Looking to get those shredded Hollywood abs like Chirs Hemsworth or Jason Momoa? Then you better be willing to work hard.
Related: 10 Awesome At-Home Workouts for Men
Abs are one of the hardest parts of the body to sculpt and define as your stomach usually carries the highest amount of visceral fat.
Training your abs takes diligence and hard work.
Luckily, there are gym machines out there, such as sit up benches, that can help optimize your ad workouts.
Sit up benches allow you to perform sit-ups with a much wider range of motion than doing them on the ground, and opens up the possibility for modifications to the exercises to target specific muscle groups.
With that in mind, we are going to cover the top 10 sit-up benches to get that perfect ab workout.
These benches have been ranked based on their quality, versatility in the home gym, and durability, among other features.
Top 10 Sit Up Benches to Consider
1. Bowflex 5.1S Stowable Bench
Bowflex is a favored name among fitness enthusiasts for its line of quality home gym products. The SelectTech adjustable bench features 5 adjustment angles and can fold up completely for storage purposes. The leg brace is removable and the frame is crafted from heavy-duty steel.
The bottom of the frame features durable rubber foot ends that have good traction. The bench has a wide range of angles but is curiously missing two common ones: 30- and 60-degrees. The entire bench is light and easy enough to move, but it does not have wheels.
Highlights
- Commercial quality steel frame
- 6 adjustment angles
- Light and easy to assemble
- Thick and comfy seat padding
- Very reasonable price
Drawbacks/cons
- No wheels
- Legs are wide-spaced; may be hard to put in narrow spaces
What’s Included
- Bench
- Removable footstool
- Rubber foot ends
Features
- Capacity: 600 lbs
- Material: Steel and upholstery
- Design: Easy one-hand adjust
- Color(s): Red/black
- Dimensions: 61” x 28” x 49”
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and solution
- Warranty: 15-year warranty on the frame
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal
It is very light and has a great range of adjustable settings. Assembly is easy and the bench is easy to move around.
Bottom Line
The Bowflex SelectTech Bench is another home-run from Bowflex. The low weight, durable materials, high weight capacity, and versatility make it one of the best home gym benches out there. It’s also reasonably priced.
Where You Can Buy It
2. Rogue Ab-3 Adjustable Bench
The Rogue Ab-3 is a workout bench designed for dynamic training and is perfect for athletes of all stripes. It is descended from the Nebula 1080 Utility Bench, a classic sit-up bench that has received much praise. The Rogue has over 50 seat and back-rest positions so you can adjust the angles to get the maximum sit-up position.
The bench is made from thick 11-gauge steel that still manages to be light and easy to move around. The telescopic footrest is detachable and can be adjusted for sit-ups, decline presses, incline presses, and more.
Rubber feet on the bottom keep good traction and there is also a convenient handle so you can tip the bench and wheel it around like a dolly.
Highlights
- Extremely durable and tough 11 gauge steel construction
- Removable footstool
- Handle and wheels make it easy to move
- 50+ adjustable positions
Drawbacks/cons
- Expensive
- The seat can come loose
What’s Included
- Bench
- Removable footrest
Features
- Capacity: Not indicated
- Material: Steel frame, foam pads, rubber feet
- Design: Light and simple frame
- Color(s): Black
- Dimensions: 68”x12”x18” (LxWxH)
- Maintenance: Clean with cleaning solution and cloth
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal
It is very versatile and heavy-duty. You can perform several different exercises at varying levels of resistance and decline/incline.
Bottom Line
The Rogue is definitely on the pricey side but it’s simply one of the best sit up benches out there. The quality, durability, and flexibility make it a smart purchase.
Where You Can Buy It
3. Fitness Reality X-Class Light Commercial Multi-Workout Abdominal/Hyper Back Extension Bench
Fitness Reality provides an affordable and durable sit up bench perfect to use in your home. The X-Class commercial workout bench is more than just a sit-up bench and can be used for dumbbell exercises and, as the name implies, back extensions.
The X-Class has 1 flat and 3 decline bench adjustments. That is not too many, to be honest, so the range is not that great. The seats are stitched with a sweat-resistant vinyl and it includes transportation wheels.
It has wide legs so it’s very stable and it has a high weight capacity. It also has nifty hand bars near the footrest if you want to do leg raises, push-ups, and other related exercises.
Highlights
- Very affordable
- Moisture and sweat-resistant seat coverings
- Medium density foam is comfy but not too soft
- Push up and dip handlebars
Drawbacks/cons
- Not many adjustment positions
- The back pad is somewhat short
What’s Included:
- Bench
- Transportation wheels
Features
- Capacity: 650 lbs.
