of space. It’s really easy to move around and store when you are not using it.
But the best part I like the most is the horizontal position because you can use it as a normal bench and do a lot of exercises as well.
When it comes to adjustability it’s good to know that this sit-up bench can be changed to 6 different positions so you can target different muscle groups.
The seat is comfortable and long enough and the overall size is good.
The base is wide so there isn’t any wobble or sliding around and the whole design can withstand 300 lbs.
As you can see the sit up bench I’m using offers a big variety of all kinds of exercises apart from abdominals which can help you save money on buying other equipment.
I find it very useful when I want to train my upper body because it works great with dumbells and even a barbell.
The assembly process is fairly easy and the instructions are good. It took me about 20-30 minutes to assemble mine all alone.
Adjustability and portability: I really like to train on this sit-up bench because it’s very lightweight (it weighs only 33 lbs) and has 6 quick adjustment settings for the back piece. So it is really easy to move it around before and after my workouts so I can store it in the corner of my room. I really like the adjustable back because I can also use it as an adjustable bench and do a couple of exercises using my dumbbells. Sure it’s not as comfortable as a real one because the seat can’t be adjusted and sits at a little angle but it does the job right. So when it comes to those 2 things, I’m going to rate it an 8 out of 10. It hasn’t the best adjustability I’ve seen but it’s enough.
Stability and durability: I’m not a light person and usually do sit-ups while holding some plates and this sit-up bench doesn’t make a sound or move a bit. So I have to say it’s really well made when it comes to stability. I’ve used it countless times and everything is working still fine so the durability is also great. Both ends are wide enough and the little angle and great materials make this piece a great option for a long-term home gym build. That’s why I’m going to rate it a 9 out of 10 in the stability and durability category. It’s a really great machine that is safe and steady. What more do you need?
Comfort: Because of the very thick padding and knee pads, wide seat, and wide back piece this machine is really comfortable to use. The padding is just enough so you don’t feel any metal or bolt and all the pieces are decently long. But beware that this model is not made for people taller than 6 foot and even if the back pad is quite long it won’t be enough if you have a really long torso. Your head may hit the floor so if you are over 6 feet tall this option might not be very comfortable to use. And because of this drawback, I’m going to have to rate it an 8 out of 10 even tho I don’t have any problems with comfortability. It would be a lot better if the back pad was a little bit longer.
What makes it unique and better than the rest?: The things that make this sit-up bench better than the majority of the other ones you can get are the lightweight, very compact design and the thick padding. If you look at the comparison table above you will see that this sit-up bench has the shortest design which really makes it better if you are not really tall. But in general, the overall quality is really good and If I have the option to buy a brand new one I would still pick this one because it’s really better made than the rest.
Who is this sit-up bench best for?: Because of the compact design, good weight capacity, and overall price this is a perfect sit-up bench for any home gym. You can easily move it around and even do different exercises than the sit-ups because of the adjustable back. And for such a great price you can’t really get a lot better than that. So if you are someone who wants to own something really well made that is going to last then this sit-up bench may be a good option to consider.
Are there any good alternatives?: If you have a little bit more space and a looking for something that has more adjustability options then your best alternative should be the Marcy Adjustable Sit-Up bench (click here to check it out). It has a pretty similar weight limit and item weight but those few things really make it an excellent option to check. But you won’t go wrong whatever one you decide to pick.
What I like:
What I don’t like:
Quick Summary:
If you are looking for the best sit up bench for a home gym I highly recommend you take a closer look at Weider Pro 255.
I have used this bench for countless of different workouts and exercises and works awesome.
The price, quality, and usability are great and it could surely provide you with everything you need. In my opinion it’s worth every penny.
Click Here to check my sit up bench’s latest price on Amazon
Click Here to check XMark’s latest price on Amazon
Bench Specifics:
My overall experience and opinion:
As I already mentioned the XMark XM-4416.1 bench is owned by a close friend of mine.
And that is for reason.
To start with this adjustable bench has 12 vertical height adjustments which can really help you target your core and other muscles from very different angles and get good results.
