A Gym Designer's Review of the Functional Fitness Bench: a worthy addition to our Gym Design Strategy?
triform functional bench review by biofit
Gym design has become increasing complex over the years, with an increasingly wide variety of equipment options available for creating a successful fitness space according to user groups, budget, training styles and emerging new technologies that continue to disrupt the previously established norms. In other words, being a gym design consultant requires staying in touch with gym design trends and equipment innovation, or risk falling behind!
One new entrant on the gym equipment scene is what’s known as a ‘functional fitness bench’, a versatile solution for any gym design strategy but in particular for HIIT studios and home gyms, where they really come into their own in our view.
Gym designers are now more crucial than ever in creating unique and captivating spaces but equally so in helping a real estate or hotel client navigate the muddy waters of gym equipment selection. In this article we provide an in-depth review of the fitness benches on offer from Technogym, FitBench, Throwdown and Triform.
For insights on sustainable gym equipment, see the separate blog post here.
what to look for in a FUNCTIONAL BENCH or fitness bench
When looking for a functional bench or ‘fitness bench’, there are certain features that a gym designer should consider. The first thing is the weight capacity of the bench. A good bench should have a weight capacity of at least 500 lbs, as this will allow for a wide range of users to utilize the bench without any issues. The next thing to consider is the adjustability of the bench.
An adjustable weight bench is essential as it allows for different exercises to be performed with ease. Then there are the various dumbbells, kettlebells, bands and attachments that come with it, making the fitness bench a space-saving piece of equipment for fitness studios and home gyms.
Another important feature to consider when looking for a weight bench set is the stability of the bench. The bench should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand heavy use, and it should have a stable base to prevent any wobbling or tipping during use. Additionally, a good weight bench should be easy to clean and maintain, as this will ensure that it remains in good condition for a long time, even after heavy use and abuse in a fitness studio environment for example.
fitbench functional bench home gym review biofit
KEY FEATURES OF THE FUNCTIONAL BENCH, OR FITNESS BENCH
The fitness bench comes with a range of features that make it an excellent addition to any gym design strategy. One of the most important features of the fitness bench is its adjustability. The bench can be adjusted to various angles, allowing for the user to target different muscle groups with ease. Additionally, the bench comes with a range of attachments, such as leg rollers and preacher curl pads, which can be used to perform a wide range of exercises.
Another important feature of the fitness bench is its sturdiness. The bench is made of high-quality materials and has a stable base, which means that it can withstand heavy use without any issues. Additionally, the bench is easy to clean and maintain, which ensures that it remains in good condition for a long time.
benefits of the fitness bench for luxury home gym design and hiit fitness studio design
The fitness bench is an essential piece of equipment for any gym design strategy. One of the main benefits of the fitness bench is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of exercises, including bench pressing, dumbbell flys, and incline/decline presses. This versatility means that a gym designer can create a workout space that caters to a wide range of fitness levels and goals.
Another benefit of the fitness bench is that it can be easily incorporated into any gym design. The bench is relatively compact, which means that it can be placed in a variety of locations within the gym. Additionally, the bench can be easily moved around if needed, which makes it a flexible and adaptable piece of equipment.
Throwdown FXD bench review by biofit
HOW TO INCORPORATE A FUNCTIONAL BENCH OR FITNESS BENCH INTO A GYM DESIGN STRATEGY
When incorporating the fitness bench into your gym design strategy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose a location that is easily accessible and visible to gym-goers. This will encourage more people to use the bench and make it a focal point of the gym.
Secondly, it is important to ensure that there is enough space around the bench for users to perform exercises comfortably. This means that the bench should be placed in an area with enough floor space, and there should be enough clearance around the bench to prevent any accidents.
Lastly, it is important to provide users with clear instructions on how to use the bench. This can be done through clear signage or by providing users with a demonstration. By providing clear instructions on how to use the bench, you can ensure that users get the most out of the equipment and reduce the risk of injury.
Review of the Technogym bench by a gym designer
The Technogym Bench is a seriously solid piece of gym equipment that adds great versatility to any gym design strategy but let’s be clear from the outset, this is not a bench you’ll be moving around all that often. It is designed to be placed where you need it, then it stays there!
