August 10, 2023 4 min read
An exercise bench is a versatile and essential piece of equipment for any home gym. It can be used for a wide range of exercises, making it a valuable tool for full-body strength training. In this article, we will discuss some of the best exercise bench workouts that can help you build strength, tone your muscles, and improve your overall fitness level.
Shop The Gear: Altas AL-4006 Adjustable Bench, $239.99 USD Shop The Collection: BenchesThe bench press is a classic exercise that targets the chest, triceps, and shoulders. To perform the bench press, lie down on the exercise bench and grab the barbell with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower the barbell to your chest and then press it back up to the starting position. Make sure to keep your feet flat on the ground and your lower back pressed against the bench throughout the exercise. You can also use dumbbells or a Smith machine for this exercise.
The incline bench press is similar to the regular bench press, but it targets the upper chest muscles more effectively. To perform the incline bench press, set the bench at a 45-degree angle and follow the same steps as the regular bench press. You can use a barbell, dumbbells, or a Smith machine for this exercise.
The decline bench press is another variation of the bench press that targets the lower chest muscles. To perform the decline bench press, set the bench at a downward angle and follow the same steps as the regular bench press. You can use a barbell, dumbbells, or a Smith machine for this exercise.
Chest flyes are an excellent exercise for isolating and strengthening the chest muscles. To perform chest flyes, lie down on the exercise bench and hold a pair of dumbbells above your chest with your palms facing each other. Slowly lower the dumbbells out to your sides and then bring them back to the starting position. Make sure to keep your elbows slightly bent and your wrists straight throughout the exercise.
Bench dips are a bodyweight exercise that targets the triceps and shoulders. To perform bench dips, place your hands on the edge of the exercise bench and extend your legs out in front of you. Lower your body down towards the floor and then press back up to the starting position. You can also use a pair of parallel bars or dip bars for this exercise.
Bench step-ups are a lower body exercise that targets the quadriceps, glutes, and calves. To perform bench step-ups, stand facing the exercise bench and step up onto it with one foot. Bring your other foot up onto the bench and then step back down to the starting position. Alternate legs with each repetition. You can hold a pair of dumbbells or a barbell for added resistance.
Bench leg raises are an abdominal exercise that targets the lower abs and hip flexors. To perform bench leg raises, lie down on the exercise bench and place your hands under your lower back for support. Lift your feet off the ground and then raise your legs up towards the ceiling, keeping them straight. Lower your legs back down to the starting position and repeat. You can also perform this exercise with your feet together or with a slight bend in your knees. To increase the difficulty, you can hold a medicine ball between your feet or try lifting one leg at a time.
Bench lunges are a lower body exercise that targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. To perform bench lunges, stand facing the exercise bench and step one foot up onto it. Lower your body down into a lunge position and then push back up to the starting position. Alternate legs with each repetition. You can hold a pair of dumbbells or a barbell for added resistance.
Bench planks are a core exercise that targets the abdominal muscles, lower back, and obliques. To perform bench planks, place your hands on the edge of the exercise bench and extend your legs out behind you. Keep your body in a straight line and hold the position for a set amount of time. You can also try lifting one arm or one leg off the ground for an added challenge. To increase the difficulty, you can try performing the exercise on one arm or one leg.
Bench Russian twists are an abdominal exercise that targets the obliques and lower abs. To perform bench Russian twists, sit on the edge of the exercise bench and hold a medicine ball or dumbbell in your hands. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground. Twist your torso to one side and then to the other, keeping your feet off the ground throughout the exercise. You can also try performing the exercise with your feet on the ground for an added challenge.
As you can see, an exercise bench is a valuable tool for full-body strength training. These are just a few examples of the many exercises that you can do with a bench, but the possibilities are endless. With a little creativity and some basic equipment, you can create an effective and varied workout routine that will help you reach your fitness goals.