Fitness Tips

Best Small Adjustable Weight Benches for Apartments – Top Bang For Buck Compact Options

Looking for a weight bench that is compact and light enough to not only fit but also be easy to move around and store in your apartment?

Yeah that was me not too long ago.

We all dream of ditching the gym membership forever and building our own training station at home, right?

At least I know I do. 

No commute, no waiting to use the stations because someone is using them and forget about cleaning sweat off of a machine somebody else just got off of. Ugh.

Bowflex SelectTech - Editors Choice

Best Bang For Buck Adjustable Weight Bench For Apartments

our best rated apartment weight bench

Editors Choice

  • I Personally Own This One
  • Most Cost Effective - Bang for Buck
  • Compact & Easy to Move
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Simple & Easy to Use
  • Looks Good

But the thing is none of us have the money or space to get every single utility a gym has to offer. Good news is: we don’t need to! There’s plenty of exercises you can do in your own apartment that don’t require going out and spending all your money on a crazy amount of equipment.

An easy upgrade for your training at home is an adjustable weight bench. Weight benches are an inexpensive piece of equipment specially designed for weight lifting but can be used in many other exercises as well.


Benefits of Owning an Adjustable Weight Bench

An adjustable weight bench allows you to do a whole lot of different exercises by adjusting the bench as needed. It can lie flat, in military position, inclined or declined. They are a great addition to your training station for various reasons:

1. Workout on multiple angles

Adjustable benches provide you with a range of workout angles so you can effectively train different body muscles. A lot of exercises require positions that you wouldn’t be able to hit without a bench.

2. Support

A weight bench gives you stability and helps you keep your posture straight, firming up your lower back muscles and improving your core strength while training. This significantly reduces the chances of getting injured while exercising and helps maintain the focus on the specific muscles you’re trying to build.

3. Multifunctional

An adjustable weight bench is not only good for weight lifting. You can use it for calisthenics, push-ups, core-strengthening and much more disciplines. Getting bench on its own opens up a variety of workout options for you.

4. Great for Beginners!

If you’re just getting started it might feel like there is too many things to focus on at the same time to do a workout properly. Adjustable weight benches help beginners focus their energy on learning and trying out new exercises without having to spend too much energy on keeping the right posture.

“This is all great, but I live in a small apartment! I don’t have the space for a bench!”

Don’t worry, there’s plenty of space-savvy options. I made this list of benches with special features that make them ideal to have in an apartment, including ones that are easier to store away right after your done using them. So, let’s begin!


Best Adjustable Weight Benches for Apartments

Listed below are the best adjustable weight benches we found that are prefect for apartments


1. Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 Adjustable

Best Overall Weight Bench For an Apartment

Best Features

  • Adjusts to six different positions for total versatility: -20°, 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°.
  • Comes with a removable leg hold-down brace for more support on the declined position.
  • Built with heavy-duty steel construction for prolonged durability.
  • Transportation wheels for easy storage.

BowflexSelectTech 5.1 Adjustable Bench Review

Bowflex specializes in innovative home gym training products for home use that tend to your specific needs. That’s because of their diverse team that understands a fitness lifestyle is not limited to professional athletes.

So of course, they came up with the perfect adjustable weight bench for an apartment.

Their 5.1 Adjustable Bench makes the top of this list because of its sturdiness, stability and versatility, not to mention the quality of its materials. It really is like anything you would find at an expensive gym but at quite an accessible price. Top-notch.

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when assembled: 56” L x 26” W x 20” H
  • 480 lb. weight capacity.
  • 30-Year warranty on frame and 1-year warranty on upholstery.

2. POWERBLOCK Sport Bench

Cheaper Alternative Option That's Almost As Good

Best Features

  • Adjusts to five different positions: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°.
  • Separate seat and back pad adjustment for more versatility.
  • The back pad adjusts up to five different positions.
  • Built-in wheel and handle kit for easy storage.

POWERBLOCK Sport Bench Review 

A solid and reliable option, the POWERBLOCK Sport Bench is ideal for heavy weight lifting. It sits close to the ground so it makes it easier to pick up heavy weight off the floor without straining your back. It has plenty of room at the front to place your feet whatever way you find most comfortable and it is very easy to assemble.

