Bench Press - Weight benches with barbell rack

Buy a chest press machine – the right station for your bench press

A bench press combines a weight bench with a barbell rack to create a station for free-weight bench pressing. The motion sports range includes flat, incline, and adjustable models from ATX® and Vision Fitness for home gyms and fitness studios.

A flat bench press is suitable for classic bench pressing. An incline bench press is designed for incline bench pressing with a fixed backrest angle. The ATX® Multi Bench Press allows for flat, incline, and negative bench pressing at the same station thanks to its adjustable backrest.

Another selection criterion is safety racks. These can hold the barbell if a repetition cannot be completed. It is important to consider which bench position the safety racks are designed for. On the ATX® Multi Bench Press, they are designed for flat and negative bench pressing. For a combination of bench pressing and squats, both the ATX® Multi Bench Press and the ATX® Combo Rack are suitable options.

ATX Bench Press 700 weight bench with flat bench area, side emergency storage racks and barbell on the rack

Buying a chest press machine: What to consider when choosing?

Choosing a bench press starts with the desired training angle—should the station be designed for flat, incline, or decline bench presses? The height of the barbell rack, suitable safety catches, and the maximum load capacity are also important factors. It is also worth checking the dimensions before purchasing. The barbell you already own must fit the rack, and there should be enough space at both ends of the bar to change the weight plates.

Training position

Bench angle: Flat, incline, or decline press

For classic flat bench pressing, a horizontal lying surface is sufficient. If the station is intended exclusively for incline bench pressing, a press bench with a fixed inclined backrest is suitable. If both variants are to be possible on the same station, an appropriately adjustable backrest is required.

For negative bench pressing, the backrest must be able to lower below the horizontal. The designation "adjustable" alone says little about this. On some incline press benches, the seat height can be adjusted while the training angle remains unchanged.

Storage height

Dumbbell rack: The right height for lifting

The barbell should be able to be lifted from the rack without the shoulders losing contact with the pad. A rack that is too high makes it difficult to lift the bar off and place it back. A rack that is too low drains strength even before the first repetition.

When multiple people are training, the adjustment range and the distance between the rack levels are particularly important. The adjustment range determines which heights are achievable. A fine adjustment scale makes it easier to find the right starting position if it falls between two widely spaced levels.

Emergency Storage

Footboards: securing suitable for the bench position

The dumbbell rack holds the bar before and after a set. Safety racks serve a different purpose. They catch the barbell when it can no longer be pressed back to the regular rack. It is crucial that the height and length of the safety racks match the lying position and the path of the bar.

With an adjustable press bench, it is also relevant for which bench angles the safety racks are designed for. Suitability for flat bench pressing does not automatically apply to incline bench pressing.

Stress limits

Load capacity: What does the weight rating refer to?

The maximum user weight refers to the person exercising. For the planned weight of the dumbbells, the permissible training load and the load-bearing capacity of the barbell rack are relevant. In this case, it is the weight of the loaded barbell that counts, not just the weight of the added plates.

If a total load capacity is specified, the product information must state which loads it includes. If separate limits are given for the bench and the rack, these apply to the respective component. They cannot be added together to result in a higher permissible dumbbell weight.

Barbell & Platform

Barbell compatibility and space requirements

If you already have a barbell, the inside grip width is crucial – the clear distance between the two plate holders. This dimension must be long enough so that the bar rests on both dumbbell racks and the plate holders remain outside the racks. The overall length of the bar alone does not answer this question.

For the location, however, this overall length is exactly what matters. A weight bench may fit on the intended area, even though the barbell cannot be conveniently loaded there. Therefore, in addition to the footprint of the bench, space for changing the plates at both ends of the bar must be planned.

Padding & Foot Contact

Lying surface and bench height

During the flat bench press, the back pad should support the shoulder blades and allow sufficient freedom of movement for the upper arms when lowering the barbell. It is therefore crucial how the pad width matches the shoulder width. A particularly wide pad is not the best choice for every body type. A grippy cover helps to keep the position on the bench under load.

For the foot contact, the height from the floor to the top edge of the pad counts. Especially with shorter legs, a too high lying surface can lead to the feet only reaching the floor with the tips. A practical benchmark for the selection is the lying height of a bench already in use, on which a firm foot contact is possible.

