Seek Out Wide Olympic Bench For Maximum Stability
When looking to purchase an Olympic weight bench, one of the most important factors to consider is the width of the bench. A wide Olympic bench can provide maximum stability for your workouts, allowing you to lift heavier with confidence. Here’s a closer look at why a wider Olympic bench is ideal, along with 15 of the top wide Olympic bench options worth investing in.
A wider Olympic weight bench has a number of advantages over a standard narrow bench. Firstly, the extra width gives you more surface area to work with, improving your balance as you’re performing presses, rows, and other exercises. This makes it easier to find your groove and maintain proper form.
The added width also brings your hands closer together during any pressing movements. This allows you to engage your pectoral muscles to a greater degree for more effective chest activation and growth. You’ll be able to lift heavier too, since the shorter range of motion recruits more muscle fibers.
When searching for a wide Olympic bench, look for options that are at least 20 inches across. Some extra wide models can be up to 22 inches or more. Even just those couple of extra inches over a standard bench can make a noticeable difference in your lifting technique and comfort.
Here are 15 of the best wide Olympic benches worth investing in for your home or garage gym:
1. Rep Fitness AB-5200 Bench
This adjustable bench from Rep Fitness offers a roomy 22 inches of width, making it one of the widest Olympic benches you can buy. The thick padded upholstery and stable base give you a sturdy lifting platform for hitting new PRs.
2. Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
Rogue Fitness is known for premium quality gear, and their Monster Utility Bench delivers exceptional stability at 21.5 inches wide. With a 700 pound weight capacity, this bench can handle even your heaviest lifts.
3. XMark Fitness XM-7630 Wide Olympic Bench
This XMark model is designed specifically for optimal Olympic weightlifting and presses. The 20 inch width combines with a scratch-resistant powder coating and thick padding for supreme comfort under heavy loads.
4. Valor Athletics BD-62 Olympic Bench
Give yourself a rock solid foundation for pressing with the Valor BD-62. At 21 inches wide, it provides ample room to find your optimal hand positioning for powerful chest activation during bench presses.
5. Adidas Flat Bench
Adidas is obviously known for footwear and apparel, but they also produce high quality strength equipment like this flat bench. It clocks in at 21 inches wide for excellent stability even when lifting heavy.
6. Body Solid GFID71 Olympic Bench
This sturdy contoured bench from Body Solid has a 20 inch width to keep you balanced and engaged. Thick foam padding cushions and supports you whether you’re doing presses, curls, or rows.
7. Inspire Fitness SFLB1 Wide Olympic Bench
Inspire Fitness benches are popular options for garage and home gyms, and the SFLB1 offers premium stability with its 21 inch width. Adjusts easily between decline, flat, and incline positions too.
8. Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
Flybird’s adjustable bench brings versatility and comfort to your workouts. Flat, incline, and decline options plus a 20 inch width give you a sturdy, stable platform for presses, curls, and more.
9. Marcy Flat Olympic Weight Bench
Marcy produces affordable home gym equipment, and their flat Olympic bench is built for pushing your limits. A width of 21 inches provides a firm, balanced base to lift bigger.
10. CAP Barbell Flat Bench
CAP Barbell’s flat bench is designed specifically for optimal Olympic lifts at an affordable price. The 20 inch width combines with contoured padding for ergonomic hand positioning and comfort.
11. XMark Commercial Adjustable FID Bench
This heavy duty commercial model from XMark spans a roomy 21 inches wide for superior pressing stability. 11 adjustable positions enable you to customize your workout with presses, curls, and more.
12. Weider 2980X Olympic Weight Bench
Weider is one of the most trusted brands in strength equipment, and their 2980X model offers excellent stability for Olympic lifts. Train heavier and harder with a width of 21 inches.
13. Body Champ Olympic Weight Bench
This sturdy bench from Body Champ is outfitted with a stable 20 inch width ideal for Olympic presses, curls, rows, and more. Thick padding cushions you during your heaviest sets.
14. Fitness Reality X-Class Olympic Flat Bench
Unlock your max lifting potential with this extra wide model from Fitness Reality spanning 22 inches across. The adjustable design enables you to press, curl, and row in comfort.
15. Gold’s Gym XR 6.1 Olympic Bench
Trusted brand Gold’s Gym delivers hardcore stability with the XR 6.1. A width of 21 inches paired with thick padding gives you the perfect foundation for pushing bigger weights.
When equipping your home or garage gym, be sure to choose an Olympic bench with ample width for optimal stability, balance, and muscle activation. A wider bench can help you lift heavier and engage your muscles more effectively for faster gains. The 15 models highlighted here provide exceptional stability and comfort across a range of budgets.
Look For Olympic Bench With Adjustable Spotter Arms
When selecting an Olympic weight bench for your home gym, one key feature to look for is adjustable spotter arms. These movable arms allow you to safely bench press without a spotter by catching the weight if you can’t complete a rep. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of Olympic benches with adjustable spotters, along with 15 top options to consider buying in 2023.
Adjustable spotter arms are a must-have for any serious bench presser lifting heavy weights solo. They attach to the front of the bench and can be moved up or down to match your lift height. If you get stuck mid-rep, you simply guide the bar down to rest on the spotters instead of crashing down on your chest.
Spotter arms provide you with the safety and confidence to push your limits doing bench presses without a spotting partner. You can attempt challenging weights knowing the spotters will be there to bail you out if needed. This leads to faster strength gains over time.
When evaluating Olympic benches, look for adjustable spotter arms that easily slide up and down and lock securely in place. High quality spotters are constructed from sturdy steel and can support over 800 pounds of weight. Here are 15 top Olympic bench options with great spotter arms:
1. Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
This premium bench from Rogue has spotter arms that adjust from 17″ to 54″ to accommodate any press height. They lock in place with spring loaded pull pins.
