7 Best Multi-Purpose Weight Benches

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For individuals who find the exercises that can be done with a regular weight bench lacking, the multi-purpose models can be a good choice.

Multi-purpose weight benches, also known as multi-function weight benches, are weight benches with additional features on top of just a flat or adjustable weight bench.

This allows you to do a variety of exercises to focus on more muscles, to focus on certain muscles to a larger extent, or to just switch up your workouts to make them more interesting.

Best multi-purpose weight bench picks

As the name implies, the weight benches below can be used for different purposes. In this quick overview, we mention the most important additional function (besides being a weight bench) and how the weight benches stand out.

The multi-purpose weight benches often have additional features too. Something to note is that leg developers allow you to do leg extensions and leg curls.

You can check out the best multi-purpose weight bench for your training goals and budget by clicking the brand name.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of multi-purpose weight benches. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

  • Material, weight capacity, additional exercise options, etc.
  • User reviews
  • Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
  • Price
  • Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

7 Best multi-purpose weight benches reviewed

The quick overview with the best multi-purpose weight benches for certain goals and budgets is helpful. Looking at the in-depth reviews of each of the top options can improve your decision even more.

1. Marcy SB-350 Adjustable Bench

One of the most popular functions of multi-purpose weight benches is the leg developer. This allows you to do leg extensions and leg curls to isolate your quadriceps and hamstrings.

In terms of multi-purpose weight benches with this function, the Marcy SB-350 is one of the top options. Some of the other things that stand out are the budget-friendly price and high number of happy customers.

One important downside to keep in mind is that the leg curl function does not go through the full range of motion. You can still isolate your hamstrings but a larger range of motion is generally more beneficial for muscle growth and strength progress.

Additionally, some customers mention that the Marcy SB-350 will likely be a bit too short for tall people.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 600 pounds (272 kg)
  • Budget-friendly
  • Has incline function
  • Has leg developer function
  • Has transport wheels and handle
  • High number of positive reviews

Cons

  • Leg curl does not go through the full range of motion
  • Can be a bit unstable
  • Might be too short for tall individuals

Two nice additions to this multi-purpose weight bench from Marcy are the transport wheels and transport handle. If the SB-350 gets in the way of other exercises or activities in your workout room you can move it away relatively easily.

2. Fitness Reality X-Class Bench

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 650 pounds (294 kg)
  • Budget-friendly
  • Has back extension function
  • A lot of happy customers

Cons

  • No incline function
  • Might be too short for tall individuals

The Fitness Reality X-Class is a multi-purpose bench with a focus on back extensions and core exercises on a decline weight bench. Some examples of these exercises include decline sit-ups, lying leg raises, reverse crunches, etc.

Something unusual about this model compared to the other options is that it has no incline function. This makes it so you can’t do incline bench presses or an incline chest fly on this bench.

You can still use this piece of fitness equipment to do regular bench presses but for the incline variation, you have to choose other multi-purpose weight benches.

Overall, customers tend to be happy with the Fitness Reality X-Class bench. One exception to this is that tall customers tend to find this model too short to do certain exercises comfortably.

3. Finer Form Multi-Functional FID Bench

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 1000 pounds (453 kg)
  • Has incline function
  • Has back extension function
  • Has preacher curl function

Cons

  • From time to time shipping errors happen
  • Some customers find the assembly challenging

One of the first things that stand out in the Finer Form Multi-Functional FID Bench is its high reported weight capacity of 1000 pounds (453 kg).

Even for stronger individuals, this could be enough for heavier lifts like the bench press. If not, you can check out the other best FID weight benches for models with higher capacities.

Another positive point of this multi-purpose weight bench from Finer Form is that you can use it for back extensions, preacher curls, and more standard FID (flat, incline, decline) weight bench exercises.

If all the parts arrive, the Finer Form weight bench generally delivers on its promises. The main downside is that shipping errors with missing/damaged parts happen every once in a while.

4. Escape Fitness Deck

This next multi-purpose bench is more of a model for individuals who plan to do lighter resistance training exercises with lighter weights and resistance bands in combination with step aerobics workouts.

The Escape Fitness Deck has adjustable legs that allow it to be transformed from a weight bench into a step aerobics step. Additionally, you can put the top of the weight bench at three different incline levels.

Something to keep in mind is that the weight capacity of this multi-purpose bench is relatively low at 375 pounds (170 kg). On top of that, some users find lying on the bench uncomfortable with heavy weights.

Pros

  • Very positive customer reviews
  • Has incline function
  • Has aerobic step function
  • Includes resistance band anchors

Cons

  • Weight capacity of 375 pounds (170 kg)
  • No decline function
  • Might be too short for tall individuals

Luckily the Escape Fitness Deck has built-in anchors for resistance tubes. This can still feel uncomfortable at high resistance but makes it so you can get in a good resistance training workout without breaking your multi-purpose weight bench.

Overall, the customer reviews about the Escape Fitness Deck are very positive. Just remember that this model has a relatively unique and specific use compared to the other options.

For more experienced weight lifters this multi-purpose weight bench is likely not the best choice.

