Equipment
The 10 Best Sit Up Benches
What are the best sit up benches?
The best sit up bench for your home gym will offer quality, durability, and versatility without breaking the bank.
Ready to achieve those abs of steel you’ve been putting off in the gym?
Abdominals are notoriously the most challenging and (let’s face it) most annoying muscle group to tone and sculpt.
The crazed 6-pack abs are difficult to achieve and even harder to maintain. With an ab bench in your home gym arsenal, you’ll be showing off that 6-pack in no time.
This post includes ten of the best sit up benches money can buy; from a high-end ab bench to the perfect bench for versatile workouts… this list has it all!
The Best Sit Up Benches Compared
Our equipment lists are created by researching the best-reviewed products from the most reputable companies and web sources.
Here’s our list of the 10 best sit up benches:
In A Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick:
10. Marcy – Sit Up Bench
Not sure if the sit up bench is right for you? No better way to test it out than purchasing a budget option before investing the big bucks.
Or say you utilize various other machines, and you want a sit up bench to have for that off-hand, occasional workout.
The Marcy sit up bench is an ideal option for a low price while still getting a comfortable, durable bench to utilize.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel tube frame for balance and stability
- Powder-coated finish that is water and corrosion-resistant
- 4 incline and decline positions for various muscle-building exercises
- Longer and wider backrest made of high-density leather
- 4 foam-padded handles for grip and stability
- Contoured high-density headrest for neck support
- Easy and compact storage
Cons
- Some reviews claimed the quality felt flimsy
9. Yoleo – Sit Up Bench
Looking for more than just an ab workout? Meet the Yoleo sit up bench!
This bench features a PU leather cover and high-density foam to form the back and support pad. Reinforced heavy-duty steel provides a durable workout experience for any sized user.
Multiple exercise options on this sit up bench means you can target your abs and easily move to other workouts without losing any time.
Pros
- 500-pound weight capacity
- Made of heavy-duty steel with steel bolts and strong welds
- High-density foam for comfort during use
- Includes a weight rack
- Hyper-extension bench offers a variety of strength training
- 3 levels of backrest positions
- 7 levels of supporting pad
- 2 levels of swing tube
- Adjustable utility bench positions: incline, decline, and flat
Cons
- Higher price point
8. Valor Fitness – Sit Up Bench
This unique 20-degree decline sit up bench by Valor Fitness targets abs in a way other benches don’t.
Sculpt your upper and hard-to-tone lower ab muscles using their ergonomic bench design.
Designed for home workouts, you can easily perform all the best-targeted ab exercises, including Russian twists, ab crunches, sit ups, and more.
Develop a strong core and cut abdominal muscles with the Valor Fitness sit up bench.
Pros
- Maximum weight capacity 650 pounds
- 2” x 2” steel frame to prevent rocking during workouts
- Adjustable low roller for support
- Foam rollers contour behind knees for support
- Rubber end caps for increased stability
- Wide seat pad for thigh and upper back support
Cons
- Not the best option for tall users
7. Vanswe – Multi-Functional Sit Up Bench
Shape your abs, back, chest, glutes, and more with the Vanswe sit up bench. For versatile workouts and expert muscle targeting, Vanswe can provide a viable option.
Complete bench presses, shoulder presses, dumbbell curls, sit ups, crunches, and more.
Recommended for users up to 6’2”, this utility bench will help you to achieve the abdominal muscles you’ve been working towards.
Pros
- Maximum weight capacity 650 pounds
- Made of 2″×2″ high-grade steel and scratch-resistant powder-coated finish
- High-density foam supports the back and reduces muscle fatigue
- 2-inch thick thigh foam cushions for midsection support
- Adjustable leg hold-down bar with 4-inch thick foam rollers
- 1 flat and 3 decline bench settings
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Not designed for users over 6’2”
6. Finer Form – Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle
Maintain great form and prevent back strain or pain with the Finer Form sit up bench.
Designed with durability in mind, complete with a support bar that creates a triangular shape for more stability during use.
Sculpt those hard-to-reach lower abdominal muscles and obliques with the reverse crunch handle.
Get the most out of your ab workout routine and target all the muscles you find most difficult to tone along the way.
Pros
- 3 adjustable height positions
- Built from heavy-duty steel
- Maximum weight capacity 300 pounds
- 4-way steel frame for additional support and stability
- Wider, thicker, longer back pad with curved design
- 4” padded foam rollers
- Includes reverse crunch handle
- Support bar to prevent wobbling or shaking
- Grooved rubber feet
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Heavier users may find it wobbly
5. Hanstorm – Sit Up Bench
Work out efficiently with the Hanstorm multi-functional sit up bench. With functions including leg extensions, upper arm movements, push-ups, arm stretching, and more.
The attached resistance bands allow for targeted movements and additional sculpting compared to a traditional sit up bench.
Pros
- Triangular support design to support balance and stability
- Maximum weight capacity 330 pounds
- Arrives mostly assembled
- Equipped with 0.6-inch thickened steel pipe
- 3 back positions for full-body workouts
- Adjustable bench decline angle of 30-45 degrees
- Fold up for storage or to save space
- Includes monitor/ timer
Cons
- A bit pricey but worth the investment
4. Finer Form – Multi-Functional Sit Up Bench
Target most muscle groups and shape your abs, back, chest, core, and more with the Finer Form sit up bench.
Perfect your technique and build muscle strength using this multi-functional sit up bench to support your fitness goals.
For our heavier lifters, have the peace of mind knowing this sit up bench is durable, stable, and offers a maximum weight capacity of 660 pounds.