- Material: Steel and vinyl
- Design: Heavier and more robust
- Color(s): Black
- Dimensions: 64” x 28.8” x 32.5”
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and solution
- Warranty: 10-year frame warranty, 3-year part warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal.
It’s very affordable and easy to set up; it makes a good beginner bench. Then handlebars open up more options for exercises too.
Bottom Line
The X-Class is an affordable and competent sit up bench that is good for many uses. The adjustment selection is limited but the handlebars and extra exercise options make up for that shortcoming.
Where You Can Buy It
4. Rep Fitness Adjustable Bench – AB 3000 FID
This extremely high-capacity sit-up bench is probably one of the most sturdy on the market. The Rep Fitness is made from an ASTM rated steel and features seats with moisture-resistant vinyl covers. The Rep Fitness has 7 ladder adjustments and 4 seat positions for a total of 28 different adjustment positions.
The Rep Fitness is extra wide at the shoulders which makes it uniquely suited for lifting. The extra-wide top surface allows you to stay stable while handling dumbbells. Best of all, all materials are manufactured in the USA.
There is one problem we noticed though. It doesn’t come with rubber feet so if you use it on a hard surface it can slide. You can fix this on your own without too much trouble but it would be better if they added some feet. There do not seem to be any wheels for transportation either.
Highlights
- Extremely durable steel frame
- Extra-wide back seat good for lifting
- Thick and durable seat pads
- Affordable
Drawbacks/cons
- No feet pads
- No wheels
What’s Included
- Bench
Features
- Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Material: Steel and vinyl
- Design: Heavy-duty and weighty. Great stability.
- Color(s): Black, red, blue
- Dimensions: 54” x 26” 75”
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and soap
- Warranty: 10-year frame warranty, 30-day seat warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal.
The Rep Fitness has an unusually high weight capacity and is very heavy-duty. The extra-wide back seat gives more stability for more exercises and the footrest is highly adjustable for sit-ups
Bottom Line
The Rep Fitness is basically like a heavy-duty bench you would find a professional gym, though it manages to be very affordable. The only downsides are the lack of footpads and the lack of wheels for transportation.
Where You Can Buy It
5. Stamina Pro Ab/Hyper Bench
Sitting at the halfway point is the Stamina Pro Ab Bench. The Stamina Pro is a light and unobtrusive bench perfect for a home gym. It can be used for sit-ups, dumbbell exercises, and back extensions.
The frame is made from steel and the seats are stitched with durable upholstery. The Stamina Pro features extended hand grips which make leg raises and extensions easier to perform. The bench itself can be adjusted to 4 levels.
Overall it’s probably not the best sit up bench out there, but it is affordable and able to be used for many things. It’s only 42 lbs too.
Highlights
- Small and easy to fit in any room
- Foam rollers pivot for extra comfort
- Folds up completely for storage
- Good for hyperextensions
Drawbacks/cons
- Not very adjustable
- Seat pads are not that durable
- Relatively low capacity
What’s Included
- Bench
- Foam rollers
Features
- Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Material: Steel and upholstery
- Design: Light and portable design
- Color(s): Gray
- Dimensions: 36” x 17” x 7” (seat dimensions)
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and solution
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal.
It’s light, easy to use, and allows for a wide range of simple exercises.
Bottom Line
The Stamina Pro is a good entry-level sit up bench that can also do other things. The best feature is the extended handlebars but there are no wheels.
Where You Can Buy It
6. Finer Form Sit Up Bench
The Finer Form Sit Up Bench is a very simple bench with an extra-wide seat. This gym-quality bench is made from high-strength steel with an extra thick curved backboard. The curved backboard helps get more range of motion in your situps.
The Finer Form also features a unique reverse crunch handle and newly added support bars that add to the overall stability. Assembly is pretty straightforward and only requires some common household tools. It is much wider than something like the Stamina Pro, so it may be harder to fit in smaller spaces.
Highlights
- Extra-wide back seat
- Very stable
- Unique reverse crunch handle
Drawbacks/cons
- Not very adjustable
- Wide and somewhat awkward to move
What’s Included:
- Bench
Features
- Capacity: Not listed
- Material: Steel and vinyl
- Design: Extra-wide main seat
- Color(s): Black
- Dimensions: 43” x 13 x 2 (pad size)
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and solution
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal.
It is very simple, light, and easy to use. The curved backboard is great for extended situps and crunches.
Bottom Line
The Finer Form does not have any fancy bells and whistles but it does what it’s designed to do well. The extra-wide backboard and reverse crutch handle are two features that distinguish it from other ab benches.