What types of push-up bars are there?

Flachdrückerbank – für klassisches Langhantel-Bankdrücken

Flat press bench – for classic barbell bench press

A flat bench press combines a horizontal lying surface with a barbell rack. The bench angle remains fixed. Depending on the model, the barbell rack and safety racks may still be height-adjustable. This allows the station to be adjusted to different arm lengths without changing the lying position.

  • Advantages: The continuous, level lying surface provides a consistent starting position. No backrest angle needs to be set before training.
  • Possible disadvantage: Incline and decline bench presses are not possible on the fixed lying surface.
  • Suitable for: Home gyms with a focus on classic bench pressing, as well as gyms and strength training clubs that provide a dedicated training area for it.
  • When to choose? If flat pressing is done predominantly or if a separate station is already available for other bench angles.
View ATX® Bench Press 700.
Schrägdrückerbank mit festem Lehnenwinkel

Incline press bench with fixed backrest angle

On an incline bench press, the backrest is permanently angled upwards. An adjustable seat height, such as on the Vision Fitness Incline Bench Press, changes the shoulder position relative to the barbell rack. The angle of the backrest remains the same.

  • Advantages: The desired training angle is ready to use without reconfiguration. In the gym, a flat bench and an incline bench can be used simultaneously by different people.
  • Possible disadvantage: The station takes up its own space for a single pressing angle. A flatter or steeper incline angle cannot be adjusted via the seat height either.
  • Suitable for: Free weight areas with multiple training stations and a regular need for a dedicated station for incline bench pressing.
  • When to choose? When incline bench pressing with the barbell is regularly planned and the flat bench should remain available for other exercisers at the same time.
View Incline Bench Press.
Verstellbare Drückerbank – für mehrere Drückwinkel

Adjustable press bench – for multiple press angles

An adjustable press bench (Multi Bench Press) allows you to switch between flat and incline bench presses on the same barbell rack. For decline bench presses, the backrest must also be able to be lowered below the horizontal. The ATX® Multi Bench Press offers all three positions.

  • Advantages: Multiple press variations are possible on a single footprint. Different incline angles can be adjusted to suit the training plan.
  • Possible disadvantage: When changing the angle, the seat position and rack height must be checked. Existing safety racks are not necessarily designed for every backrest position.
  • Suitable for: Home gyms and smaller free weight areas where a single training station is intended to cover multiple bench press variations.
  • When to choose? If flat and incline bench presses are part of the training plan, but only one station is to be purchased. If decline bench presses are also planned, the actual adjustment range of the backrest is the deciding factor.
View Multi Bench Press weight bench.

Chest Press Machines Compared: Bench Position, Pad Placement, and Weight Capacity