Pros
- Maximum weight capacity 660 pounds
- Made with high-grade steel and a powder-coated finish that is scratch-resistant
- Decline and flat bench settings
- 4 foot adjustment settings
- 8 thigh support cushions for smooth movements
- Supporting tubes prevent wobbling and shaking
- Triangle support frame
Cons
- Difficult assembly
- The common critical review is that the bench is too short
3. YouTen – Sit Up Bench
Our favorite splurge bench on this list is the YouTen sit up bench.
With a higher price point comes a sleek design, more functionality, better options in position adjustments, and additional stability during use.
Boasting a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, YouTen offers a durable, customizable ab workout for any fitness level.
Pros
- Maximum weight capacity 1,000 pounds
- 4-way adjustable seat angles
- 9-way adjustable backrest
- 3-way decline, incline, and flat bench positions
- Easily fold and store away
- Ergonomic design and improved cushion padding
- 4-way leg hold down bar
- Detachable handles for dragon flag exercise
Cons
- Many users say the bench does not lay flat
2. Finer Form – Sit Up Bench
Diversify your ab workouts with the Finer Form sit up bench! Designed to last through vigorous training and multiple users, Finer Form gets our vote for best in commercial quality.
Sculpt your abs, and also complete leg lifts, situps, and reverse crunches all from the same bench. Tone your core and build on the hard work you’ve already accomplished.
With a weight capacity of 600 pounds, you’ll feel supported through every exercise and more capable of achieving your abdominal goals.
Pros
- Solid steel tubing for durability
- Adjustable 3-level foot rollers for all sized users
- Extra bench length for the taller, larger user
- High-grade steel for the ab crunch handle
- Includes reverse crunch handle
Cons
- Pricey option
- A few users have claimed the bench feels or looks unsteady
1. XMark – Sit Up Bench
XMark is the clear winner in this post!
Honing in on comfort, quality, durability, and convenience knock this one out of the park for us.
Using the XMark sit up bench, you can achieve whatever fitness goal you have in mind — from abs and core strength to shrinking your waist or simply improving overall muscle tone and sculpting.
XMark can help you get there with this impressive, durable sit up bench!
Pros
- 12 levels of decline adjustment
- Bullhorn handlebar for safe mounting and dismounting
- Includes rear transport wheels for easy storage
- Heavy-duty 11-gauge steel frame
- 2”x3” back support
- Extra-thick double-stitched vinyl cushions
- Sweat and tear-resistant Duraguard material
Cons
- Difficult assembly
- Ideal for larger users
FAQs About Sit Up Benches
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options and features included in a sit up bench?
Here are some commonly asked questions about sit up benches and what you should look for.
Q: What is the benefit of a sit up bench?
Sit up benches are not often considered a versatile piece of equipment, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Ab benches improve and strengthen abdominal muscles through consistent use and correct form.
They also strengthen various muscles throughout the body, including hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, and more.
Sit up benches also burn fat because they force your muscles to work harder, and as more energy is used, more fat is burned.
While burning fat is a great way to lose weight, we always recommend eating a balanced diet and researching your options in protein and supplements.
Sit up benches also reduce the risk of injury and allow the user to have total control of their workout.
Q: Are sit-up benches effective?
Fitness gurus around the world will all agree — the best technique to target your abdominal muscles (particularly the lower abs, which are notoriously hard to tone) is by using a decline position.
Why, you may ask?
Because you aren’t lying on a flat surface, the ab muscles have to work much harder to activate and execute the exercises you’re doing.
Sit up benches also offer a variety of other exercises, like chest presses and curls.
Q: What can you do with a sit up bench?
There’s an impressive variety of exercises you can do on a sit up bench.
These include: leg raises, reverse ab crunches, ab twists, decline sit ups, Russian twists, chest presses, and many more.
Sit up benches are ideal for small spaces because many of them can be folded up and stored away.
If your home gym or workout space requires compact equipment, be sure to research options that can provide quality and also fold up.
Q: Does a sit up bench work?
Because ab benches operate in a decline position, they are an excellent option for toning abs and isolating muscles.
While they often have a reputation for being non-versatile, you can use a sit up bench for a variety of other workouts and exercises to target your core.
Many people don’t realize that a strong core, abdominal and back muscles can prevent injury and help you sustain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Q: How To Choose / Which To Choose?
When selecting the best sit up bench for your home gym, it’s essential to consider a few things.
Size and Space
Some sit up benches cater more towards larger users, some are better fit for shorter people, and some aim to work for everyone.
The best ab bench is the one you feel comfortable on, with no wobbling or shaking. Stability matters!
Know the user weight capacity and the length of the bench, as well as the adjustable options of the foot roller. Comfort is key to finding a sit up bench that will work for you.
Make sure you measure and know the dimensions of the sit up bench you buy so you can be sure it will fit in your space.
Durability
They all claim to be durable but do your research on what reputable brands can provide a stable and secure experience for you.
Your sit up bench should be made of high-quality steel, and the padding should be extremely durable and made for years of use.
Summary
The sit up bench is a fantastic multipurpose workout tool that you should consider adding to your home gym.
If building abdominal strength and having a killer 6-pack is on your To-Do list, be sure to invest in a high-quality sit up bench that will work best for you to achieve your goals.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best sit up benches:
- XMark – Sit Up Bench
- Finer Form – Sit Up Bench
- YouTen – Sit Up Bench
- Finer Form – Multi-Functional Sit Up Bench
- Hanstorm – Sit Up Bench
- Finer Form – Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle
- Vanswe – Multi-Functional Sit Up Bench
- Valor Fitness – Sit Up Bench
- Yoleo – Sit Up Bench
- Marcy -Sit Up Bench