Where You Can Buy It
7. X Mark Adjustable Decline Ab Bench
This ergonomic bench is designed to be ultimately adjustable. It has 12 levels of decline and a 47-inch rail with multiple locking positions for the seat. The wide range of adjustability lets you modify exercises to target muscle groups.
We like the bullhorn grip that makes mounting and dismounting the bench easier. The sturdy rear wheels make it easy to move as well. Most important is the extremely durable steel frame that is wide-set and very stable. You won’t experience any rocking motion while working out.
The bench is made for decline exercises so it doesn’t lie flat very well.
Highlights
- Extra-wide base
- Highly adjustable
- Easy to mount.dismount
Drawbacks/cons
- The wide base is hard to fit in small rooms
- Wheels can jam
What’s Included:
- Bench
- Bullhorn handlebar
Features
- Capacity: Not listed
- Material: Steel and vinyl
- Design: Wide-set decline bench
- Color(s): Black/gray
- Dimensions: 61” x 20” x 47”
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and solution
- Warranty: Limited lifetime frame warranty, 1-year hardware warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal.
It’s an ideal home sit up bench and is super easy to use. The bullhorn handle is good for stabilizing yourself and mounting/dismounting in a decline position.
Bottom Line
The XMark is a fantastic and affordable sit up bench that is simple yet versatile. The one problem we noticed is that the bench does not really lie flat.
Where You Can Buy It
8. Marcy Utility Slant Board
The Marcy Utility Slant Board is designed mostly for decline situps and lifting. It’s made from heavy-duty steel tube piping and thick vinyl seat cushions. The Slant Board has 4 adjustable positions and a longer backrest than normal.
The best part of the Slant Board is how easy it is to use. Assembly is simple and it’s small and portable enough to fit in most rooms of your house. It lacks slightly on the adjustability side, though it’s designed for more casual use, so that’s not a huge deal.
Highlights
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to adjust pin system
- Durable steel tube construction
Drawbacks/cons
- Small
- Low adjustability
What’s Included
- Bench
Features
- Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Material: Steel and vinyl
- Design: Portable decline board, easily adjustable
- Color(s): Red/black
- Dimensions: 58.5” x 18” x 29”
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and solution
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal.
It is a great small sit up bench for fast and efficient ab shredding routines. Decline sit-ups target the lower part of your abs.
Bottom Line
The Marcy Utility Slant Board is a great exercise bench that is uniquely suited for decline-style exercises. It is also very affordable.
Where You Can Buy It
9. Relife Sit-up Bench
The Relife Adjustable Sit Up Bench features an extra-wide curved back seat panel that gives it high stability and makes it good for lifting exercises. The solid steel construction is exceedingly durable and it features 7 levels of decline adjustability.
The back frame legs also have hooks designed for attaching bungee ropes. This gives you a way to turn the bench into a rowing machine and perform resistance exercises. Assembly is straightforward, however, we notice it has a lower weight capacity than you’d expect at only 250 lbs.
Highlights
- The extra-wide and curved back seat allows for more range of motion
- Adaptable and versatile
- Push up handles near the headrest
- Resistance band capability is a nice touch
Drawbacks/cons
- Wide and awkward to move
- Lower weight capacity than average
What’s Included:
- Bench
- Elastic resistance bands
Features
- Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Material: Steel and vinyl
- Design: Extra-wide back panel
- Color(s): Black/red
- Dimensions: 56.7” x 13.8” x 31.5”
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and solution
- Warranty: No warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal.
The wide seat and resistance band options allow for more flexibility in the gym.
Bottom Line
The Relife is a decent home bench whose only handicap is its lower than average weight capacity. The addition of resistance bands is a great feature that opens up new workout routines.
Where You Can Buy It
10. Costway Adjustable Arc-Shaped Decline Sit-up Bench
Last but not least on our roundup is the Costway Adjustable Arc-Shaped decline bench. As the name implies, it’s unique arc shape is meant for getting extra extension out of decline exercises.
The Costway has 6 ladder adjustments and 2 seat adjustments for a total of 12 unique positions total. It’s made from high-strength steel and durable vinyl material. The ergonomic curve supports the natural shape of the spine for more comfort and safety while exercising.
The machine is designed for ab workouts, so it is not too versatile. However, it performs extremely well when using it for its intended purpose of decline ab exercises.
Highlights
- Unique arc shape mimics the shape of the spine
- Push up handles near the headrest
- Removable foam rollers
Drawbacks/cons
- Some instability
- Somewhat narrow
- Not very versatile
What’s Included:
- Bench
Features
- Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Material: Steel and vinyl
- Design: Arc-design mimic the shape of the spine
- Color(s): Black
- Dimensions: 40” x 12” x 27”
- Maintenance: Clean with cloth and solution
- Warranty: 90-day warranty
Why it’s good for the intended Usage/Goal.