Bench press Bank position Barbell rack and emergency racks Maximum load
ATX® Bench Press 700 Flat 12-tier dumbbell rack, 11 height-adjustable emergency racks, each in 2.5 cm increments. Starting and catching heights can be set independently. 500 kg total load capacity
ATX® Combo Rack – IPF Approved Low-profile, removable competition seat Rack height for bench press: 74–134 cm. A lifting mechanism allows height adjustment without unloading the bar. Emergency storage height adjustable from 59–86.5 cm. 500 kg total load capacity
Vision Fitness Olympic Bench Press Flat Two rack heights for the barbell. Separate storage shelves are not listed in the product description. 300 kg training weight, 150 kg user weight.
Vision Fitness Flat Bench Press Spotter Arms Flat In addition to the barbell rack, there are safety catches with five height settings. This is the key difference from the Bench Press Olympic. 300 kg training weight, 150 kg user weight.
Vision Fitness Incline Bench Press Slanted, fixed backrest angle, 6 seat heights Two shelf heights and a standing platform for an assistant. Separate emergency shelves are not indicated. 300 kg training weight, 150 kg user weight.
ATX® Multi Bench Press Negative, flat and tilted; 15 backrest positions from −10° to +82.5° 14-position dumbbell rack, adjustable in 5 cm increments. The included emergency racks are designed for flat and decline bench presses. 400 kg for the bench, 300 kg for the rack.
Bank position
ATX® Bench Press 700
Flat
ATX® Combo Rack – IPF Approved
Low-profile, removable competition seat
Vision Fitness Olympic Bench Press
Flat
Vision Fitness Flat Bench Press Spotter Arms
Flat
Vision Fitness Incline Bench Press
Slanted, fixed backrest angle, 6 seat heights
ATX® Multi Bench Press
Negative, flat and tilted; 15 backrest positions from −10° to +82.5°
Barbell rack and emergency racks
ATX® Bench Press 700
12-tier dumbbell rack, 11 height-adjustable emergency racks, each in 2.5 cm increments. Starting and catching heights can be set independently.
ATX® Combo Rack – IPF Approved
Rack height for bench press: 74–134 cm. A lifting mechanism allows height adjustment without unloading the bar. Emergency storage height adjustable from 59–86.5 cm.
Vision Fitness Olympic Bench Press
Two rack heights for the barbell. Separate storage shelves are not listed in the product description.
Vision Fitness Flat Bench Press Spotter Arms
In addition to the barbell rack, there are safety catches with five height settings. This is the key difference from the Bench Press Olympic.
Vision Fitness Incline Bench Press
Two shelf heights and a standing platform for an assistant. Separate emergency shelves are not indicated.
ATX® Multi Bench Press
14-position dumbbell rack, adjustable in 5 cm increments. The included emergency racks are designed for flat and decline bench presses.
Maximum load
ATX® Bench Press 700
500 kg total load capacity
ATX® Combo Rack – IPF Approved
500 kg total load capacity
Vision Fitness Olympic Bench Press
300 kg training weight, 150 kg user weight.
Vision Fitness Flat Bench Press Spotter Arms
300 kg training weight, 150 kg user weight.
Vision Fitness Incline Bench Press
300 kg training weight, 150 kg user weight.
ATX® Multi Bench Press
400 kg for the bench, 300 kg for the rack.

The Bench Press in Practice: How to Properly Plan Barbell Bench Presses

For a press station, the lying surface and barbell rack are part of one station. Unlike a freely positioned weight bench , the bench does not need to be realigned with the bar before every workout. Whether the station fits the training area can be determined by three practical questions: Can the barbell be lifted from a stable position? Does the existing bar fit the rack and the desired grip width? Is there enough space in the room to load the bar and for a spotter?

Press station or weight bench in a power rack?

A fixed bench press station is particularly useful if bench pressing is to have its own training area. In the studio, this leaves the power rack available for other exercises. The position of the lying surface relative to the rack also remains the same with a fixed flat press bench, even with different users.

In a home gym, the decision depends more on the existing equipment. If a power rack with suitable safety racks is already available, a suitable weight bench can make the same training area usable for bench pressing . A separate press station is particularly advantageous if it eliminates the need for frequent adjustments or if two people want to use the rack and bench at the same time. Therefore, when planning the room, it is important whether the station creates an additional training area or merely doubles up on an existing one.

Does the existing barbell also fit the desired grip width?

Two dimensions are crucial for compatibility. The inner grip width of the barbell is the distance between the two weight plate holders. This section must be long enough for the bar shaft to rest on both barbell racks while keeping the weight plate holders outside the racks. The clearance between the racks, on the other hand, determines how much space is available for the hands when gripping and racking the bar. This is particularly relevant for a wide grip.

How much space does a bench press station actually need?

The exterior dimensions of the press station are not enough for planning. In terms of width, the placed barbell often determines the space required. If one end of the bar is too close to a wall, the bench can still be positioned, but a weight plate may no longer be able to be slid on straight or removed with both hands. Fixed weight plate holders also require space when loaded.

If training with a spotter is planned, they need enough standing space behind the head of the bench. In the studio, the press station should be positioned so that the loaded barbell does not protrude into walkways and access to the bench remains clear.

What makes a suitable setup for bench pressing?

Rack height and safety rack height serve different purposes. The upper rack must allow the bar to be lifted while keeping the upper back in contact with the pad. If the shoulders must be pushed forward to lift the bar over the hooks, it is too high. If a significant pressing movement is already required before lifting the bar, it is unnecessarily low.

For the safety racks, height and reach are important. The bar should remain free during a regular repetition and be able to be placed within the designated catch area when needed. Testing with an unloaded bar in the actual training position shows whether both conditions are met. For adjustable press benches, this setting must be reassessed after changing the angle. A position suitable for flat bench pressing is not automatically suitable for incline bench pressing.