Also, you can include a dip bar attachment to add more upper body building workout options to the mix. Dip exercises are great for training chest, shoulder and arm muscles all at the same time.

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when assembled: 50” L x 21” W x 16” H
  • 550 lb. weight capacity.

3. FLYBIRD Adjustable Multi-Purpose Foldable

Most Compact & Space-Saving Apartment Weight Bench

Best Features

  • Soft foam 9.7" thick backrest and 1.8" thick pad made of leather for the most comfortable workout.
  • Adjustable to six different back positions and four different seat positions.
  • Foldable bench and easy to carry making it ideal for very small apartments.
  • This bench comes fully assembled out of the package so you don’t have to worry about spending any time setting it up.

FLYBIRD Adjustable Multi-Purpose Foldable Utility Bench Review 

If you’re apartment is rather small and any addition feels like it takes up too much space, don’t worry!  FLYBIRD designed this bench to be specially compact while keeping its strength and durability up par to other models. And it’s also foldable! So you can easily set it up for a workout routine and put it away when you are done and need the space back.

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when unfolded: 31.5" L x 12.6" W x 11.8" H
  • Dimensions when folded: 30" L x 16" W x 9" H
  • 500 LB weight capacity.
  • 1-year warranty on the frame and 30 days warranty on the pads.

4. Fitness Reality 2000

Most Affordable Option

Best Features

  • Strong powder coated tubular steel frame construction assuring sturdiness and durability.
  • Independent backrest adjustments for more versatility.
  • Foldable for easy storage.
  • Transportation wheels.
  • Three position adjustable leg hold-down.

Fitness Reality 2000 Super Max Weight Bench Review

Another folding model, also a great piece of equipment for saving space.

Don’t be misled by its cheap price and think this is a simpler model lacking impressive features, you’d be surprised by the versatility of this bench! 

It can carry as much as 850 lb. which makes it a pretty solid bench for heavy weight lifting and it adjusts to as many levels as other benches.

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when unfolded: 69.5” L x 10” W x 52” H.
  • Dimensions when folded: 53.5” L x 24” W x 10.8” H.
  • 850 LB weight capacity.

Best Flat Weight Benches for Apartments

 If you consider you could do away with the back support or the different workout positions you could also opt for a classic flat bench. They offer less variety compared to the newer adjustable ones but they still do their job and take little to no space in an apartment. A good option if you’re looking to spend a little less money on a bench

1. Marcy SB-10510 Deluxe Versatile Flat Bench

Best Apartment Option By Far

Best Features

  • 2.5” Thick High-density foam padding makes it extra comfortable.
  • A large diameter steel tubing frame.
  • Powder-coated finish.
  • Compact Design.

Marcy SB-10510 Deluxe Versatile Flat Bench Review

Designed to take minimum space, Marcy’s deluxe bench offers rock-hard stability while remaining low-profile and giving enough room for other training equipment to co-exist. Its simple aesthetic makes it perfect to fit any room without standing out too much.

Related Reading: Best Low Profile Treadmills for Apartments

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when assembled: 44” L x 19” W x 17” H.
  • 600 LB weight capacity.

2. AmazonBasics

Cheapest Flat Apartment Weight Bench

Best Features

  • Durable steel tube frame.
  • Smooth PVC top surface.
  • Assembles quickly and easily.
  • Upside-down T-shaped legs ensure stability.

AmazonBasics Flat Weight Workout Exercise Bench Review

Simple and easy to assemble, AmazonBasics’ flat bench will have you working out in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or you’re just starting out, this bench is a great addition to any at-home fitness routine.

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when assembled: 41” L x 19.7” W x 17.9” H
  • 385 LB weight capacity.

Best Features

  • Heavy-duty steel tube frame for reliable support
  • High-density foam and boxed upholstery providing maximum comfort.
  • Powder-coated finish.
  • Compact design.

Marcy Flat Utility Bench SB-315 Review

For most exercises you don’t need your bench to have a lot of special features. What’s most important is it being strong enough to support you. Believe it or not a lot of benches don’t even achieve that! The Marcy Flat Bench is a solid and affordable option. Strong, durable and firm, you won’t have to worry about it wobbling beneath you while you’re lifting weights.

