What To Look For In A Utility Weight Bench
Whether you are setting up a home gym or just need a place to do some weight-lifting exercises, a utility weight bench is an important component of your workout equipment. As its name implies, this is the workhorse of benches. It is intended to serve as a relatively comfortable place where you can use your free weights during your workout. Other exercises can be designed to utilize the bench configuration that will expand its usefulness.
When selecting a weight bench, you should always look first at its engineering. Not only will you be subjecting it to your own weight, but you will add the pounds related to the free weight equipment. The bench should sit level with a framework that supports the weight distribution. Even when the downward weight pressure is concentrated at the head end of the bench, there should be no leaning of the framework.
The design must be one that doesn't shift as you perform your free weight lifts. If your bench rocks or walks away from the initial position, you may find yourself in a lift that can strain muscles or cause damage to floors, walls or other furnishing. Even a quarter-inch of movement can add up over several lifts.
Check the welds and framework of the bench to ensure that welds are according to American Welding Society specifications. They should be smooth and contain no rough or uneven metal. Even minute flaws in the welds can create difficulty later and. There should be a coating that protects the finish on the frame from moisture and humidity damage. Rusty areas on the framework not only looks ugly, but it can weaken the structural integrity over time.
You will need padding over the bed of the bench. Over time, some types of vinyl or foam can deteriorate, so be sure that you check corners and seams and avoid gaps or rough areas. The padding should be high density foam or similar materials. Avoid a design that uses small particles of padding materials, since they can become unevenly distributed within the cover. The cover should be of non-permeable materials so that it doesn't retain perspiration and body oils from your workout routine.
In order to retain the attractive appearance of the utility weight bench, it should be easily cleanable using standard household products. Attractive colors help with the overall appearance, but are perhaps a less important feature in selecting your home gym equipment. Key components of safety, engineering, composition and appearance should always be present in the bench you select for your home workout.
When selecting a weight bench, you should always look first at its engineering. Not only will you be subjecting it to your own weight, but you will add the pounds related to the free weight equipment. The bench should sit level with a framework that supports the weight distribution. Even when the downward weight pressure is concentrated at the head end of the bench, there should be no leaning of the framework.
The design must be one that doesn't shift as you perform your free weight lifts. If your bench rocks or walks away from the initial position, you may find yourself in a lift that can strain muscles or cause damage to floors, walls or other furnishing. Even a quarter-inch of movement can add up over several lifts.
Check the welds and framework of the bench to ensure that welds are according to American Welding Society specifications. They should be smooth and contain no rough or uneven metal. Even minute flaws in the welds can create difficulty later and. There should be a coating that protects the finish on the frame from moisture and humidity damage. Rusty areas on the framework not only looks ugly, but it can weaken the structural integrity over time.
You will need padding over the bed of the bench. Over time, some types of vinyl or foam can deteriorate, so be sure that you check corners and seams and avoid gaps or rough areas. The padding should be high density foam or similar materials. Avoid a design that uses small particles of padding materials, since they can become unevenly distributed within the cover. The cover should be of non-permeable materials so that it doesn't retain perspiration and body oils from your workout routine.
In order to retain the attractive appearance of the utility weight bench, it should be easily cleanable using standard household products. Attractive colors help with the overall appearance, but are perhaps a less important feature in selecting your home gym equipment. Key components of safety, engineering, composition and appearance should always be present in the bench you select for your home workout.
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