The Best Folding weight bench Reviews
Take your home workouts to the next level with one of these top folding weight benches.
By: Travis
Hi, I am Travis. My main focus in life is to understand training better and help others get better results too. I used to be about the least fit kid in school and would always be last to get picked for a team. It wasn't for a lack of trying, but all my efforts just lead to injuries
For years, I had completely given up on ever getting in shape. Then I began to use my brain before using my muscles. I read every popular book on exercise, and began to structure my training.
With the right training methods, and the right machines, I was able to rebuild my body from the ground up.
According to science, I would never be able to walk pain-free again. And I would never be able to do 20 pull-ups with the injuries to my rotator cuff. But they were al wrong.
This site is where you can find all my tips and recommendations.
Buying a folding weight bench is probably one of the best things you can do to improve your home workouts. They provide just so much versatility. There are so many exercises you can do with a nice set of dumbbells and a good weight bench.
But beware, not every weight bench is made equal, and the stability and dimensions play an enormous part in your ability to perform great exercises.
Over the years, I've used many different weight benches, some folding and some not. I've used some extremely heavy and cumbersome professional benches and some very cheap and flimsy models.
I can tell you right now that you don't need to buy the biggest and heaviest model. With the right folding design, you can have the best of both worlds.
The best folding weight benches can be stored in a very small space like underneath a bed. Yet, it is also strong and stable enough for heavy bench presses and other weight lifting exercises.
So let's take a look at the top 6 recommended products for you.
The Top 6 Folding weight benches Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Fitness Reality Foldable Bench
Number one on our list of best foldable weight benches is the Fitness Reality Foldable Bench. In short, this bench does it all.
You get all the important features of a heavy-duty weight bench. It offers tremendous weight capacity, great comfort, and the perfect dimensions for nearly any body type.
And on top of that, it comes at a price that doesn't break your wallet. With this kind of build quality, it's an amazing value for the money.
Let's start with the stability and weight capacity. The Fitness Reality is rated for a total weight of up to 800 pounds, or 360 kilograms. Unless you are planning to break world records, you will never grow out of this bench.
A bench with a high weight capacity is one thing; being able to lift at your maximum is another. This weight bench doesn't just have the numbers; it also offers the stability you need to handle large weights.
The feet are wide enough apart, and the backrest offers great support and stability. The backrest is wide enough to support your shoulders and comes with a great foam. The foam is both soft and comfortable but also very supportive, so you never feel wobbly. On this bench, you will be able to bring your full body into the press. I personally found it very easy to push my maximum on this great bench.
The Fitness Reality also offers a lot of adjustability for its price point. With six different back positions and four seat positions, there is really no limit to the exercises you can do.
The Fitness Reality delivers all these benefits at a price that makes it accessible for anyone from an amateur to a pro bodybuilder.
I chose this one as the best folding weight bench because it doesn't just excel in one thing but delivers a balanced package of everything you need to get a great workout. And on top of that, you get an enormous weight capacity, great build quality, and value for money.
2. Best Convenience: Gymenist Folding Exercise Bench
The next weight bench on our list is the Gymenist Foldable Exercise Bench. This is a great choice if you're looking for a bench with maximum convenience and flexibility.
The gymnast has a maximum weight capacity of 550 pounds, and this is considerably less than the other models on this list. If you are this big and strong, you are better off with numbers 1 and 3 on our list. Most people will never run into this limit, though.
The Gymenist makes up for it's lower capacity with several extra adjustments that you don't find in the other workout benches on this list.
To start, it offers a completely declined position that allows you to train your chest and arms so that no horizontal bench can. This is especially good for exercises that focus on the lower chest. You will also find this bench to be great for doing sit-ups.
Another feature that I like is that this folding great bench is delivered fully assembled and ready to go. You literally just need to open the box and can start working out.
Overall, the Gymenist Folding Exercise Bench is a perfect choice if you want to decline bench press or other declined exercises. It comes with an adjustable pillow that you can use to support your lower back or neck.
3. Best For Heavy Lifts: Merax Deluxe Foldable Utility Weight Bench
The Merax Deluxe Foldable Utility is the 800-pound gorilla of folding weight benches. Yes, it does offer an 800-pound capacity, which is similar to number one on our list.
But, it does that with an extremely heavy-duty steel frame and super thick and stable cushions.
If you are planning to lift some enormous weights, this is the bench for you. Even though the Merax is a folding bench, it's definitely not a small as the other ones. The heavy-duty design and durability, and also the number of adjustments make this into the biggest folding bench that we could find.
If you plan to use it in a small room or apartment, you might not be able to find room for it. Please check the overall dimensions before you buy.
This bench offers all the adjustments for advanced workouts. You can lower it into a fully declined position for some very effective chest-building exercises. And this folding weight bench can also fit almost any body size. You can easily share it with a roommate or your wife.
The cushions are covered with vinyl. To me, this is not as comfortable as the leather upholstery of our top choice.