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when assembled: 43” L x 14” W x 17” H.
  • 600 LB weight capacity.
  • 2-year manufacturer’s warranty included.

4. CAP Barbell Flat Weight Bench

Excellent Alternative Budget Option

Best Features

  • Powder-coated, tubular steel frame.
  • Thickly padded boxed stitched surface.
  • Light-weight design for easily moving around.

CAP Barbell Flat Weight Bench Review

Simple, safe and practical, the CAP Barbell Flat Workout Bench is the best option if you’re a little tight on your budget. Although this bench is the least expensive of this list it doesn’t act like it at all! Designed to be strong and durable, it is ideal for most body weight exercises.

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when assembled: 43” L x 15” W x 18” H.
  • 300 LB weight capacity.

5. TITAN Fitness Flat Weight Bench

Strongest Weight Bench

Best Features

  • Extra cushion and sleek leather finish.
  • Transportation wheels.
  • It has a rigid base that’s made from steel, so it’s durable and long-lasting.
  • Wheels and handle for easy and quick position changes.

TITAN Fitness Flat Weight Bench Review

If you’re more interested in body-building, I would go for this one. The TITAN Flat bench is the strongest one on the list, being able to put up with as much as 1000 lb which makes it perfect for those building a bodybuilding home gym.

Quite impressive if you ask me. And just as impressive is how comfortable it is for a bench. Plus, it has wheels that make it easy to store it away when not needed.

Tech Specs
  • Dimensions when assembled: 52” L x 17” W x 17” H.
  • 1000 LB weight capacity.

Exercises You Can Do with a Bench Alone

I mentioned above that one of the pros of owning a bench is the variety of training options it gives you. Even if you don’t own any weights there is a whole bunch of exercises you can do with the bench alone. The actual possibilities are endless if you let your imagination fly but here’s a couple of workout suggestions to get you started:

Elevated Hip Thrusts

Hip thrusts are good for working out your glutes and building that bubble butt, a very important part of any training routine if you consider they’re amongst the strongest muscles in your body. Adding elevation to your thrusts is quite simple:

  1. Lay down face-up on the floor, perpendicular to the bench, with your arms extended out to the side.
  2. Place the back of your heels on top of the bench.
  3. Raise your hips to create a straight line between your knees and your shoulders by pressing your heels against the bench and keeping your core muscles tight.
  4. Control your way down without touching the floor.
  5. Repeat

You can add intensity to this workout by lifting one leg in the air and doing the thrusts with one leg at a time. 

Video Illustration of Elevated Hip Thrusts


Elevated Pushups

An elevated pushup position has your feet above your body, meaning it would require more strength to get back to plank position.

  1. Go to a plank position.
  2. Place your feet on top of the bench, make sure you maintain your body in a straight line and your core is engaged.
  3. Place your hands underneath your shoulders.
  4. Bend your elbows to get your chest as close to the floor as possible.
  5. Hold there for a second.
  6. Extend your arms to go back to plank position. Make sure your back doesn’t sag.
  7. Repeat.

If you don’t have the strength yet to do a set of regular pushups on the floor one thing you can do is do them with your hands on the bench, elevating the upper half of your body. This would lighten the load on your arms and back so you can do more reps.

Video Illustraion of Elevated Pushups


Bench Dips

The back of your arms can be a difficult part to build up if you don’t know the proper workouts for it. Bench dips are great for strengthening your triceps, chest and shoulders at the same time.

  1. Sit down on the bench, hands next to your thighs.
  2. Walk your feet out and stretch your legs, lifting your bottom from the bench and holding there with extended arms.
  3. Hinging at the elbow, lower your body down as far as you can or until your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle.
  4. Push up with your hands back to start.
  5. Repeat.

Video Illustration of Bench Dips


Bench Jumps

Bench jumps are a simple exercise that targets your hamstrings and quads while also involving the abs, calves, glutes and hip flexors.