You can also adjust the feet holders in order to make it comfortable. (something not all models offer)
But the smartest feature I really like is the extra support handle that can help you mount and dismount the machine with ease. (you can also use for other exercises as well)
When it comes to safety this sit up bench is a beast. I don’t know how they’ve done it but it can hold up to 400 lbs (the biggest weight limit I’ve seen).
In addition to that, it uses a scratch-resistant powder coat finish and a thick but still lightweight steel frame (it weighs around 45 lbs).
That’s why my friend has it for over a year and it still looks like brand new.
He told me the cushion is comfortable and long enough even if you are taller. (He is above 6 foot)
Adjustability and portability: I really like the Xmark adjustable bench because it is quite different than the Weider Pro 225. Instead of having a separate seat and a back piece it comes with only 1 very long board that can be easily adjusted with a pull and drop pin. And because of all those things instead of the traditional 3-6 adjustment options you get 12. And when you combine that with the 45 lbs weight you can easily see why I’ve decided to give it a 9.5 out of 10 in this category. If adjusted to the highest setting the back end becomes way shorter making the whole machine way easier to move and store away.
Stability and durability: Even with the unique design, the whole machine is really well made. I really like the thick steel it uses and the great overall quality you get. After all, it can withstand 400 lbs of weight which makes it the most durable sit-up bench I’ve come around. When it comes to stability I’ve used a very similar model a couple of times and it’s pretty stable so you won’t have any problems with that. So overall this is a very well sturdy, strong, and safe sit-up bench and it used with caution will last you a lifetime. And because of that, I’m going to rate it a 10 out of 10 in this category. After all, it can withstand nearly double the weight most similarly priced models use.
Comfort: I really dig the one-piece padding because there isn’t a hole for your lower back. This makes it really comfortable to use and when you combine that with the fairly thick and soft padding you really start to see why I like this model so much. I’m a big fan of comfort and wouldn’t train on any piece of equipment that it’s uncomfortable and painful to use. But like I said I have nothing bad to say about this specific model which is a really good thing. Oh, and the length of the padded board is way longer than mine meaning you won’t have any issues with having to feat that you will bounce your head of the floor. So it wins a 9.5 out of 10 in this category as well.
What makes it unique and better than the rest?: What makes this sit-up bench unique is the smart design in which you can adjust the angle in only a couple of seconds with a single drag and drop pin, the extra handle that is a great extra feature for beginners, and the ability to adjust the length within seconds so you can store it easily. I really like those unique and smart features and really believe they make this whole model really worth the price. After all, you won’t find them anywhere else.
Who is this sit-up bench best for?: Because of the adjustable length and the very long padded board this sit-up bench is perfect for both short and tall people. It offers plenty of space so both adults or children can use it comfortably. But it’s also a great addition to any home gym because it can easily be made shorter and stored away due to the smart adjustment system. Even if this sit-up bench is not perfect it’s still a very good option to consider for your home. You can still do a lot with it.
Are there any good alternatives?: If you really want to have a huge number of adjustable parts the closest alternative to this model is the Stamina Pro sit-up bench (click here to take a closer look). Even tho it has a completely different design it still offers plenty of different exercises and it’s another great option for people from various heights. It has a similar price and it’s worth checking out.
What I like:
What I don’t like:
Quick Summary:
If you are looking for a sit-up bench that is designed to last, can withstand a lot of weight, and is highly adjustable I would recommend you check XMark Fitness XM-4416.1.
This bench is awesome, affordable, and of high quality.
Click Here to check XMark’s latest price on Amazon
Click Here to check Marcy SB-261W’s latest price on Amazon
Bench Specifics:
My overall experience and opinion:
If I already didn’t have a sit up bench I would probably buy this one because it’s designed to be extremely multifunctional.
As you can see from the photo the Marcy SB-261W Sit Up Bench is perfect for weight training because it has a nearly flat seat and long and wide back pad that can be placed horizontally.