All in all, the Merax Deluxe is our top recommendation for people who want to do serious lifting exercises at home. And on top of that, it offers the flexibility to share it with other people.
4. Best for Comfort – Yoleo Ergonomic Folding Weight Bench
The number 4 on our list is an interesting one. The Yoleo Ergonomic Foldable Weight Bench is all about ergonomy and flexibility. When they designed this weight bench, they really implemented some amazing features.
This workout bench can be adjusted into seven different positions, and it has a unique curved backrest. The backrest is designed to reduce distress on the body during exercises. This reduces fatigue and lets you get more out of your workouts.
It also comes with integrated resistance bands and anti-slip ankle holders. The resistance bands are interesting because you can use this bench to start exercising without even buying any dumbles or bars. That's an amazing feature for beginners who might still be figuring out which weights to get.
We didn't choose this bench as number one because it only works for people under 6 feet. It also doesn't have a very high weight capacity.
Anyone over 6 feet will struggle to fit their back onto the backrest and probably not enjoy working out on it. On top of that, the weight capacity is only 330 pounds. If you are over 200 pounds and love to lift, this is not the right bench for you.
However, these are great folding weight benches for beginners and lighter/smaller people who don't need the extra weight capacity. It can also be a great option if you have back problems.
5. Great alternative: Bonnlo Upgraded Folding Weight Bench
And last but not least, we have the Bonnlo Folding Weight Bench. It comes with a strong steel frame that's powder-coated to provide long-term durability. You get an incredible 660 pounds of weight capacity, and the cushions are made with a special type of foam material that offers great support.
With 6 adjustments for the backrest, you can achieve positions from flat to inclined to decline. The seat position comes with 3 adjustment levels to provide a complete workout solution.
This workout bench is very straightforward to install since it comes almost completely pre-assembled. It also offers a pair of resistant bands so you can immediately start training your arms. We do recommend, however, getting a full weight set to get all the benefits.
When folded, this weight bench can easily fit underneath a bed. And while the materials aren't of the highest quality, this is a great option for most home gym setups.
6. Cheapest Folding Weight Bench: Cap Strength Multipurpose Utility Bench
If you are just looking for a really cheap folding weight bench and don't care too much about durability or flexibility, the Cap Strength Multi-Purpose Adjustable Utility Bench is a great option. It comes fully pre-assembled and is made of decent-quality steel.
The weight capacity is 500 pounds, which is incredible if you consider the price. You also get a backrest and seat that are made of durable plywood and supportive foam. With six different positions for the backrest but no adjustability for the seat, you are a bit limited in your exercise options. When folded, you can easily store this weight bench under a bed or in a closet.
Overall, the cap strength doesn't offer your adjustability, weight capacity, or flexibility of the other options on this list. But, it comes out at an incredible price. If you only want to spend a little and get training right away, this is a great option.
What are the benefits of having a Folding weight bench at home?
Should you really buy a folding weight bench? In my opinion, this is one of the best investments you can make in your fitness and health. Let me explain.
The weight bench is unique because it enables you to get a lot more out of your other fitness equipment. For example, if you have a nice dumbbell set, a weight bench lets you now do presses, flys, and overhead curls. Also, when you have a weight bench that offers a decline position, you can now train your chest muscles so that no other exercise can.
Most weight benches also offer ankle pads that open up many possibilities for doing ab and core exercises.
Weight training is one of the best ways to improve overall health with benefits like increased bone strip density, better cartilage health, better balance, and increased flexibility.
If you've been to a gym, you probably know that the weight benches are almost always occupied. And for a good reason.
When you combine the benefits of a weight bench with a folding design, it's easy to see why it's great to have a folding workout bench at home. You can easily store the bench underneath your bed or in your closet.
So, if you're looking for a great way to extend the capabilities of your home gym setup, we can highly recommend buying a folding weight bench.
What to look for when you are buying a Folding weight bench?
A high-quality folding weight bench is not cheap, so you want to make sure to buy the right one for you. A bench that doesn't suit you can be uncomfortable and increase your risk of injuries.
Please don't spend your money on a useless piece of gym equipment and look at the following important considerations.
Strength and Durability
First and foremost, you need a weight bench that is strong and durable. Not only does it need to support your own weight but also the weights that you're lifting. And as you get stronger, that can add up to quite a lot.
Generally, a folding bench will never be as strong as a rigid one, but you should at least aim for around 500 pounds in weight capacity. Most of the models on our list provide at least that. If you are very light or never plan to lift weights over 50 pounds, you can get away with a weight capacity of fewer than 500 pounds. But keep in mind that you will get stronger as you start working out and want to push your limits.
Comfort
The next thing to look for is comfort. Your workout bench needs to be as comfortable as possible for you to get the most out of your training. This comfort depends on a few things.
The weight bench needs to have the correct dimensions to fit your back and legs. If your feet cannot touch the ground when you're lying down for a bench press, you will be uncomfortable and not perform your best.