  1. Put your hands on the edges of the bench. Bend at the waist and keep your core engaged.
  2. Put a slight bend in your knees while keeping your gaze at the bench.
  3. Quickly jump to bring your entire body to the opposite side of the bench. Land on both feet and check your form. Make sure your core is tight.
  4. Repeat

You can mix and match different kinds of bench jumps for a more complete workout. For example, you could do the jumps landing on one leg at a time to escalate the exercise’s intensity while also training your balance.

Make sure you keep your core engaged to lessen the impact on your knees.

Related Reading: Cushioned Treadmills for People with Bad Knees

Video Illustration of Bench Jumps


Step ups

Good weight benches are so sturdy you can stand or jump on them with no problem, which makes them ideal for stepping up your step ups. See what I did there?

  1. Put your right foot on the bench. Press through your right heel as you step on top of the bench, bring in your left foot to meet your right and stand on the bench.
  2. Return to the starting position by stepping down with your right foot and then your left.
  3. Repeat alternating right and left side.

Those are easier said than done but if you feel like you’re over simple step ups I suggest trying out this variation:

  1. Step on top of the bench with your right foot.
  2. Straighten your right knee to stand on the bench while lifting your left leg so the hip and knee form a 90-degree angle.
  3. Keep your right foot still as you bend your right knee and lower your left foot to tap the floor without putting your weight onto your left foot.
  4. Press through your right heel as you straighten your right knee to stand on the box. Your right glute should be engaged the entire time.
  5. Repeat alternating right and left side.

Video Illustraion of Step ups


Bench Squats

Bench squats are good for building the lower body, especially the quads. It lets you squat rearward rather than downward, hitting your glutes. The bench adds an element of support and security.

  1. Stand in front of the bench with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Extend your arms in front of you for balance.
  3. Flex your legs as if you were sitting down on the bench and form a 90-degree angle between your quads and your calves. Make sure your knees stay behind your toes.
  4. Touch the bench with your glutes without sitting down fully.
  5. Extend your legs to go back to a standing position.
  6. Repeat.

Since the bench is there to hold you just in case, you can try and scale your squats by extending one leg in front of you and doing them on one leg at a time. That not only puts more weight on each glute but also has you work on your balance and keeping your core involved.

So, you see, there’s plenty of reasons getting a bench should be on your top priorities if you are planning on training at home, it's not just bench presses or chest presses and other upper body exercises but you can also do lower body exercises.

So if you want to bench press and squat in the same day, you can do that.

Video Illustraion of Bench Squats


FAQ Buyers Have When Shopping for Apartment Weight Equipment

These are the most commonly asked questions that apartment goers have about weight benches

Can I build A Home Gym in My Apartment?

Yes! But not all home gyms are designed to be compact enough for a small apartment. The last thing you want to do is order something online and have it shipped only to realize last minute that it is too big and it won’t fit unless you get rid of your bed. 

And although some of them might be so comfortable you could take a nap on them, I would suggest avoiding the struggle altogether by making sure the gym you’re getting is a good fit for your apartment. We put together a guide on apartment home gym setups to make it easier to find the best option for you. You can check it out here.

If you are a beginner I would recommend checking out our guide on the best beginner home gyms here.

Related Reading: Small Apartment Treadmills

How Long Should A Weight Bench Be?

They average in between 43 and 49 inches long. If you are on the taller side, I would suggest getting the longer ones. You can always measure your torso and compare to the bench’s length to make sure it is not going to be too small for you.

You also have to have in mind your apartment dimensions. All benches on this list are designed to be compact but I would measure the space wherever you are planning on putting it just in case.

Should I Get a Folding & Adjustable Weight Bench or a Flat one for my apartment?

For an apartment I would say folding and adjustable. Adjustable benches allow for more movements and positions. The folding makes it easier to store away when not in use so you can get the most out of the limited space.

Is It Possible to Get a Squat Rack in My Small Apartment?

Yes, but again, you have to make sure you get the right squat rack designed to be compact enough for apartments! There is no use for it if it doesn’t fit! We took the time to put together a guide on the best apartment-appropriate and affordable squat racks, you can check it out clicking here.

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Ben Mayz

Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now.
My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future.
I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics.
My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics.
Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward.
You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page

Ben Mayz

Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now. My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future. I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics. My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics. Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward. You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page