But even with the huge number of features the whole structure doesn’t take too much space and it’s specifically made for home gyms or small spaces.
In addition to the compact design this bench weights only 27 lbs but can still withstand the impressive 300 lbs.
The reason behind this is the durable powder-coated steel frame and nice materails. That makes it a perfect fit for everybody who is looking for something that is going to last.
With this model, only the seat is adjustable (like almost every other sit up bench that exists) but it’s still enough for a lot of exercises.
The back pad and seat are thick and comfortable and wide enough so you shouldn’t have any problems with using this machine for both weightlifting and equipment-free exercises.
Yes, with this sit-up bench you can do many different strength-training exercises focusing on the arms, legs, chest, and most importantly your core.
In addition the stability is great and the overall quality is good.
Adjustability and portability: Even tho this sit-up bench has only 5 adjustable positions they still offer you plenty of angles to work with. But the most important angle is the ability to transform it into a flat bench so you can do way more exercises compared to models that don’t have this option. Sure it’s not as good as owning a separate adjustable bench but for only a fraction of the price, you can have the closest thing to one that does the job almost the same. And it weighs only 27 lbs which is about half the weight of a traditional adjustable bench which makes it very easy to move around. Even if this is not the most compact model you can find it is still a very good option. It comes with a fully adjustable back board and a very light yet sturdy design. So it gets a solid 8 out of 10 when it comes to adjustability and portability. I removed 2 points because it doesn’t have an adjustable seat or more than 5 options for the back board.
Stability and durability: When it comes to safety and stability even if this is the lightest sit-up bench so far, it’s still really well made and can easily withstand 300 lbs of resistance. That’s the same durability as the one I currently own which weighs 6 lbs more which is pretty impressive. Both legs have great width so it doesn’t move around when you train. The overall durability is also good because all the materials feel great and you can tell are of high quality. So if you are looking for long-term home gym equipment this is another great option. And when I take all things into consideration I believe this sit up bench deserves a final score of 8.5 out of 10. It’s really well made but it would be better if it was a little heavier in my opinion. I prefer to use things that are heavy because I feel better that way.
Comfort: To begin with I really like the thickness and softness of the cushioning so you won’t have any issues with that. The only thing I don’t like is the length of the back board. It has enough length for me but it may not be enough for a lot taller person than 6 foot which is a common problem similar models have. Another comfort issue is the lack of any adjustability to the knee or ankle pads. Not all people have the exact same leg length which may lead to discomfort if you have very long or short legs. But if you have average length legs and normal height you won’t have any issues with this model. So because of all those issues, I’m going to give it only a 7.5 out of 10 because it’s not designed for every body type.
What makes it unique and better than the rest?: When it comes to uniqueness the weight, overall size, and great back board adjustability make this model really great. I really dig the way the adjustability system is designed because it’s easier, more stable, and faster than having to work with pins. I have the exact same system on my adjustable bench and it’s the best one you can use. And even if I’m not a big fan of light frames I have to give them credit for that. They somehow managed to make the whole thing 6 lbs lighter while still preserving the same weight capacity and sturdiness.
Who is this sit-up bench best for?: Because this is not a very long model and doesn’t have the ability to adjust the knee and ankle pads this sit-up bench is best suited for people that are 6 feet or shorter. But on the opposite side because of the great adjustable system, it is perfect for weight training in addition to doing sit-ups. You can use it as an adjustable bench and do a variety of extra exercises using dumbbells or resistance bands. So it’s a great machine for any home gym if you have the perfect height. If not the previous model may be a better option for you.
Are there any good alternatives?: In case you are really tall or simply have longer legs your best alternative is to go for the XMark Fitness XM-4416 sit-up bench I previously reviewed. (click here to check it out). It has a very long back board and can easily be adjusted to fit a larger person without any issues. Click the link above to learn more about it.
What I like:
What I don’t like:
Quick Summary:
If you are looking for a great multifunctional home gym sit up bench you can use for both bodyweight exercises and weights and different machines then the Marcy SB-261W is a must-have.
