Abs need to be aggressively worked to achieve and maintain that coveted six-pack profile. With abs, it’s all about resistance which is why adjustable sit up benches are the preferred instrument for achieving rock-solid abdominal muscles. Though a sit up bench is only as effective as you are dedicated, the right ab bench can make a big difference in the quality of your workout.
In this article, we reveal the 10 best sit up benches on the current market.
Top 10 Best Sit Up Benches of 2023 Tested/Ranked
- Best Sit Up Bench Overall — XMark 4416.1 12 Position Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench
- Best Value Sit Up Bench — JUFIT Sit Up Bench
- Best Sit Up Bench for Leg Support — Valor Fitness DF1 Decline Flat Bench
- Best Sit Up Bench for Height Adjustment — Body-Solid GAB60 Adjustable Ab Board
- Best Sit Up Bench for Hyperextension — Finer Form Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle
- Best Sit Up Bench for Spinal Support — Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board
- Best Sit Up Bench for Neck Support — Marcy Sit Up Bench
- Best Sit Up Bench for Versatility — Yoleo Sit Up Bench
- Best Heavy Duty Sit Up Bench — Vanswe Weight Bench Multifunctional Sit Up Bench
- Best Sit Up Bench with Bands — Hanstorm Adjustable Folding Sit Up Bench
How Much Do the Best Sit Up Benches Cost?
There is quite a range in the price you can pay for a sit up table. Here’s a quick rundown of our 10 best sit up benches for an easy cost comparison —
| Category | Product | Name | Price | Why We Love It |
| Best Overall |  |
XMark Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench | $364.00 | Comes with a bullhorn handle to help you get on and off and has 12 position angle adjustments. |
| Best Value |  |
JUFIT Sit Up Bench | $149.00 | Has one of the thickest (and most comfortable) bench padding. |
| Best Leg Support |  |
Valor Fitness Bench | $289.00 | Can hold up to 600 pounds and comes with built-in wheels for easy portability and storage. |
| Best Height Adjustment |  |
Body-Solid GAB60 Adjustable Ab Board | $299.00 | Innovative design for maximum resistance. Oversize knee and leg rollers for added comfort. |
| Best for Spinal Support |  |
Finer Form Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle | $149.99 | Has a solid 14-gauge tube steel framing. |
| Best for Hyperextension |  |
Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board | $249.00 | The Fitness Reality sit up bench has a tapered design and comes with push up and dip handles. |
| Best for Neck Support |  |
Marcy Apex Utility Sit Up Bench | $76.19 | The wide backrest allows a better training experience. |
| Best for Versatility |  |
Yoleo Adjustable Weight Bench | $124.99 | Has seven adjustable positions and a hyperextension pad. |
| Best Heavy Duty |  |
Vanswe Weight Bench | $139.99 | Comes with four-inch foam padding and can handle upto 650 pounds user weight. |
| Best with Bands |  |
Hanstorm Adjustable Folding Sit Up Bench | $157.99 | Includes resistance bands, rollers, thick padding, full foam knee pads. |
Check Out: Abs Circuit Workout: Training and Nutrition Tips for a Six-Pack
Top 10 Best Sit Up Benches of 2023
Best Sit Up Bench Overall
The best overall sit up bench represents the best mix of angle adjustability, solid frame design, ease of getting into position, comfort, functionality, and support.
XMark 4416.1 12 Position Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench
The XMark 4416.1 12 Position Sit Up Bench is our top choice due to its unbeatable combination of functionality, user comfort, solid design, versatility, and price. With 12 levels of decline adjustment, it offers an unbeatable choice in terms of angle positioning, which allows you to incrementally increase the intensity of your core workout.
The bullhorn handle allows you to get on and off the bench easily, which can be tricky on some of the ab tables. The heavy-duty 11-gauge steel frame is among the strongest on the market. (Note: The lower the gauge, the stronger the steel.)
The 2×3-inch back support gets the right balance between back support and comfort and stability while doing weighted exercises on the bench. The extra stitched vinyl covering is water and sweat-resistant.
Who should buy the XMark 4416.1 12 Position Bench?
- People who want a range of angle adjustments.
- Folks who want support to get on and off the bench.
- Those who want a super-strong and sturdy bench.
Who shouldn’t buy the XMark 4416.1 12 Position Bench?
- People who want a low-price bench.
- Those who want extra features such as bands.