5. ‎KanLin Adjustable Weight Bench

The KanLin Adjustable Weight Bench is the most budget-friendly model on this list even if you take the high shipping cost into account.

A lower price does not always mean lower quality but in the case of the KanLin model, you have to accept that it will likely be a step down from the other multi-purpose benches.

For example, the reported weight limit of 500 pounds (226 kg) implies a less sturdy construction which is not suited for very heavy weights. Additionally, some customers mention that the KanLi bench is a bit small and challenging to assemble.

That being said, if you are looking for a budget-friendly multi-purpose weight bench, the price of the KanLi model could make up for its downsides.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 500 pounds (226 kg)
  • Budget-friendly
  • Has incline function
  • Has back extension function
  • Has preacher curl function

Cons

  • No decline function
  • Less positive reviews than the other options
  • Might be too small for tall individuals
  • Some customers find the assembly challenging
  • High shipping cost

If the KanLi model can hold the amount of weight you need, this adjustable weight bench can benefit your (upper) chest, glute, hamstring, lower back, and bicep training after a relatively low investment.

6. Marcy MD-857 Olympic Weight Bench

On top of all the features the previous multi-purpose weight benches had, some models also include a rack for a weighted bar. The Marcy MD-857 is one of the best options in this category.

This bar rack is mostly helpful for the barbell bench press exercise and its incline and decline variation.

On top of these more unique features, this multipurpose weight bench also has a leg developer to isolate your quadriceps and hamstrings and a preacher curl bench to isolate your biceps.

One potential downside is that this model is that it is a bit pricier than the other multi-purpose benches on this list. This can still be a good investment in your health but if you don’t care about the bar rack (and even if you do) there are cheaper options.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 600 pounds (272 kg)
  • A lot of positive customer reviews
  • Has incline function
  • Has preacher curl function
  • Has leg developer function
  • Has a bar rack

Cons

  • A bit pricier compared to the other options
  • Some customers find it a bit wobbly with a lot of weight on the rack

Something else is that a few customers find the Marcy MD-857 a bit wobbly with a lot of weight on the rack. These individuals generally don’t recommend loading the bar rack up to the maximum of 300 pounds (136 kg).

Even so, because of all of the helpful features and positive customer reviews, this model from Marcy deserves a spot on this list and other ones like the best weight benches with preacher curl pads.

7. Body Champ BCB3780 Weight Bench

The Body Champ BCB3780 is the next multi-purpose weight bench that comes with a bar rack. Similar to the Marcy model, some customers find this rack a bit wobbly at higher weights.

Again, these people don’t recommend loading the bar rack up to the given 300-pound (136 kg) weight limit. That means individuals who lift heavy may need to choose a different weight bench.

Something that stands out in the Body Champ BCB3780 is its low price for all the features and positive reviews.

That being said, customers tend to be just a bit happier with the Marcy model which is important if you plan to use your fitness equipment a lot.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 600 pounds (272 kg)
  • Budget-friendly
  • Has incline function
  • Has leg developer function
  • Has a bar rack

Cons

  • Some customers find it a bit wobbly with a lot of weight on the rack

Similar to many of the previous multi-purpose weight benches, the Body Champ model has an incline option. This allows you to focus on your upper chest muscles with exercises like incline bench presses and the incline chest fly.

Additionally, this piece of equipment has a leg developer and the option to put the weight bench at a somewhat decline option.

How to choose a multi-purpose weight bench

It is possible that you are still not entirely sure which multi-purpose weight bench would be the best option for you. By considering some of the following things the decision can become easier:

  1. Room to work out: Different multi-purpose weight benches can have different dimensions. You need enough room for the fitness equipment to be able to use it. Additionally, there are foldable models which allow you to store your weight bench in a compact way.
  2. How tall are you: A multi-purpose weight bench that is too small can make your workouts uncomfortable or even un-doable. If you are a taller individual, you want to make sure the multi-purpose weight bench you have in mind is big enough. Additionally, how tall you are influences how high you want the weight bench to be.
  3. What is your weight: The first part of the next important factor when choosing a multi-purpose weight bench is how heavy you are. Different models can be made with different materials and have different constructions.
  4. How heavy will you lift: Next you want to have an estimation about how heavy you lift, add your body weight, and add some room to spare for your strength gains, and compare that to the weight limit of the multi-purpose weight bench.
  5. What exercises do you want to do: The previous factors are relevant for all types of weight benches. This next one is very specific to the multi-purpose models. You want to think about what exercises you want to do for what muscles. For example, you generally have to make the choice between the back extension and leg developer features. The first will focus on your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. The second one will focus on isolating your hamstrings or quadriceps.
  6. Price: Improving your health is often a good investment but sometimes you can get more benefits with less. The price of the multi-purpose weight bench can play a role in your decision.

By going over each of these factors step by step it becomes easier to choose the best multi-purpose weight bench for your personal situation and training goals.

If you do decide all of these extra features are not necessary for you, you can also look at the selection of the best flat weight benches.

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Author:

Matt Claes founded Weight Loss Made Practical to help people get in shape and stay there after losing 37 pounds and learning the best of the best about weight loss, health, and longevity for over 4 years. Over these years he has become an expert in nutrition, exercise, and other physical health aspects.