The arc shape back panel is great for decline exercises and it has useful push up handles near the headrest.
Bottom Line
The Costway is a good affordable, entry-level decline bench for targeted ab workouts. It is not the most versatile bench and has some stability issues though. The warranty is also rather skimpy.
Where You Can Buy It
What to Look for When Buying a Good Sit Up Bench
Not all sit up benches are made equal and some will have different features than others. Before buying, make sure to take stock of the following features/considerations.
Size & Portability
A good sit up bench is large enough to fit a person of any size but also small enough that you can move it around without too much effort. We would not recommend buying a bench that is more than 100 lbs.
It also helps if the bench is designed to be moved easily. Most sit up benches have at least two wheels that you can use by raising the bench with the handle.
Most sit up benches can be taken apart to a certain extent. Typically, you will be able to remove any footrests or seat pads. Having a bench that can disassemble is good for cleaning, storage, and transportation purposes.
Your Budget
The average sit-up bench can run you anywhere between $200–$600. Higher-end models may fall in the $1k+ region. Unless you are a huge fitness buff and want to build a state-of-the-art home gym, you likely won’t want to drop a grand on a sit-up bench.
In that case, you can get a perfectly competent and reliable bench for around ~$400. Keep in mind that this number is just an estimation. There may be a ~$200 bench that performs just as well as a ~$400 one.
Ease of Use
Obviously, your sit up bench needs to be easy to use. By “easy to use” we mean that it should be simple to adjust the seating pads, remove any fixtures, and move it around where you want. Most sit up benches tend to be pretty simple machines and don’t come with all kinds of complex bells and whistles.
Easy to Clean
Workout benches can get sweaty and grimy quickly. You should look for simple materials that are easy to clean, like vinyl and other composite materials. Most of the time, you can wipe down a sit-up bench with just a normal cleaning solution and a rag.
It is generally a good idea to give your bench surfaces a thorough wipe-down after each use.
Material/Build
Sit up benches have 2 major parts: the frame and the seat pads. The best material for the frame is light or durable, like steel or composite material. A decent workout bench can hold a max capacity of around 400 lbs, though max capacity fluctuates depending on the bench.
As far as seat pads, the best material is a durable high impact PU foam for the cushion and a durable covering like vinyl.
Brand Reputation & Warranty
Buying from a reputable company gives you a better chance of buying something high-quality. Companies with good reputations usually have them for a good reason; they provide products people love.
You should also check out any warranties. Ideally, you won’t have any equipment problems, but in the case you do, you will appreciate having some recourse to replace any damaged items. Keep in mind most ab benches have different warranty coverage for the frame and other hardware.
User Feedback and Reviews
Product descriptions can only give you so much information. Make sure to check out individual customer reviews to get a better feel for how the product works for normal people. Thankfully, people tend to be pretty honest on the internet, so customer reviews can be insightful.
Customer reviews can also give clues to things that may not be explicitly mentioned in official product descriptions. Unfortunately, some companies are not accurate with their claims and product reviews can help you figure out if they are exaggerating claims.
Sit Up Bench FAQ
What is the Best Sit up Bench for Tall Guys and Gals?
From our list, the best sit up bench for tall guys and gals is probably the Rogue Ab-3. It is the longest bench out of the ones we covered.
Are Ab Benches Effective?
Absolutely. Ab benches are extremely effective for targeting ab muscle groups.
Are Sit-up Benches Bad for Your Back?
Not if you use them correctly. If you have back problems, then there may be an alternative to workout benches for you.
Are Sit-up Bars any Good?
Sit up bars can be useful but they lack the mass and traction to make them as effective as sit up benches.
What Are the Weight Limits on Sit-up Benches?
The average sit up bench has a max capacity of 250-600 lbs. Heavy-duty benches can hold 600-1,000 lbs.
Can You use Ab Benches for Other Exercises?
Yes, you can use ab benches for dumbbell exercises, pushup, rows, and more. The only limit is how creative you are.
I Want to Buy Online, Is a Sit-up Bench Easy to Assemble?
In general yes. Some benches can be assembled by hand while others only need common tools like a screwdriver.
What Is the Difference Between an Expensive and Cheap Bench?
It comes down to quality. Expensive benches tend to be made with better materials and are better engineered for optimal performance. Cheaper benches can still be decent but they are more likely to have lower-quality materials and less precise performance.
