Bench (weight training)

A weight training bench is a piece of equipment that has a resemblence to a normal (e.g. park) bench, but is designed for use in weight training.

Weight training benches may be of various designs: fixed horizontal, fixed inclined, fixed in a folded position, with one adjustable portion, with two or more adjustable portions, with racks to hold bars, etc. In the limit, the definition of a bench blurs into that of combinations that mix a bench and associated equipment.

Benches are manufactured by hundreds, if not thousands, of vendors, in a dizzying array of qualities, features, and price points.

Interesting, for a piece of equipment that seems to define weight training for modern audiences, benches are not strictly necessary for many, if not most, exercises that typically uses them. Seated presses may be done while standing, etc. Even the apparently definitive bench press may be done without a bench, by lying on the floor.