7 Best Olympic Weight Benches in 2024
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
You must hunt for weight benches to build a fitness space. Apart from weight training, a stable workout station lets you take on push-ups, hip thrusts, crunches, and more.
Whether you perform run-of-the-mill exercises or hit it more than your mattress, look at our expert-vetted selection of the best weight benches. There are solid options for everyone, ranging from simple flattops to integrated adjustments and accessories!
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Marcy Olympic Weight Bench.
The adjustable back can be positioned for various chest and back exercises. The leg attachment can be used for stability when benching or leg workouts. The preacher curl can be used for biceps curls or abdominal exercises, and there’s a squat bar catch on the back as well.
Top 7 Best Olympic Weight Benches Reviewed
- Marcy Olympic Weight Bench — Top Pick
- Rogue Monster Lite Competition Bench — Runner-Up
- Weider Gym Bench — Budget Pick
- Eleiko Olympic Flat Bench — Premium Pick
- CANPA Olympic Weight Bench with Squat Rack
- Body Champ Olympic Weight Bench
- BalanceFrom RS 40 Adjustable Olympic Workout Bench
| Product | Total | Design | Material Quality | Adjustability | Weight Capacity | Reliability | Quality for Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcy | 58 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Rogue | 57 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Weider | 56 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Eleiko | 55 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| CANPA | 54 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Body Champ | 53 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| BalanceFrom | 52 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
1. Marcy Olympic Weight Bench — Top Pick
My top Olympic workout bench choice comes from Marcy Fitness Company, a known brand in the home fitness community.
Apart from the bench itself, it’s very impressive how many features Marcy was able to fit into one product and still keep it fairly compact.
Very few benches offer similar levels of adjustability and multifunctionality, especially for the price point.
- Adjustability: 4 back pad positions, 5 seat positions, 2 seat incline levels
- Material: Alloy steel frame, foam pads
- Color Palette: Black and gray
- Item weight: 103 Pounds
- Weight Limit: Maximum 600 Pounds (including athlete), bar catch up to 300 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 47″D x 80″W x 61″H
- Additional features: Adjustable back and seat, leg support and exercise extension, preacher curl pad, adjustable bar catch, squat catch on the back, arm curl bar, weight storage post
My favorite thing about this product is that it isn’t just a weight bench, it can be a total-body workout station.
As such, it’s an excellent pickup for those starting off their at-home gym, as it will cover a lot of your basic exercise needs.
The adjustable back can be positioned for various chest and back exercises.
The leg attachment can be used for stability when benching or leg workouts.
The preacher curl can be used for biceps curls or abdominal exercises, and there’s a squat bar catch on the back as well.
A common concern with multifunctional exercise equipment is that, by attempting to pack too many features, it feels unsafe and shakes when used.
Not this one though – the steel construction is sturdy and at 600 pounds total capacity, it can withstand a lot.
Apart from the bench itself, it’s very impressive how many features Marcy was able to fit into one product and still keep it fairly compact. Very few benches offer similar levels of adjustability and multifunctionality, especially for the price point.
Positives:
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2. Rogue Monster Lite Competition Bench — Runner-Up
Rogue Fitness is a renowned U.S.-based fitness brand that offers some of the best quality equipment at fair prices.
Their Monster Lite competition bench is a heavy duty Olympic weight bench, yet it's still compact enough to fit into most home or garage gyms.
The 3x3’ ’11-gauge steel coated in a medium gloss black finish looks and feels premium and will be the prized piece of your workout station.
- Adjustability: Stable bench, no adjustability features
- Material: 3x3" 11-gauge, closed cell foam padding covered in black vinyl (standard version)
- Color Palette: Medium Gloss Black finish construction, hardware in bright zinc
- Item weight: 158 Pounds
- Weight Limit: Can hold up to 300 Pounds bars
- Product Dimensions: 57.75"H x 53.5"L x 49.5"W
- Additional features: None included with the package, optional purchase band pegs, safety spotter arms, and spotter decks (all sold separately), 4 padding choices (one standard and three purchasable)
The bench comes with a standard closed-cell foamed padding covered in black vinyl.
However, you can also choose from three other padding options - Premium Textured Foam, Competition Fat Pad, or Thompson Fat Pad - at a slight cost increase.
The rubber stoppers on the front foot and base tubes provide excellent stability and protect your floor from markings and scratches.