This bench has it all – good price, high-quality materials, compact and lightweight design, and nice durability.
It’s a really good product worth checking.
Click Here to check Marcy SB-261W’s latest price on Amazon
Click Here to check Apex JD-1.2’s latest price on Amazon
Bench Specifics:
My overall experience and opinion:
I really like this sit-up bench because it’s really well made but still is really compact, lightweight and durable.
I don’t know how they’ve designed it but this bench works really well.
Even if it has a smaller maximum capacity of 250 lbs it’s still really useful because of the extra-long back board and solid steel frame making it perfect for taller people with longer legs or torso.
For a really nice price, you are getting a solid sit-up bench that is designed to make your core burn this is your best bet.
Even if it weighs only 19.5 lbs that doesn’t mean it’s going to break easily.
I really like how the whole frame is designed and find the Apex JD-1.2 is a nice long-term investment.
In addition to the steel frame, and thick vinyl it’s good to know that this bench has a powder-coated finish against scratches.
When it comes to exercises you can use this decline sit up bench for workouts containing exercises such as sit-ups, crunches, decline bench press, leg raises, etc.
You can get very good stabilization and comfort for your legs with the help of the adjustable roller pads. That way you can really isolate your upper body and help speed up results while being comfortable.
Finally, it’s good to know that with this bench you also get a two-year warranty.
Adjustability and portability: Even if this sit up bench offers poor adjustability (you can only adjust the ankle padding) it is the smallest and lightest model you can find. It weighs under 20 lbs and is not very wide or long making it an excellent addition for a small home gym or room where you don’t have a lot of space. And the small weight makes it very easy to carry around so if you have to move it every time before and after a workout and you don’t want to move a lot of weight this is the model for you. So when it comes to these 2 important factors I’m going to rate it an 8 out of 10. I’ve taken 2 points away because you can’t adjust the height or angle which can be a problem if you want a bigger variety of exercises.
Stability and durability: Because this is a very short bench, the Marcy Apex has a very low center of gravity so you wouldn’t have to worry about stability or wobbling if you place it on a nice and flat surface. But even with the low price, they haven’t lowered the standard and you still get high-quality materials that are going to last a very long time. The frame is made from thick stainless steel and the pack padding is designed with thick foam with a nice gray leather finish. It looks awesome but most importantly, it’s really well made. So even if this sit up bench can support only 250 lbs I would still rate it an 8 out of 10 category because it’s very well made and it will last a very long time if used properly.
Comfort: Even if the padding is thick and comfortable to lay on this model isn’t for anyone because it is short and your head will go really close to the ground if you are taller. So if you have a problem with that, then this might not be the best option for you. But on the other side, you have 3 adjustable options for your ankles which is a really important small feature that really help with comfort if you have shorter or longer legs than usual. So in general a rating of 7.5 out of 10 is realistic having in mind the height and the lack of a big variety of adjustment options for better comfort.
What makes it unique and better than the rest?: The overall size, weight, great materials, and adjustable ankle padding make this model really stand out from the crowd. Even if it’s not the most adjustable option you can find, it still has a purpose because of the compact and small frame which you can easily move or store away when not in use. It is also very easy to carry around and weighs only half of the majority of other models you can find.
Who is this sit-up bench best for?: If you have a small home gym and you don’t like to own big and bulky machines then this compact and light sit up bench may be a great option to consider. Because of the nice padding, great design, and adjustable ankle padding, it can be used by almost everyone and move around easily. So if you want to own a sit up bench but have very limited space or budget, then the Apex JD-1.2 is a great option to check out.
Are there any good alternatives?: Another great compact and short alternative you can check is the Finer form sit up bench (click here to see latest price). It has a nice curve for more comfort and an additional handle you can use. The knee and ankle paddings are also thicker but it is a bit larger in size. If you want to learn more about it please click the link below. But if you ask me I would go for the Apex one because it’s more compact and lightweight.