XMark 12 Position Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench Coupon
XMark 12 Position Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench Coupon
XMark 4416.1 Sit Up Bench's 12 position angle adjustment and solid design make it a must-have for your garage gym. The high decline of the bench will leave you sore after your ab workouts.
Related: 4 Best Joe Weider Home Gyms Reviewed For 2022
Best Value Sit Up Bench
The best value bench represents the best combination of price, quality, and features, and is the best band for your buck.
JUFIT Sit Up Bench
The JuFit Sit Up table is a curved abdominal training bench that comes with a pair of resistance bands attached to its base. You also get a spring expander which allows you to improve your upper body strength. The weight capacity of this bench is 350 pounds, and the heavy-duty steel frame makes for a very rigid ab table. The ultra-thick 1.6-inch bench padding provides your spine with a good level of support.
Who should buy the JUFIT Bench?
- People who want the best value bench on the market.
- Folks who are after built-in resistance bands on their bench.
Who should not buy the JUFIT Bench?
- Folks who require a very heavy-duty, high max weight bench.
- Those wanting a lot of bench adjustability.
JUFIT Sit Up Bench Coupon
JUFIT Sit Up Bench Coupon
The JUFIT Sit Up Bench combines comfort with utility. The ab table comes with attached resistance bands which can help train your abs, shoulder, arms, and chest.
Related: 13 Best Resistance Bands Reviewed for 2023
Best for Leg Support
Solid leg support when you’re using the bench in a decline position will keep your body secure. However, it needs to do so without being a pain in the shins. The Valor fitness DF1 bench does that better than most other sit up benches on the market.
Valor Fitness DF1 Decline Flat Bench
With good reason, many people consider Valor Fitness DF1 Decline Flat Bench the best adjustable ab bench. The bench is stable and comfortable, with the contoured shin supports being a welcome touch. 11-gauge steel construction ensures this bench won’t flinch under pressure, and the 12 decline positions mean there’s not a muscle in your core that’s going to escape serious work.
Who should buy the Valor Fitness DF1 Flat/Decline Bench?
- People who love doing decline bench exercises.
- Those who want a lot of precise angle adjustment.
Who shouldn’t buy the Valor Fitness DF1 Flat/Decline Bench?
- Those who want built-in resistance such as bands or an expander.
- People who want an easy to assemble bench.
Valor Fitness DF1 Decline Flat Bench Coupon
Valor Fitness DF1 Decline Flat Bench Coupon
The Valor Fitness DF-1 Adjustable Decline/Flat Bench is a great bench if you're into weight training. Besides ab training, you can use the bench for a plethora of dumbbell exercises.
Best Sit Up Bench for Height Adjustment
Benches must be designed just right to provide optimum ab stimulation. The ergonomic angling of our best bench for abs does a better job than anything else we’ve come across.
Body-Solid GAB60 Adjustable Ab Board
The Body-Solid Ab Board displays a no-nonsense design underpinned by ingenious engineering that directs the focus of your workout where it should be — on your abs. A few minutes of working your way through the various angles and enjoying the wide and comfortable upholstery should win over any doubters. If you spend some time with this adjustable decline bench at its most extreme angle, you’ll understand why so many believe this to be the best ab bench on the market.
You get a 12 decline adjustment option on this bench. It also comes with easy roll nylon wheels for ease of transport. At 40 x 12 inches, the bench pad is wider than many competing benches, which gives plenty of support but may be restrictive if you want to use the bench for dumbbell presses and similar exercises.
Who should buy the Body-Solid Pro-Style Ab Board?
- Those who want a lot of back adjustabilities.
Who shouldn’t buy the Body-Solid Pro-Style Ab Board?
- People who want to get an optimal downward stretch on pressing movements.
Body-Solid GAB60 Adjustable Ab Board coupon
Best For Spinal Support
Spinal support is extremely important in delivering a safe workout. The curved design of the Finer Form Sit Up tables makes sure that your natural ergonomics are matched.
Finer Form Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle
The Finer Form sit up table has a curved design which puts your spine in a more ergonomically ideal position. The frame uses heavy-duty 14-gauge steel. The bench has three adjustable decline positions that are easy to transition between.
The max weight capacity of the bench is 300 pounds. The back pad is longer, thicker, and wider than many other decline benches, which is good for larger people but may be restrictive if you want to do pressing work with dumbbells on the bench.
Four-inch leather rollers provide a comfortable, secure hold. There is a reverse crunch handle on this bench for grip support for exercises such as reverse crunches. The Finer form bench is easy to assemble and is portable for ease of storing away after the workout.
