*Question About Weight Benches*

[Peterlock]

Hi Folks, :wave

Quick question - which kind of weight bench is best?

In my book "The Home Workout Bible" (thanks for the recommendation Betty it's great - and funny to boot!)

Anyway they say a flat utility bench is fine but limiting and that one that inclines is better for your joints in the long run.

But it really doesn't say which is better they just stress the importance of buying quality.

Any thoughts?

Peter ha

[Kent]

The most important thing I have found on my Flat-Incline-Decline (FID) bench is to test it out first and make sure the height is correct. My current bench is just right for me, but my wife can't have correct form (flat feet on the ground). You should be able to bend your knees to 90 degrees and have your feet firmly planted on the ground.

[Jake]

I like the Golds Gym XR5 and at 107$ you can't beat it. Around 130$ shipped to your home.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2400609&cat=49039&type=21&dept=4125&path=0%3A4125%3A4134%3A49039

[Peterlock]

Kent Thanks for the great suggestions, I appreciate it. You make a good point trying it out ..size angle etc etc - good info

Jake you get all that for 102 bucks? There's a huge walmart in Norwalk I might head up there today and check out the sports Authority too, thanks again ~ Peter

[Jake]

No problem Peter, yep its the best deal i've found anywhere and from what I hear its a very solid bench. Thinking of picking one up myself when mine needs replacing.

[ttdriver]

Okay, I know so far this is kinda a 'guy thread', but can a dumb blonde ask a question?

I don't have a bench, but I've been sorta thinking about getting one, but wonder if its really necessary for a novice weight lifter like me? I use my exercise ball as a support when I do my weights, is that sufficient, or would it be worth investing in a bench? I don't really have an exercise room, so this would probably end up sitting in the family room ....

Just curious whether you guys think it would be a worthwhile thing for me or should I just continue using the exercise ball for back support??

:confused

Betty

[Jake]

I think if you are lifting light enough dumbbells, don't have the room for a bench, and are comfortable using the ball its fine. I wouldn't bother with a bench yet unless you feel you need one. Personally I'd just feel more stable on a bench. You can pickup simple flat benches for around 50$ that won't take up more than a few feet of room.

[Kent]

TTdriver
You would definitely be working your stabilizer muscles the most on the ball, but you would be able to work the targeted muscle the most with a stable bench. I think an adjustable bench would give you more flexibility in weight exercises as well. The real question becomes do you lift for building strength (note I did not say size) or as addition to your cardio exercise. (core muscle control)

[Peterlock]

Betty, :wave

You may be blonde but you're not dumb - you know more about this stuff than I do!

BTW, The Home Workout Bible is great Ive been reading it all morning and laughing out loud, great information and great fun to read so thanks again for the recommendation.

I'm not the expert here that's for sure but even in the book they seem to indicate that although they love the balance balls - a bench is pretty necessary they even have those pics of a guy using a piano bench.

When I was shopping weights yesterday I was talking to guy in the store who seemed pretty experienced with lifting - I had talked about using a balance ball as kind of bench his response was not a good idea because they're unstable and although there are good exercises with the balance ball and weights - a bench was safer and more helpful in building resistance and muscle growth etc etc etc...I thought he made good points.

I don't have a lot of room either - but the benches come in so many shapes, styles and sizes some fold up really small some are huge mega structures and there's everything in between at every price point - they have them for $49 and $1,000... and I thought picking out weights was complicated!

• BTW, did my 3 mile WATP with your suggestion of bumping up to 12 pounds and woah did I feel it. I got through two sets of shoulder lifts and the bicep/tricep work but then I bailed and picked the 8 pounds back up - but still it felt great!

Anyway back to the bench..I think it's a good idea both for now and in the long run

Peter ha

[ttdriver]

Thanks for that great info, Peter!

Glad you're enjoying the book. I found it very helpful and the ab work is really a good workout!

Yes, that makes alot of sense to me about the exercise ball being unstable .. I can see the advantage of having a good solid bench under me, so I think I'm gonna look into it (if I can convince DH to buy yet another exercise-related item!) Goodness, just keeping up buying new shoes every 300 miles is $$$....but then ya gotta protect those tootsies!!

Great going with the WATP and the weights! Yeah, those 12 pounders are heavy, huh!! :yikes

Thanks again!

Betty