2. Rep Fitness AB-5200 Bench
Rep Fitness spotter arms move smoothly along lubricated shafts to dial in the perfect position. Wide bench platform provides stability.
3. XMark XM-7630 Olympic Weight Bench
This XMark bench features durable rubber coated spotter arms that slide easily up and down the sturdy steel frame.
4. Body Solid GFID71 Olympic Bench
Body Solid’s spotter arms have a unique rotating design to maximize adjustability. The arms store discreetly when not needed.
5. Inspire Fitness SB-300 Bench
This Inspire Fitness bench has a convenient one-click adjustment system on the spotter arms for fast height positioning.
6. adidas Flat Bench
adidas includes high quality adjustable spotter arms that feel smooth during adjustments. Foam rollers protect the barbell.
7. Marcy Flat Weight Bench MD-9010
Marcy’s MD-9010 model features smooth moving spotters with angular rubber pads to securely hold the bar.
8. Fitness Reality X-Class Olympic Bench
This extra wide Fitness Reality bench has a unique arc design on the spotter arms for easy slide adjustments.
9. CAP Barbell Flat Bench
CAP Barbell incorporates durable spotter arms with angled catches to safely grip the bar even under heavy loads.
10. Weider Pro Weight Bench
Weider’s Pro bench includes easy to adjust spotter arms with a foam roller design to protect your barbell.
11. XMark Commercial FID Adjustable Bench
This commercial grade XMark bench has thick spotter arms that won’t flex, even when loaded up with heavy iron plates.
12. Bowflex SelectTech 5.1s Bench
Bowflex’s patented spotter arm system adjusts easily by moving a selector pin to different height settings.
13. Valor Fitness BD-7 Bench
Valor Fitness BD-7 spotters are coated in protective rubber and slide smoothly up and down the bench frame.
14. Body Champ Olympic Bench
Body Champ includes durable spotter arms with a unique angled design for catching and holding weight plates securely.
15. Gold’s Gym XR 6.1 Weight Bench
This Gold’s Gym bench features thick rubber coated spotter arm catches to protect your barbell and weights.
When buying a new Olympic weight bench, be sure to look for one equipped with adjustable spotter arms. They provide the crucial safety element you need to confidently lift challenging weights and make steady strength gains without a workout partner. The 15 Olympic bench options covered here all include high quality spotter arms to keep your bench press safe and effective.
Read Our Top Olympic Weight Bench Reviews And Comparisons
When equipping your home gym, one of the most important pieces is a durable, high-performing Olympic weight bench. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which bench is right for your needs and budget.
That’s why we’ve compiled in-depth reviews and head-to-head comparisons of some of the top Olympic benches available. Read on for our assessments of key factors like stability, adjustability, comfort, and value so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Rep Fitness AB-5200 Bench Review
The Rep AB-5200 earns top marks for its unmatched stability. At 22 inches wide, this is one of the widest Olympic benches you can buy, giving you a sturdy base for pushing big weights. The thick padded upholstery feels great during heavy lifting too. Adjustability is excellent with 7 positions to fine tune your setup. Our only complaint is the price, which is on the high end.
XMark Fitness XM-7630 Review
This XMark model provides excellent stability and comfort at a very reasonable price point. The 20 inch width and thick padding give you confidence during heavy presses and rows. Adjusts easily between decline, flat, and incline positions. Height settings could be more precise, but overall this is a fantastic value Olympic bench.
XMark vs Rep Fitness Face Off
The XMark XM-7630 gives you great stability and adjustability for the money. But the Rep AB-5200’s 22 inch width and superior upholstery provide even better support for pushing bigger weight. For budget-focused buyers, the XMark is a smart choice. Discerning gym owners should go with the Rep.
Inspire Fitness SB-300 Review
This Inspire Fitness model combines adjustability, durability, and comfort across a well-designed package. The bench adjusts seamlessly between incline and decline thanks to a patented lift assist system. Welded steel construction and a 700 pound capacity make this built to last. Only drawback is the relatively narrow 18 inch width.
XMark XM-4416 Review
XMark checks all the boxes with their XM-4416. It provides excellent stability at 21 inches wide, and smoothly adjusts across 6 positions. Max weight capacity is an ample 700 pounds for most lifters. Price is reasonable too. The only shortcoming is the thin 2 inch padding could be thicker.
Inspire SB-300 vs XMark XM-4416 Face Off
Both of these adjustable Olympic benches are well-built and comfortable. The XMark’s superior 21 inch width beats out the Inspire’s 18 inches, providing better pressing stability. But the Inspire has more precise lift assist adjustment. Overall the XMark’s wider base at a better price point gives it the edge.
adidas Performance Flat Bench Review
You might not expect it, but adidas makes excellent strength equipment like this flat bench. The 21 inch width provides a stable base for pressing and strict shoulder work. The bench also adjusts from decline to incline positions smoothly. Thick durable padding rounds out the package.
Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Review
Bowflex brings innovation to the basic flat bench with their adjustable spotter arms and easy change height settings. The proprietary adjustment system makes it simple to find the perfect lift-off position for bench presses. High density foam padding keeps you comfortable under heavy loads.
adidas vs Bowflex Face Off
Both companies offer superbly crafted Olympic benches. But the Bowflex’s unique spotter arm and height adjustment system sets it apart. Being able to easily adjust your lift-off height provides flexibility that traditional benches lack. The adidas is great, but the Bowflex is a cut above.
Choosing the right Olympic weight bench for your home gym comes down to carefully comparing critical features like width, padding, adjustability, and construction quality. Our in-depth bench reviews and head-to-head comparisons highlight key differences so you can invest wisely. Any of these models will serve you well in building strength.