Who should buy the Finer Form Sit Up Board?
- People who want maximum spinal support.
- Those who want multiple decline angles.
- Individuals wanting to focus on working their lower abs.
- Folks who want a budget bench that rocks.
Who shouldn’t buy the Finer Form Sit Up Board?
- People who want an easy to assemble bench.
- Those who need a sit up table that can support heavy weights.
Finer Form Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle for Ab Bench Exercises Coupon
Finer Form Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle for Ab Bench Exercises Coupon
The Finer Form Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle for Ab Bench Exercises has a solid 14-gauge tube steel framing. and has a reverse crunch handle for lower ab exercises that doubles down as a bullhorn for getting on and off the sit up bench.
Best for Hyperextension
A hyperextension attachment allows you to work your lower back as well as your entire core, making the bench far more functional.
Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board
The Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board is a solid, well-constructed unit that will support a massive 650-pound user weight. That says a lot about the frame solidity and overall durability of the table.
This bench will accommodate people from 5’ to 6’3” in height. It comes with four decline adjustments and can be used as a hyperextension bench to work your lower back. Supportive padding is covered by double stitched sweat and water-resistant vinyl.
The Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board also has handles to do push-ups and dips, making this an extremely versatile exercise bench. The bench has a tapered design, going from 12 inches in width at the top to eight inches at the base. It is 36 inches long. The bench also features stabilizers at the front and back for better stability.
Who should buy the Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board?
- Those who want go to really heavy on the bench.
- People wanting to work their lower back.
- Folks who want dips and push-up bars.
Who shouldn’t buy the Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board?
- People who want a portable bench.
Fitness Reality X-Class Abdominal/Hyper coupon
Fitness Reality X-Class Abdominal/Hyper coupon
Fitness Reality X-Class Abdominal/Hyper ab sit up bench is a piece of multi-purpose training equipment that is great for your garage gym. The sit up table comes with push-up, dips, and hyperextension bars for a great upper-body training routine.
Check Out: Hyperextension Alternatives for A Powerful Posterior Chain
Best Neck Support
While working out, neck support is critical to safety. The Marcy sit up bench keeps the vulnerable body part protected.
Marcy Sit Up Bench
The Marcy Sit Up Bench strikes the perfect balance between low price and solid, reliable functionality. It has a heavy-duty steel tube frame that keeps you balanced and stable as you support yourself upside down.
This bench provides you with four incline/decline positions that are easily adjustable. The backrest on this bench is wider than you will find on many competing sit-up benches in its price range, which adds comfort and is great for large-framed people.
The Marcy Sit Up Bench comes with comfortable leg supports and features contoured neck support for added user comfort. The bench is lightweight and can be folded for easy storage.
Who should buy the Marcy Sit Up Bench?
- People who want maximum neck support when exercising on a bench.
- Large framed people.
- People who want a lightweight and portable bench.
Who shouldn’t buy the Marcy Sit Up Bench?
- Those who want narrower back support for a full range of motion on chest pressing moves.
Marcy Sit Up Bench coupon
Marcy Sit Up Bench coupon
Marcy Sit Up Bench is one of the few sit up benches on the market that comes with three foot anchor positions. Its comfortable padding and lightweight and portable design make it a must-have for most home gym equipment arsenal.
Check Out: The 7 Best Exercises for a Thick Neck
Best Innovation Bench
It’s amazing how much innovation you can put into a workout bench. The Yoleo sit up bench packs in some great functional features to allow you to do more with less.
Yoleo Sit Up Bench
The Yoleo Sit Up Bench is the most innovatively designed bench we have come across in a long time. It comes with seven levels of incline adjustment, and you also get a hyperextension pad, which is two-way adjustable. The ab bench also includes a pair of handles for push-ups and other upper body calisthenics exercises.
The Yoleo bench has a hardy tubular steel frame capable of supporting an impressive 500 pounds of user weight. The bench can also handle people who are as tall as 6’2” in height. Plus, there is even a dumbbell rack on the underside of this bench.
The covering on the bench is made of non-slip, toxic-free, water and sweat-resistant breathable PU leather. High-density foam padding ensures a comfortable experience.
The double triangle structure of the base of the Yoleo Sit Up Bench ensures that the bench doesn’t wobble during your workout.