There are no additional features or extensions included in the package, other than standard j-cup bar holders, but some attachments can be purchased separately.
These include a set of four band pegs, a pair of safety spotter arms, and spotter decks, all sold individually.
They can be added to your cart from the same product page, so you won’t have to search them out.
The bench does come disassembled and you’ll need three tools to do so:
- 15/16” wrench / socket (2X)
- 3/4” wrench / socket (2X)
- 9/16” wrench / socket (1X)
The rubber stoppers on the front foot and base tubes of Rogue olympic bench provide excellent stability and protect your floor from markings and scratches.
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3. Weider Gym Olympic Size Bench — Budget Pick
The Weider adjustable Olympic weight bench is simple in design, easy to set up, and multifunctional.
The rack has adjustable j-hooks that hold a standard 7-foot Olympic-size barbell with a maximum carry weight of around 300 pounds.
This bench is a perfect choice for building your home gym if you’re on a budget, as it offers a lot, considering the cost.
- Adjustability: 7 back positions
- Material: Alloy steel construction, iron frame
- Color Palette: Steel construction, black padding
- Item weight: 93 Pounds
- Weight Limit: 510 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 42.5"W x 80"L x 54.5"H
- Additional features: Adjustable j-hooks, integrated leg exercise attachment, adjustable back position, 30-day trial iFit membership with every purchase
The bench can be set in seven different positions, anywhere from a near 90-degree seated position to a slight downward incline.
Along with it, there’s an integrated leg attachment which can be used for additional stability or doing basic leg and lower body exercises.
This makes it quite versatile in terms of exercise potential and a great option for at-home total body workouts.
It’s important that I mention the product is recommended for two-person assembly, as some parts need to be held securely in place before screwing or slotting in.
The assembly itself is quite easy with two people, though, so make sure to bring your gym buddy before you start.
The Weider bench can be set in seven different positions, anywhere from a near 90-degree seated position to a slight downward incline.
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4. Eleiko Olympic Flat Bench — Premium Pick
Eleiko is a Swedish-based brand of premium fitness equipment.
What started off as a family business is now a renowned supplier for global lifting competitions, such as the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) world championship.
If you’re looking for the highest quality olympic size weight bench and aren’t afraid to spend a little more, this would be my recommendation.
- Adjustability: Not adjustable
- Material: Steel
- Warranty: 10 years on structural frame, 1 year on wear and tear parts and PUR upholstery, 6 months on SKAI upholstery
- Color Palette: Black or charcoal frame, black padding
- Item weight: Around 182 Pounds
- Weight Limit: 770 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 65.71''L x 67.72''W x 49.33''H
- Additional features: Adjustable barbell hooks, number-coded height adjustment, polyurethane rollers in hooks, boltholes for floor security, four additional weight storage posts
The design is simple and slick, and the bench will look great in any home or professional gym.
The high-quality steel looks great and is easy to maintain, just wipe it with a cloth and mild detergent after use.
For added stability, the bench can be bolted to the ground using boltholes in the frame.
The barbell hooks are adjustable, and the heights are number-coded, so you won’t have to worry about setting it up wrong.
There are four heavy-duty weight pins on the back to safely leave your weight on the frame and not worry about having to store them.
The bench requires assembly and is recommended to be done by two people, although the process is easy.
Note that you’ll need a size 6 Allen key to do so, which is not included in the package.
The Eleiko's barbell hooks are adjustable, and the heights are number-coded, so you won’t have to worry about setting it up wrong.
Positives:
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5. CANPA Olympic Weight Bench with Squat Rack
The CANPA Olympic weight bench has an ergonomic and space-saving design that not only fits garage gyms, but can fit into most rooms as well.
It's very easy to store because the bench can be lifted and secured vertically, so you can place it somewhere where it won’t block your way.
If you’re having trouble finding space to put a regular flat workout bench, this would be my recommended alternative.
- Adjustability: The bench position is not adjustable, the rack has 6 changeable height levels
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black and red
- Item weight: Around 50 pounds
- Weight Limit: 500 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 43.3’’L x 38.8’’W x 46.9’’
- Additional features: Adjustable squat rack, foldable bench for easy storage, H-shaped base for added stability, anti-slip and noise-reducing sheets on barbell rests
This olympic weight bench with squat rack has some unique features compared to similar products.