What I like:
What I don’t like:
Quick Summary:
If you are looking for a basic, lightweight, and compact design that is very comfortable and durable at the same time you are going to like the Apex JD-1.2.
This bench is very affordable, durable and effective and that’s why I highly recommend it for anyone who is short on space or money.
Click Here to check Apex JD-1.2’s latest price on Amazon
Click Here to check Stamina Pro’s latest price on Amazon
Bench Specifics
My overall experience and opinion:
I really like this final sit up bench because it’s really clever designed and offers you more than 10 different positions.
Because of that, you can do a huge number of different exercises (way bigger than what similar benches can offer).
But even with such big variety, the Stamina Pro Sit Up Bench is still very compact because it can be flat down so it takes only 12 inches in height.
That makes it a perfect addition to any home gym or any small room or space.
You can even tuck it beneath your bed or leave it vertically as shown on the photo.
When it comes to numbers it’s good to know that this sit up bench can withstand 250 lbs and weights only 42 lbs.
Even if these numbers aren’t the best compared to some of the previous models they are still really good having in mind how many different things you can do.
I really like this bench because you can target your whole body which is perfect for anyone who wants to save money and space on additional home gym equipment.
When it comes to quality the whole structure is made with solid steel, thick padding and great high-quality materials that are going to last.
These details also makes using it more enjoyable, safe and comfortable.
Additional great features worth mentioning are the adjustable tight support (great for users with different height), the extended hand grips (great help with upper body exercises) and the adjustable foam rollers, you can easily transform it to meet your personal demands at any given time.
As you can see having this bench will allow you to have a high diversity of different exercises in the comfort of your home.
Adjustability and portability: When it comes to adjustability and portability the Stamina Pro ab bench get a 10 out of 10 from me because of the huge variety of different things you can adjust and the fact that you can almost make the entire bench flat when you don’t use it. That way you will be able to store it easily when not in use. I really like this feature and the unique design that gives many adjustable angles and exercises to use.
Stability and durability: Even if this design is quite unique it is still made from good long-lasting materials that won’t wobble or break after a couple of months or years. Because of the 42 lbs of weight and the wide feet the whole machine is very sturdy and safe to use. Even if it can support only 250 lbs it gives you plenty of options no other sit up bench does. So when it comes to stability and durability I will rate it a 9 out of 10. It’s designed really well with good materials so it will last a very long time. I’ve taken 1 point away because I expected a weight capacity of at least 350 lbs for that design.
Comfort: Because of the very thick and soft padding and the huge number of adjustable settings this sit up bench is really comfortable. You can really adjust it perfectly for your own body and do all the exercises with proper form and a full range of motion. So when it comes to comfort I will rate it a 10 out of 10. You can’t really get more comfortable than that.
What makes it unique and better than the rest?: If I have to say only one thing that makes this sit up bench unique that would be the huge number of different exercises you can use it for except the basic sit-ups and leg raises. With this machine, you also get a flat bench and even a hyperextension so you can focus on your lower back and legs. So for the same amount of money you will pay for a regular sit up bench, you also get 2 completely different machines. If this doesn’t make it appealing I don’t know what will.
Who is this sit-up bench best for?: If you want to get the best value for your money and are looking to expand your current number of exercises then this is the perfect sit up bench for you. It has a very unique design that gives you plenty of extra exercises you can do at home plus it easily disassembles without any tools and gets flat for easy storage when not used. So if you don’t have a lot of free space in your home gym and are looking for multifunctional equipment then the Stamina Pro bench may be a great option for you.
Are there any good alternatives?: If you are looking for multifunctional equipment a great alternative you may like is the YouTen adjustable bench (click here to check it out). Even if this is not exactly a sit up bench it can easily be used as one because of the ankle support. But because there isn’t anything sticking upfront it can also be used as a regular adjustable bench and help you do way more exercises compared to all the other models I’ve reviewed. It can support up to 1000 lbs but you can’t make it flat as you can do with the Stamina Pro so it does take more space. But it’s a great option to check and compare.