Here are a few of the exercises that you can do on this sit-up bench —
- 45-degree hyperextensions
- L-sit ups
- One-arm dumbbell row
- Push-up with handles
Who should buy the Yoleo Sit Up Bench?
- People who want maximum functionality in a sit up bench.
- Those who are after an extremely solid and secure bench.
- Folks who want a dumbbell rack to store their weights.
Who shouldn’t buy the Yoleo Sit Up Bench?
- People who are after a budget sit up bench.
Yoleo Adjustable Weight Bench – Utility Weight Benches Coupon
Yoleo Adjustable Weight Bench – Utility Weight Benches Coupon
The Yoleo Adjustable Weight Bench is a portable flat, incline, and decline bench that is great for any weight lifter. It comes with seven adjustable positions for ab training and a hyperextension pad for lower back workouts.
Must Read: Calisthenics Training: A Beginner’s Guide
Best Heavy Duty Bench
If you are planning on pressing heavy weights, you need a bench you can rely on. A heavy-duty frame is essential and the Vanswe weight bench multifunctional sit up bench delivers it with 2x 2-inch high-grade steel and a secure base.
Vanswe Weight Bench Multifunctional Sit Up Bench
The Vanswe Multifunctional Sit Up Bench is a higher-priced bench that provides three decline and one incline position. It is made from heavy-duty 2 x 2-inch high-grade steel and is finished in a rust-free powder coating. It is a very solid bench and can handle up to 650 pounds of user weight.
High-density foam on the bench provides enough padding for comfort without being overly soft that it compromises your stability when exercising. Four-inch thick foam rollers provide comfy, secure support for your quads and shins.
The leg supports on this bench are height adjustable so that they can be used for hyperextensions and other lower back exercises.
Who should buy the Vanswe Multifunctional Sit Up Bench?
- People planning to go super heavy on their dumbbell bench press.
- Those who want a super comfortable bench pad.
- Folks who want to do hyperextensions on the sit up bench.
Who shouldn’t buy the Vanswe Multifunctional Sit Up Bench?
- People who are after a low priced, low max weight bench
Vanswe Weight Bench Coupon
Vanswe Weight Bench Coupon
Vanswe Weight Bench is arguably the most heavy-duty sit up bench on the list. The seat pad on the bench is 14 inches wide and the back pad is 11.25 inches wide, which provides better back support and comfort.
Best Bench with Bands
A bench that comes with attached resistance bands gives you the option to perform a wide range of exercises, especially for the upper body.
Hanstorm Adjustable Folding Sit Up Bench
The Hanstorm Sit Up Bench is an impressive unit that comes with some cool accessories. For one, it has attached resistance bands, which are ideal for seated side lateral raises, curls, and overhead presses. The triangle support design ensures stability in every position.
You get three adjustable back positions on this bench. The back support features thick, plush foam padding. At 33.9 x 16 inches thick, the bench provides plenty of back support. The five-layer leather covering is anti-skid and water-resistant. Full foam knee pads keep you securely locked in without hurting your legs.
A unique feature of the Hanstorm sit up bench is a set of rollers and a handle arrangement so that you can perform a rowing-type movement on the bench. Eight guide pulleys ensure that the roller seat runs smoothly up and down the length of the bench.
Who should buy the Hanstorm Bench?
- Folks who want to do band exercises on the sit up bench.
- People who want plush back support.
- Those who want to do cardio exercises on the bench.
Who shouldn’t buy the Hanstorm Bench?
- People who want multi-angle adjustment.
HANSTORM Adjustable Folding Sit Up Bench Coupon
HANSTORM Adjustable Folding Sit Up Bench Coupon
HANSTORM Adjustable Folding Sit Up Bench is one of the most elaborate sit up benches on the list. It comes with resistance bands, eight guide pulley, rollers, thick padding, and full foam knee pads.
What to Look For in a Sit Up Bench
There are six key things that you should check for when shopping for a sit-up bench, including —
Adjustability
The greater the level of adjustability on your sit up bench, the more versatile it will be. A bench that is adjustable to at least 5 decline positions will allow you to progressively work your abs with greater intensity. It will also allow you to use the bench for other upper body work, such as decline bench presses and skull crushers.
Price
Price is an important factor in any purchase, and the sit up benches are no exception. The price you pay can vary substantially based on the brand name and features. You don’t need a bench with all the bells and whistles so long as it is adjustable, secure, and comfortable, which is all you need. We recommend setting your budget between $100 and $200.