For beginners, the adjustable squat rack is a welcome addition and expands your workout possibilities.
The construction has weight pins on the back, so you can store your weight and rest your barbell on it during or after your workout.
The H-shaped base creates eight contact points with the floor, which noticeably improves the stability compared to similar compact benches.
Considering its size, the 500 maximum weight capacity is quite impressive.
The CANPA's construction has weight pins on the back, so you can store your weight and rest your barbell on it during or after your workout.
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6. Body Champ Olympic Weight Bench
The Body Champ Olympic bench press set is packed with features and is an excellent total body workout choice for your home or garage gym.
It’s hard to find a product with so many additional tools included in the package and different levels of adjustability in this price range.
Body Champ attempts to cover as many of your workout needs with this bench, so if you’re looking for maximum versatility, this is your best option.
- Adjustability: 7 adjustable positions on the backrest
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black and dark gray
- Item weight: 79 Pounds
- Weight Limit: 300 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 56"D x 76"W x 55"H
- Additional features: Adjustable backrest, U-shaped front leg stabilizers, leg exercise attachment with olympic plate adapter, preacher curl pad, arm curl bar attachment, a pair of weight lockers, safety hook-on catch on racks, ab crunch strap with foamed grip included
Everything you need to know about this product is in its list of features.
The backrest can be adjusted into 7 different incline levels, allowing for more bench press variations and other exercises as well.
The leg attachment can be equipped with standard screw-on weights, or Olympic weights using the plate adapter.
On top of the barbell racks, you’ll find safety hooks that help secure your bar during workouts or when resting.
The arm curl bar attachment and preacher curl pad turn the leg developer into a biceps curl machine.
The ab crunch strap that comes in the package allows for some unique core workouts you’d otherwise need a completely different machine to do.
The arm curl bar attachment and preacher curl pad can turn the leg developer into a biceps Body Champ curl machine.
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7. BalanceFrom RS 40 Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
The final product worth listing is the BalanceForm RS 40 adjustable Olympic weight bench.
This is a beginner-friendly, compact, affordable option, and especially great if you need to save space.
Compared to other products on the list, it won’t blow you away with its unique design or specs, but it has some noteworthy features and characteristics.
- Adjustability: 6 barbell rack positions, 6 back positions, 4 seat cushion positions
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black and red
- Item weight: Around 30 Pounds
- Weight Limit: 300 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 40"D x 18"W x 19"H
- Additional features: Vertically adjustable squat rack, vertically foldable bench, adjustable recliner and seat
In terms of design, you’ll notice it’s very similar to the CANPA Olympic bench, but there are some notable differences.
For beginners, the downwards adjustable recliner and seat, open up your workout possibilities more.
At just 30 pounds, it’s very lightweight, and easy to move from one room to another.
This makes storing and carrying around quite easy.
With the vertically foldable bench, it can be placed next to a wall, behind a cabinet, or even laid on the floor under a taller bed frame, for example.
The additional square iron pipe helps balance out the weight and prevent shaking or slipping during workouts.
With the vertically foldable bench, BlanaceFrom bench can be placed next to a wall, behind a cabinet, or even laid on the floor under a taller bed frame, for example.
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What are the Benefits Of Using Olympic Weight Benches?
✅ A Weight Bench Can Replace Multiple Machines
Olympic weight benches are one of the most versatile workout tools.
Most people use them for simple exercises like chest presses, but as you’ve seen, they can be used for training your entire body.
You can sit on them, lay on them, lean on them with your arms or legs, and with just a few attachments you can expand their versatility indefinitely.
For example, for cardio exercises on your weight bench, you can do step-ups or jumps.
Tips From the Champ
For lower body exercises, even if you don’t have the leg attachment, you can do Bulgarian split squats or barbell glute bridges. For core exercises, use your bench in place of a yoga mat to do dead bugs or bicycle crunches.
There are hundreds of exercises compatible with or even improved by a weight bench.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
✅ Efficient Strength Building
Standard weightlifting exercises on bench presses, such as the chest press, activate multiple muscle groups at once and train your strength and core at the same time.
Athletes of all levels and proficiencies regularly use weight benches because they’re proven to provide great results for the effort put in.
✅ Weighted exercises improve mental health
According to studies, strength training improves your self-esteem, sleep, and cognitive functions - while having a positive impact on anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and fatigue symptoms.