What I like:
What I don’t like:
Quick Summary:
If you are looking to buy something more than just a simple sit-up bench I highly recommend you check the Stamina Pro Sit Up Bench.
This bench is highly adjustable, offers huge number of exercises and takes little space because it’s foldable.
In addition, it’s really well made, comfortable to use and durable.
Definitely worth every penny.
Click Here to check Stamina Pro’s latest price on Amazon
In this section, you will learn what are the most important things you should know and look for when buying a sit up bench.
There is one simple answer to the question how to use a sit up bench. Not only can it be used for abs training but also for any other muscle group.
I recommend you not to skip this part because it’s full of great value which can help you a lot when choosing the right
Let’s hop into the first check.
It is preferred the sit up bench you choose to be adjustable instead of static even if it will cost you a little extra money because the ability to move parts will help you to adjust it for your specific needs and help you do way more exercises using different angles.
For example, having an adjustable bench will help you target your abs at different angles. It will also provide you with a very big variety of other exercises you can do except the basic crunches and leg raises.
That way you can get the most efficient results out of every workout you do. In time your body gets used to the same old exercises you do and adapts.
That is causing your workouts to be less intensive and effective. Having the option to adjust your bench at different levels, heights or even to transform it to a different machine is a must.
That way you can do different exercises so you can stress your whole body and nervous system on a whole another level.
This will leave you with a lot faster and better results. One more important thing to notice is that you will be able to adjust it for your specific personal needs such as height, leg length, and flexibility. In result, more different people will be able to use it.
Finally one of the best things you can get if you have an adjustable bench is that you will definitely save a lot of money.
Using it you will be able to combine many different machines and exercises only in one piece of equipment – your sit up bench.
In order to select a very durable and strong sit up bench, you need to see what materials it’s made from, in what way are the different parts held, what is the maximum weight capacity it offers, and how long is the warranty?
For example, you want to pick a heavier model that is made from thick stainless steel that is held together by welds and wide bolts. It should be able to handle at least 250 lbs of weight and it should come with at least 5 years of parts warranty.
You want to have something that will be durable over the years. Something you can use for many years ahead without concerning about it breaking.
There are some factors you can look for when choosing the right bench for that matter. The most important factor is the construction and design.
You most definitely want something that has thick and solid frame and parts made from high quality steel. So do not choose benches that have thin parts.
At the same time you will most likely want something that will be light so you can carry it easily. Best bet for you is to find a balance – good solid parts but not heavy and bulky.
Another thing you want to look for when checking out for the best-rated sit up bench is how much weight it can handle.
On average the weight capacity of sit up benches vary between 250 up to 450 lbs (113 to 204 kg). But the bigger that number is the better overall quality and parts you will get. So aim to get a bench that could hold at least 250-300 pounds of weight.
Having a solid construction also has a positive effect on your safety because when you are on top of it you are really vulnerable to a serious injury. So for your own safety, choose something solid and durable.
Even if the majority of sit up benches are relatively portable not all models are easy to move around because of their weight and size. In order to have a portable sit up bench, you need to pick a model that is less than 40 lbs and is smaller in size or it can be made flat.
If you are purchasing it for a home gym or not so large of a space you most likely will have to look for the bench size.
To be more specific how much space it will take. Pick something that will take less space or even better – you could dismantle and store it somewhere else when you don’t use it.
You want a portable sit up bench you can easily transform which you can carry/move.
That’s the perfect scenario if you train at home. Again look out for the weight of the equipment because you want it to be easily movable from one place to another.
There are models out there that have a design specifically made for easy transport.
Don’t worry we have models below in this article. Another cool thing when having good portability is that you will be able to workout from anywhere.
Which will most definitely add convenience into your life. Have in mind how difficult and how long it will take you do dismantle the bench.
If you value your time you will most likely want something that you can disassemble and store fast and easy. And you wouldn’t need any additional tools to do it except only your hands.
In a nutshell, you want something light, small and easily transportable to make your life easier.
