Flat bench – the basis for strength training

The flat bench - for heavy bench presses

The flat bench is an essential training tool for all strength athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Heavy-duty, superb handling, and exceptional stability are the key features of our weight benches. A load capacity of up to 750 kg is therefore not uncommon. Due to these features, this weight bench is particularly suitable for the basic exercise of the bench press. Stability and high load-bearing capacity are essential for safe and intensive training. Due to their handling characteristics and balanced weight, flat benches are versatile. Therefore, rowing, shoulder, and bicep exercises, as well as other strength exercises, are also popular on these benches. As the name "flat bench" implies, the user only has the option of lying flat on the bench or sitting upright on the weight bench. Our flat benches are made of robust steel and high-quality materials to ensure durability and safety during training. The solid steel frame forms the base of the bench and ensures stability—no unwanted wobbling or other movement of the weight bench! The weight benches feature full-length back cushions for an extremely comfortable reclining experience. Furthermore, the continuous support surface allows for improved body tension for greater strength and safety.

What are the advantages of a flat bench?

1. Versatility: A flat bench forms the foundation of strength training. The weight bench allows exercisers to perform a wide variety of exercises, targeting different muscle groups. From classic bench presses for the chest muscles to seated bicep curls and tricep dips, the flat bench enables varied training routines for both beginners and experienced athletes.

2. In addition to its flat design, the flat bench offers the advantage of being comparatively narrow. This allows users to perform exercises like bench presses or flyes with a larger range of motion . The larger radius leads to a longer muscle contraction, which results in greater muscle stimulation and muscle growth.

3. Space-saving solution: The compact design of the flat bench makes it the ideal choice for training at home in your own home gym. The ATX® flat bench with optional attachment is particularly compact, flexible, and space-saving . By using additional options, this flat bench enables a comprehensive and effective range of exercises. Thus, the flat bench is not only designed to save space but also allows for a flexible and extensive range of exercises.

4. IPF flat benches : Some of our heavy-duty flat benches are IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) standardized and therefore approved for competition use. The ATX® Flat Bench Pro flat bench, in particular, impresses with its stability and resilience. Thanks to its torsion-free construction made of 70 x 70 mm thick profiled steel tubing and additional, reinforcing gusset plates, the flat bench can support a load of up to 750 kg! Its weight of 21.3 kg makes this flat bench extremely stable. In addition, the rubberized feet protect the surface and ensure maximum slip resistance.

5. Combined seat and backrest cushions: Flat benches have a continuous seat and backrest. The advantage of this is that the construction is designed without adjustment mechanisms, allowing for significantly greater load-bearing capacity. In addition, a continuous cushioned surface provides a more comfortable lying surface for the user than separate seat and back cushions.

Why buy a flat bench?

Do you regularly perform strength training exercises lying down or in an upright position and don't need an adjustable backrest? Then a flat bench is perfect for you. Stable, safe, comfortable, and easy to handle characterize our ATX flat benches. A swivel handle and transport wheels make positioning some models very easy. The flat bench is a key piece of equipment for strength training. However, this training only works in combination with barbells, dumbbells, or other weights. Feel free to check out our barbells and dumbbells .

Which is better: flat bench or incline bench?

Fundamentally, the choice between a flat bench and an incline bench depends solely on individual goals and training preferences. So, which type of weight bench is better cannot be answered in this context. Regarding chest training, a flat bench is the ideal weight bench for flat bench presses. The continuous padding provides maximum comfort and support. Bench presses on a flat bench specifically train the middle and lower chest muscles.

In contrast, the incline bench allows you to perform bench presses at a specific angle—usually between 30 and 45 degrees. This places a greater strain on the upper pectoral muscles. This adjustment option makes the incline bench particularly useful for athletes who want to specifically train their upper pectoral muscles.

For a comprehensive chest workout, a combination of both benches is ideal: The flat bench provides a solid foundation, while the incline bench allows for specific targeting of the upper muscle groups. Therefore, anyone who wants to get the most out of their chest workout will benefit from both benches in the long run.