The other major factor in comfort is the width and material of the seat and backrest. If the seat and backrest are too narrow, a lot of the weight will be carried on your spine, and you will feel very unstable, especially when pressing larger weights. You will also be more likely to develop back pain.
If the platforms are too wide, your arms will not move freely, and you won't get a full range of motion.
The quality of the foam is also critical. The foam needs to be soft for comfort but also provide support for your body. If you've ever tried to do a heavy lift on a bench with unsupportive foam, you know that this greatly inhibits your ability to perform your best.
And lastly, the upholstery needs to have just the right compromise between slipperiness and stickiness. If it's too slippery, you won't stabilize your body and put your full strength into the exercise. On the other hand, the material shouldn't be too cheap and get sticky when you're sweating either. Most high-quality weight benches come with vinyl or leather upholstery.
Adjustability
You also want to make sure that the weight bench has enough adjustability. There are two types of adjustability on a weight bench. The first is the incline of the backrest, and the second is the angle of the seat.
A good weight bench offers a range of adjustments for both the backrest and the seat's incline and decline. This will allow you to do the maximum number of exercises.
Not every weight bench offers a declining backrest, and whether you need it depends on your fitness goals. Amateur and professional bodybuilders usually need a declining backrest to do declined bench presses. This exercise is considered to be the standard for developing an incredible chest.
Not everyone will need a weight bench with a decline adjustment, though. Many people find this position to be quite uncomfortable because your head is lower than the rest of your body. If that is the case for you, leaving this option off can open up your choices.
You also want to consider the adjustability of the ankle holders. Most weight benches have ankle holders that you can use for core exercises. They need to be adjustable enough to achieve the correct fit between your knees and your ankles. Without a good fit, your legs can slip out or begin to cramp.
Folding and storage
The ability to fold and the space requirements for storage are also important considerations for a weight bench at home. Most people don't have a dedicated gym room, so they will need to move their equipment out of the way they are not training. This is where a folding weight bench is really advantageous.
Most models can be folded into a very flat package, which allows them to be stored almost anywhere. A common option is to shove them underneath the bed. If you want to use it that way it's good to make sure that the bench has wheels to don't end up scratching your floor.
If you plan to store your foldable weight bench in a closet, you want to make sure that it's not too heavy and small enough. The best way to ensure you stay motivated for your workouts is by making it as accessible as possible. So a good setup that's easy to bring out and store away is crucial.
Fitness goals
Even though I bring this up as the last consideration, it's the first thing you want to start looking at. Folding weight benches need to have all the features that support your fitness goals.
If your goals include a chiseled chest and perfectly rounded pectorals, your weight bench should offer many different incline angles, including a decline. This way, you'll be able to hit your chest and shoulder muscles from all possible angles.
If you are looking to develop your core and abs, you will be doing a lot of situps on your bench. In this case, you also want a decline option and great ankle holders. The ankle holders need to be adjustable so you can fit them to the size of your lower legs.
If you want to do a lot of exercises with heavy dumbbells, you need to be able to get those ankle holders out of the way. They can either be removable or adjustable to a position where they are fully out of the way of your feet getting to the floor.
Are you primarily focused on muscle mass, definition, or strength?
If you're aiming to primarily tone cool your body, the bench's flexibility and adjustability are more important than the maximum weight capacity. On the other hand, if you want to bulk up or train for maximum strength, your bench should have a high weight capacity and be as stable as possible.
As you can see, knowing your fitness objectives lets you make better decisions when it comes to gym equipment. It only takes a few minutes to write down your goals.
What are some of the ways that you can use a Folding weight bench?
So far, we've mentioned some of the different ways that a weight bench can be used. But as you probably know, the bench is probably not the only thing you will be using during an exercise. Let's take a look at some of the ways a weight bench can be used and what other equipment is needed.
The first thing you want to use with your weight bench is a nice set of dumbells. Whether you're using fixed or adjustable dumbbells, having a weight bench opens up a whole range of exercises that you couldn't do before.
The next step will be getting an Olympic bar and a weight rack. Now you'll be able to do bench presses, shoulder presses, and many variations. These are considered to be the foundation of any good strength program. When you work on these foundational exercises, you build great strength and movement patterns.
Abdominal exercises can usually be done without any extras. If your weight bench has ankle holders, you should be able to do most of the sit-up variations.
Conclusion
I hope this article is helpful in your search for the right workout bench. You are on your way to take your home workouts to the next level. If you are struggling to choose, you can't go wrong with the Fitness Reality Foldable Bench. It offers the perfect balance between all the features that make a great workout bench. And you don't have to pay a premium for it either.
If you are looking for the strongest folding bench and don't mind it being bulky, I recommend you take a look at the Merax Deluxe Foldable Utility Bench.
Whatever you choose, make sure you get a bench that is comfortable and stable. And also make sure to use it. No gym equipment is going to get you in shape if you don't use it. It's time to crush some reps!