In order to have a really comfortable sit up bench, you need to pick a model that has a thick and wide back board, wide and soft leg holders, and enough length so you can stretch your entire body without having your head being in the air or touching the floor.
Believe me when I tell you that you will not want to ignore this part. Unfortunately, we all know what’s like to use something that is not comfortable at all.
It sucks.
I mean a lot.
Your bench should be comfy to use. It should be neither too soft nor too hard. A good way you can learn that is to test it yourself.
If you have a friend, relative or a local store that has the product physically you are lucky. You can ask them to test it yourself and feel in person how comfortable the specific bench will be for you.
If not, don’t worry, you can check out the benches we have prepared for you. Providing proper back and leg support is what really differentiate a mediocre bench to a lot more superior one.
Without having that so needed support when doing the exercises you have a very big chance of injuring or harming your back.
Having the so needed support combined with the perfect size really increases the comfort when you train.
As you will see below there are benches made mainly for short to medium people and benches made for tall people.
If you want to have a great time when using it you want the size to fit your height and weight.
We all know how annoying is to clean stains so having an easy to maintain sit up bench is a must. You can also check if the material is non-slippery.
Having all those things in mind now you will learn why you should care about the cushion of the sit-up bench you choose…
Why picking the right cushion can really help you?
Owning a good cushion is essential for the comfort you want to get when you train your abs or anything else that uses it.
Because of the pressure exerted on it while performing different exercises on a sit up bench. Not all cushions are made equal.
Some of them are too thick and some of them are too thin and light which can result in you hurting your back.
Experts suggest that the thickness of your cushion should be no more than 2-3 inches so bear that in mind when looking for the right bench for you.
Also if your sit up bench cushion does have the perfect thickness it can also help you improve your posture in the long term. That’s why you should be careful when looking for the perfect one.
In order to make sure your sit up bench is safe and stable make sure it has a wide and strong foundation, extra rubber caps for extra satefy, over 250 lbs of weight capacity and flat and stable floor. Also, don’t do any too explosive movements and take care of your equipment.
If you follow these basic rules you will be able to have a safe and stable sit up bench for a very long period of time.
After all one of the biggest concerns people are most afraid of before buying a sit up bench or any bench at all is stability.
They are afraid that the bench can wobble and the result of that can cause a fall to the ground and eventually a severe injury or harm. Do not worry – if you pick the right one from the start you will not have this fear ever again.
That was a fear I had right after I bought mine and assembled it. I was very scared to get on top of it because I thought that if I move a little more than expected I would crash onto the floor.
Only after a few workouts, I saw that everything was very stable and secure and so that fear washed away. If your bench does wobble that can also have a negative impact on your concentration while working out.
Without proper concentration, you will not be able to focus on the exercise itself. Which will result in lower mind-muscle connection and lower to no results.
Most high quality benches you can buy today are specifically made not to wobble. You can solve that problem by having a solid frame with a combination of strong rubber caps attached to its feet.
In that way, not only is the bench safer but it also protects your floor from getting scratched. So buy a sit up bench that comes with rubber caps.
One little tip I can give you is to check out how strong the rubber caps are attached to the bench. In some rare occasions, it is possible for them to come off which will not be that great for your floor or you especially if it’s slippery.
Talking about slippery floor that is one more thing to have in mind.
The last thing you will want is your bench to move around while you are doing the reps. That’s where the feet caps come in very handy. If a bench does not have proper rubber caps for the feet I would suggest you not to buy it.
You will have a very difficult time if you do.
You also want something that can’t be easily flipped over when you add extra weight to it. I had that problem when picking up a 45 lbs disc when trying to do weighted sit ups.
To avoid my mistake look very closely on the bench design and how much weight it can handle.
I will talk about them in the next part…
There are a few very important features it is very useful to know and learn about before you order your sit up bench.
Let’s check them out…
Even tho the overall design of a sit up bench is important to some extent, your main focus should be its characteristics, features, and weight capacity. It’s way more important to be comfortable and to actually use it instead of leaving it to rust in your basement.