So remember, when you’re exercising on your weight bench, you’re not only building muscle but training your mind as well.
What to Look for in Olympic Weight Benches?
1. Design
When I look at a product’s design, the main takeaway from me, apart from the looks, is versatility, ergonomic characteristics, and space requirement.
As you’ve seen, an Olympic workout bench is quite versatile.
When it comes to ergonomics, it won’t matter which bench you choose if it doesn’t fit for your body size, so make sure to take a good look at the listed dimensions.
Space requirement ultimately comes down to your available workout area, and there are multiple solutions in that aspect as well.
2. Material Quality
Some people will consider material and build quality to be the most important feature and will only look for the best money can buy - and that’s a fair standard to have.
All options I have listed are of great quality, made from different types of steel, and will serve you well with proper care.
Of course, at higher price points, you can expect higher build and material quality.
3. Adjustability
Olympic benches are already versatile as is, so when they feature added adjustability, it opens up new ways to diversify and perform popular exercises.
Adjustability can also be expanded with unique attachments and features.
However, having an adjustable weight bench is a great bonus, not a necessity.
Not all exercise equipment needs to be versatile and adjustable, plenty of professional athletes use standard flat benches for more than just weight exercises.
4. Weight Capacity
You can expect more than satisfactory weight capacity from any product marked as “Olympic”, as it’s made for higher workout standards than regular equipment.
You only really need to pay attention to weight capacity if you’re into powerlifting and anticipate using higher-than-average maximum loads.
All options I showed you have their weight capacity listed to make it easier for you to choose based on your needs.
5. Reliability
No one wants to buy a product that isn’t reliable, is prone to breaking, or has some innate safety flaws.
All the listed products are reliable and built with Olympic bench standards, which offer higher quality than regular workout benches.
If you’re having trouble deciding, take a look at some unique features, such as maximum capacity and adjustability.
6. Quality for Price
When I compare price VS quality, I take into account all the above attributes and compare them to products in different price ranges.
The products I list at the top usually provide the best quality for their price, however, your thoughts may differ from mine.
That’s why I try to list various products for different budgets, including premium and budget picks.
FAQs
How Much Weight Can An Olympic Bench Hold?
On average, a standard Olympic weight bench with weights holds around 500 pounds, including the weight and athlete.
Although maximum capacity can vary from bench to bench - some can carry around 300 pounds, while others go as far as 1,500 pounds.
How Much Should I Pay for An Olympic Bench?
Olympic benches come at various price points depending on the material quality, versatility, maximum capacity, etc.
You can find benches as low as $100 and upwards of $5,000.
Conclusion
An Olympic weight bench is among the most versatile workout tools and one of the first you should get if you’re starting an at-home or garage gym.
There are hundreds of workouts you can do with them and, with just a few attachments, barbells, and weights, the possibilities are endless.
The best olympic weight bench for you will vary depending on your needs and budget, so I listed seven of my favorite options at the moment.
All things considered, I found the Marcy Olympic Weight Bench to be my favorite.
Is the Olympic weight bench among your favorite workout tools, too?
Leave a comment letting me know your thoughts, and make sure to follow me on social media for more workout and fitness tips.
Also Read:
- Best Weight Bench
- Best Adjustable Weight Bench
- Best Compact Weight Bench
- Best Foldable Weight Benches
- Best Weight Bench With Squat Rack
- Best Weight Bench Under 200
- How to Use a Workout Bench
- Weight Bench Workouts
References:
- Olympic vs. Standard Weight Bench // Livehealthy: https://livehealthy.chron.com/olympic-vs-standard-weight-bench-4458.html
- Mental Health Benefits of Strength Training in Adults // SageJournals:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1559827610368771 - A Biomechanical Analysis of Wide, Medium, and Narrow Grip Width Effects on Kinematics, Horizontal Kinetics, and Muscle Activity on the Sticking Region in Recreationally Trained Males During 1-RM Bench Pressing // Frontiersin: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2020.637066/full
- What Are the Advantages of Having a Weight Bench at Home? // Reliablehomefitness: https://reliablehomefitness.com/advantages-of-having-a-weight-bench/
Why Trust Us?
With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.
All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
The product testing process is described in more detail here
Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiries considering product reviews, you can reach out to us via email – [email protected]
