Padding: The right balance between stiff and cushioned padding is essential to ensure your bench will stay in good condition with use. Highly cushioned benches might feel nice, but they tend to deform over time, creating an even surface. While most padding is stitched to the bench, some is stapled, which tends to lift away from the bench’s frame eventually. Not enough padding isn't good either, as you'll feel like you're lying on a plywood board, according to Otey.

Stability: We first note if the bench sits flat and has rubber grips to prevent sliding. We use each weight bench to complete sets of eight to 12 repetitions of bench presses, dumbbell incline rows, chest flys, lying tricep extensions, and dumbbell step-ups. We then note how stable and secure we feel with each exercise: Does the bench feel wobbly or slide around?

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

I bought this bench when I first started lifting, but I don't see myself replacing it anytime soon," says Appleton. "I weigh less than 130 pounds and have never felt this bench slip on me, but bigger users should steer clear." It was incredibly easy to setup in Appleton's experience, too.

Other features: Consider the type of bench you’re looking for and whether you’ll need to move it around your at-home gym space. Adjustable benches tend to weigh more, so you’ll want one with wheels and/or handles to make setting up and stowing away a breeze.Adjustability: In general, the three types of weight benches are flat, adjustable incline, and adjustable incline/decline. The first two are pretty self-explanatory and the latter, of course, adds versatility for decline-angle exercises.