There is a super big variety of designs and sizes you can find on the market.
You can choose one that matches your other equipment you have or even your interior design.
In some models, you can even choose which color you want.
I would personally leave this as the last thing to take care of because the functionality is far more important than the design of the bench.
It’s better to have a bad design but very good and solid piece of equipment rather than a pretty bench which will make your life living hell.
On the current market, you can find a very big variety of abdominal equipment made for shorter or taller people. Some models have the option to be adjusted using over 10 different angles and levers while others are limited to only 2 or 3. Some types are lighter and more compact while others are heavier and bulkier. So you need to make sure you select a model that is designed for your body type and way of training.
If you have already read the previous part of this article at this moment you know that there are different kinds of sit-up benches.
As far as your budget is concerned, when it comes to these sorts of items, usually the higher the price the better the quality.
The more you are willing to pay, the more options and better quality you will get in return.
The cheap sit up benches have simple with low or no adjustment options.
While the more expensive ones are a lot more complex with more adjustment variations.
You can even use some of them for many other exercises.
They combine many other exercise machines into one piece.
That’s exactly what you would really want when you want to get the maximum for your budget.
Of course, that’s not true for all models out there as you will see in the products below.
Not always paying a lot more money will get you the best bench for that price.
If you are a beginner or an intermediate and this is the first bench you get the best choice for you will be to pick a machine that has some adjustment options.
If you have a higher budget go for the ones with the most options available.
If you are training very seriously for a very long period of time then go for the one with the more options.
The more variety it has the better you can get out of it in your workouts.
Because there are many different models and brands you should aim to get any sit-up bench that has more than 30 inches of back board length not counting the seat. That number varies from person to person but the taller you are, the longer the back board should be. If you are over 6 feet tall you should go for a model that is at least 50 inches long.
The last feature on our list is not something you want to ignore.
As you have probably guessed most sit up benches are for medium sized people which is around 5’5.
The board size is directly related to that fact.
If you are taller than that then it’s recommended to pick a bench with a longer board.
The good news is that shorter people can also use the bench.
In the end, it’s better for your board size to be longer than needed rather than being too short.
One can be used while the other can’t.
Finally If you can test a bench you like manually before you buy it go for it.
There’s nothing better than using it yourself and seeing if it’s the right choice for you.
Now you know all the important stuff.
That will surely help you pick the best choice for you.
If you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend you went back and read it because it can really help you.
That being said let’s go to the fun part…
Let’s find out what is the best rated sit up bench for you
… and see what our picks are.
So at this moment, you have everything you need to know which one is the best-rated sit up bench for your needs.
I have given you 5 of the best sit up benches you can find including my personal one I own and use.
Now take all that information and make a choice!
If for any reason you are still having problems picking a winner I would highly recommend you to go for my personal sit-up bench I own – The Weider Pro 255 L Sit Up Bench. (click here to check it out)
Click Here to check my sit up bench’s latest price on Amazon
I chose it to be the best rated sit up bench because it is light, portable, adjustable and really durable.
I’ve used it for months doing all sorts of bodyweight and weighted exercises and it works excellent.
In addition, it can also be stored very easily and takes very little space when not used. and work very well with adjustable dumbells, barbell, and other home gym equipment.
It’s also very affordable and you get exactly what you paid for. If I had a choice to buy another ot choose this one I would still pick this one because it has everything I need.
Even if it still has some minor issues I believe that the pros definitely outweigh the cons making The Weider Pro the best sit up bench you can get for the money you pay.
Even if all the other 4 products are also really good I would still recommend this one because it’s rock solid.
Click Here to check my favorite sit-up bench’s latest price on Amazon
And that was all!
Thank you very much for reading this.
Hope this article was useful and you learned something important about sit-up benches.
If you have any questions or think I have missed a great sit up bench please feel free to leave a comment below!
Also please share this post with everybody who you believe can learn something useful when trying to get his first bench.
If you want to read even more great articles about home gym equipment please take a look at these great posts:
Hope to see you again,
– Bozhidar