Size
You want a bench that allows you to fit your entire torso, including your shoulder blades. The leg support should not feel cramped through the quads. However, you don’t want a bench pad that is too wide or that will restrict your arm movement while performing dumbbell presses.
Stability
A sit up bench needs to sit solidly on the floor. The last thing you want is instability when you are suspended with your head lower than your feet. It should have a solid base with secure, wide feet to ensure greater stability.
Comfort
The padding on the bench needs to achieve that sweet spot between too much and not enough thickness. If there is not enough padding, you will feel discomfort through the back, but if there is too much, you will lose the stability needed to properly work your core muscles.
Extra Features
You might think that there aren’t too many extra features on a sit up bench, but you would be wrong. There are constantly new innovations being introduced to extend the usability of the basic sit-up bench.
A cool extra feature on some benches is roller pad. The pad can be fitted over the bench back support, This allows the user to sit on it and brown up and down the length of the bench.
Extra features may include a roller pad that can be placed over the main bench pad to allow you to row up and down the length of the bench on your knees with your hands holding a pair of handles.
Some sit-up benches also feature resistance bands to allow you to perform resistance exercises, such as seated side lateral raises and alternate curls. You can also get benches that include a hyperextension pad to focus on working your lower back (erector spinae) muscles.
How We Decided Our Picks
We looked at several products before arriving at the 10 best sit up benches and took the following factors into account —
- Price
- Durability
- Product weight and max weight capacity
- Frame design
- Comfort level/padding
- Functionality
- Online reviews from verified users
What are the Benefits of Sit up Benches?
Strengthens Abs
Sit ups contract and extend your abdominal wall, which is also the basic function of that muscle group. Performing the exercise on the floor will work the abs to a certain degree, but you will soon get used to that resistance level. [1]
When you perform sit ups and crunches on a sit up bench, you are able to control the resistance depending on the angle of the bench. This makes the exercise harder and, therefore, more productive.
Strengthens Entire Core
The abdominal muscles are not the only part of the core that benefits from the work you do on a sit up bench. Exercises such as sit ups, crunches, Russian twists, and leg lifts also work your erector spinae, intercostals, and obliques. This will strengthen your entire core area, making your body’s power base more powerful.
Versatility
An adjustable sit up bench can be used for more than abdominal work. You can also use it as a general-purpose decline bench to do your decline chest and triceps exercises. Here are a few upper body exercises you can do on a sit up table —
- Decline dumbbell chest press
- Decline dumbbell fly
- Decline skull crusher
- Decline dumbbell tricep press
FAQs
Are sit up benches effective?
Sit up benches are effective if your goal is to strengthen your core. The sit up (and its variations) on a sit up bench will allow you to strengthen the abs, rectus abdominis, intercostals, obliques, and erector spinae muscles. Notably, the sit up bench should not be used as a spot reduction tool.
Will a sit up bench help me lose weight?
No, a sit up bench cannot help you shed weight in isolation. Exercises on a sit up bench will strengthen your core muscles, but they are not very effective at burning calories, which is the key for weight loss. In order to lose weight, you should combine a calorie-deficit diet with cardio workouts. [2]
Is it okay to do sit ups every day?
No, it is not a good idea to do sit ups every day. The abdominal muscles need to recover just like every other muscle group. Training them every day does not give them enough time to recover and grow stronger. We recommend working your abs not more than three times per week on alternate days.
Is it a good idea to do 100 sit ups a day?
No, it is far better to add resistance to your sit up workout and do fewer reps. You can add resistance by doing sit ups on a sit up bench or using a cable pulley machine.
The Bottom Line
A quality sit up bench is a valuable addition to any home gym. While helping you train your abs and core optimally, you can use it to perform a range of exercises, including chest, triceps, and back.
To sum it up, our favorite sit up bench is the XMark Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench which delivers versatility, strength, comfort, and design at a budget-friendly price.
References
- Childs JD, Teyhen DS, Benedict TM, Morris JB, Fortenberry AD, McQueen RM, Preston JB, Wright AC, Dugan JL, George SZ. Effects of sit-up training versus core stabilization exercises on sit-up performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009 Nov;41(11):2072-83. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181a84db2. PMID: 19812508.
- Ramage S, Farmer A, Eccles KA, McCargar L. Healthy strategies for successful weight loss and weight maintenance: a systematic review. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014 Jan;39(1):1-20. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2013-0026. Epub 2013 Nov 4. PMID: 24383502.
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