Are you tired of looking like a clueless newbie at the gym? Well, fear not, my aspiring weightlifter. Today, we're going to delve into the art of adjusting your gym bench!
Adjusting that magnificent piece of strength equipment is often a task that leaves people scratching their heads in bewilderment.
But with this handy article, you’ll become a master of bench manipulation in just a few minutes and finish with a perfectly adjusted bench tailored to your lifting needs.
Let's dive in!
How To Adjust A Gym Bench
How to adjust a weight bench is actually quite simple. Here are the steps.
1. Adjust The Back Pad
The back pad is the foundation upon which your weight bench empire rests. Proper adjustment is vital to avoid feeling like a newbie during your workouts.
Here's how to get it just right:
- Locate the adjustment pin. It's usually situated on the side or back of the bench. While lifting up slightly on the back pad with one hand, give the pin a gentle tug with your other hand. It should pop out and if you keep it pulled out, it will allow you to adjust the back pad.
- Choose your angle. Decide whether you want to go fully vertical, a 45-degree angle, or just a slight incline. Once you decide, move the bench pad to the angle of your choice.
- Secure the back pad. Once you've selected your desired angle, let go of the pop pin and move the bench pad up & down until the pin finds the hole and clicks into place. Give the pad a good shake to ensure it's locked securely — you don't want any wobbly surprises
2. Adjust The Seat Pad
The seat pad is the throne that cradles your glutes during your lifting endeavours. To ensure a regal experience, follow these steps:
- Locate the seat adjustment lever. It's usually positioned on the side or underneath the seat pad. While lifting up slightly on the seat pad with one hand, give the pin a gentle tug with your other hand. It should pop out and if you keep it pulled out, it will allow you to adjust the seat pad.
- Choose your angle. Adjust the seat pad upwards or downwards to align with your preferred position for the exercise you’ll be doing. Once you decide, move the pad to the angle of your choice.
- Secure the seat pad. Once you've selected your desired angle, let go of the pop pin and move the seat pad up & down until the pin finds the hole and clicks into place. Try lifting it up & down, which should firmly resist. Feel that stability? That's the sensation of security.
3. Move The Bench
Now that you're a pro at adjusting the pads, let's tackle the challenge of moving your gym bench with ease.
- Grab the handle. It's usually situated at the base of the bench. If there’s not a clear handle for you to use then grab the actual leg post.
- Stand up. While holding the handle or post, stand up. This should allow the wheels to kick it.
- Wheel it into position. With the wheels engaged, you can now wheel the bench to wherever you need it.
- Set the bench down. Simply set the bench back down on the floor and then get lifting!
Final Thoughts
Even if you have a heavy-duty weight bench, adjusting one is fairly straightforward: adjust the back pad, then the seat pad, then wheel the bench wherever you need it.
Be mindful of others and reset the bench to a flat position when you’re done with it.
You're now equipped with the knowledge to adjust your gym bench like a seasoned pro. Step into the gym with confidence and conquer those weights!
