What is the Difference in Standard & Olympic Weight Benches?

Weight benches are used in fitness facilities around the world to perform various exercises. Standard and Olympic weight benches have their benefits and give you flexibility when performing exercises that require different equipment.

Function

Both standard and Olympic weight benches provide a surface that you can use to perform an exercise such as the bench press.

Types

Olympic benches provide more durability than standard weight benches with thicker padding and reinforced legs. Both standard and Olympic benches feature an incline adjustment that provides more flexibility in the number of exercises performed on the bench.

Considerations

Think about how you are going to use the weight bench. If you will be performing heavy bench presses, then use an Olympic weight bench. If you are going to focus on light dumbbell exercises, a standard weight bench will be sufficient. Standard benches are fine for beginners.

Benefits

Olympic weight benches typically last longer than standard weight benches, but they also cost more. Use Olympic weighted bars with Olympic benches, and standard bars with standard benches.

Warning

Make sure all adjustments are positioned securely before executing an exercise to ensure safety. Also, review the weight limits to prevent excessive stress to the frame and the body of the bench.

References

• FitnessScape: Weight Benches
• Warehouse Fitness: Weight Bench