What is included in a complete training area for a press station?

Product images often show a loaded station. However, the barbell, weight plates and collars are not automatically included in the delivery. Therefore, when purchasing new equipment, it is worth checking them in this order. First, the bar must fit the bench, then the plates and collars must fit the bar's holders. With existing equipment, it can quickly be determined which parts can be reused.

An integrated weight plate rack should also be distinguished from the barbell rack. The barbell rack supports the bar between sets, while the plate rack keeps unused weights close at hand. If such storage is missing, a separate plate stand should be planned from the outset so that both ends of the bar remain accessible for changing weights.

Suitable accessories for push-up bars.

Hantelstangen in 30 und 50 mm

Barbell bar in 30 and 50 mm
Hantelscheiben 30 und 50 mm

Weight plates 30 and 50 mm
Verschluss in 30mm und 50 mm bei motion sports kaufen

Dumbbell closure in 30 and 50 mm
Hantelscheibenständer bei motion sports kaufen

Weight plate rack for order and safety

All you need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chest Press Machines.

The inside handle dimension is crucial. This is the distance between the inner sides of the two weight plate holders. It must be large enough for the bar and its sleeves to rest on both supports. If the manufacturer specifies a minimum dimension, it can be compared directly with the bar you already have.

The chest press station includes the bench and the associated weight rack. A barbell, weight plates and collars may be shown in the product images but are not included. The stated scope of delivery for the model is decisive. When equipping a gym for the first time, it is therefore worth comparing the total price for the complete training area.

This information alone is not sufficient to determine this. A load limit may refer to the bench, the rack, or specifically to the training weight. If the bench and the barbell rack are rated separately, each limit applies to the specified component. For the permissible barbell weight, the loaded bar including its own weight counts. User weight and training weight must not be added together or interpreted as the permitted barbell load.

For bench pressing without a training partner, adjustable safety racks are an important selection criterion. They must be positioned under the bar where a repetition could be aborted. They must also be adjustable so that they do not obstruct the regular range of motion and catch the bar if necessary. The personal setting can initially be checked with an unloaded bar. A bench with multiple hook heights for the starting position therefore does not yet have safety racks on its own.

The overall height alone is not very informative: For foot contact, the seat height in conjunction with leg length is what matters. For lifting the bar, however, the rack height in relation to arm length is crucial. A good point of comparison is a bench you already use, where your feet stand firmly and you can lift the bar without lifting your shoulders off the pad. For this, the height to the top of the padding and the height of the barbell rack are more useful than the overall height of the machine.

Ordering, Delivery & Care.

Everything you need to know.

What is important before ordering a hydraulic press?

Depending on the model, the dumbbell racks and storage shelves may vary. The barbells, weight plates and collars shown are not necessarily included in the delivery. If an existing barbell is to be used, its inner handle dimension must match the width of the press bench rack.

How is a press brake delivered?

The press brake is delivered by freight carrier. The carrier will notify you in advance of the delivery (pre-advice). Providing a current telephone number when ordering makes it easier to coordinate the delivery date. For onward transport to the installation site, the package dimensions and the weight of the heaviest package are crucial.

What should be considered when assembling the press brake?

Assembly should be carried out according to the instructions for the respective model. Before first use, the bench must be placed on a level, load-bearing surface. For adjustable supports, check that both sides are locked at the same height and all locking pins are fully inserted. An unloaded barbell can then be used to check that the bar rests evenly on both sides.

How should cushions, frames, and shelves be cleaned?

Sweat can be removed from the padding and frame after training with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Cleaning and disinfecting agents should be approved for the respective cover. The protective pads of the dumbbell and emergency racks deserve special attention, as they are stressed every time the bar is placed down. Loose pads, damaged locking pins, or noticeable play in the adjustments should be checked before further use.
motion sports Kundenservice
Personal. Competent. Fast.

Personal advice on choosing the right push-up bench.

Will the barbell you currently have fit the bench you want? Are the safety racks suitable for the bench angle you plan to use? The motion sports team will answer these questions before you buy. For a specific recommendation, please provide the model name, the inside grip width of the barbell, and the available floor space. Feel free to contact us by phone (08142/ 448666), by email or directly at the showroom. Together, we’ll find the optimal solution for your needs.

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