This product is specifically designed to be space-saving and multi-functional, so it is a fully adjustable bench that can be used for a variety of strength and conditioning exercises whether at home or in a HIIT studio.
The bench itself features an adjustable backrest and angle, making it suitable for weight training, core conditioning and other exercises.
It is also compatible with the Technogym Wellness Smart App, allowing users to track their progress, as additional motivation. Specific workouts for the bench are also available via the same app.
With its minimal design and robust construction, the Technogym Bench provides an excellent way to add versatility to your gym design strategy while ensuring a safe workout experience for all users. Included are three different resistance bands (light is yellow, medium is gray, heavy is black), basic black hex shape dumbbells (5 pairs: 2.5kg, 3.5kg, 5kg, 7.5kg, 10kg), hand weights a.k.a Training Knuckles (3 pairs: 0.45kg, 0.8kg, 1.20kg), and one training mat.
Dimensions of the bench: 1129 x 376 x 455mm
Empty bench weight 35.2kg
Full bench weight 98.8kg
Max weight of the user 120kg
Priced at approx. Eur 1,450
https://www.technogym.com/es/technogym-bench.html
Review of the FitBench by a gym designer
The FitBench is an adjustable, multi-functional bench that provides a wide range of exercise options. It features an adjustable backrest and angle, making it perfect for weight training, core conditioning, and other exercises.
It is also compatible with the FitBench App, allowing users to track their progress and stay motivated.
The FitBench is made from high-quality materials and has a sleek, modern look that will fit into any gym environment.
Having personally met the founder and tested the bench out for ourselves at a recent gym industry networking event (SIBEC) we can attest that it is suitably durable and will stand up to years of use in the toughest gyms.
It feels bulletproof, the polyurethane, vinyl, cushion molded top is pleasant to the touch while also being hary enough to be left outside overnight in a garden gym.
Available in six different models:
FitBench One: approx $2,999.00
FitBench Studio (shorter, narrower, good for boutique gyms): $2,699.00
FitBench Pro (best for strength training): $2,899.00
FitBench Ybell: (the only one with Ybells for equipment): $2,799.00
FitBench Flex: (ideal for home gyms): $2,400.00
FitBench Free: (cheapest option): $1,999.00
Review of the Triform Bench by a gym design consultant
The Triform Bench is an innovative piece of gym equipment from an up and coming Italian gym brand that adds great versatility to any gym design strategy.
It is a multi-functional, adjustable bench that can be used for a variety of strength and conditioning exercises, featuring an adjustable backrest and angle, making it ideal for weight training, core conditioning and other exercises.
This brand offers color and logo customization options as well as options on the exact equipment list included in the bench, meaning it is great for a home gym or indeed a personal trainer context especially as it comes in at a reasonable cost of circa €1,399.
Accessories include a speed jump rope, power bag 5kg, three resistance bands, a med ball 4kg, 6kg and 8kg kettlebells and a resistance tube. In other words, this is light resistance, high repetition territory for HIIT workouts and those looking for low resistance toning workouts, rather than those looking to bulk up with heavy weights and low reps.
Review of the Throwdown FXD Bench by a gym design consultant
The FXD bench has everything you need to get a full-body workout and comes qith the quality guarantee of a CORE Health & Fitness group brand.
We work with CORE a lot on our US gym design and fitnes consultant projects, they have impressed with their sub-brand Throwdown aimed at functional training areas in particular.
An additional large storage compartment can be used for whatever the user wants (personal items, training equipment, etc). Numerous anchor points for bands and anchor points along the bench edges for stability when the bench is inclined, there are also drop-down wheels for moving the bench from one corner of your home gym or fitness studio to the other, although we’d suggest picking a spot and leaving it there if possible!
This is a dual incline bench so suitable for push and pull exercises:
Push position incline (30°, 45°, 60°, 70°)
Pull position incline (20°, 30°, 45°, 60°)
https://corehandf.com/es/producto/throwdown-fxd-bench/
CONCLUSION: THE FITNESS BENCH IN HOME GYM DESIGN AND HIIT FITNESS STUDIO DESIGN
In conclusion, the fitness bench is an essential piece of equipment for any gym design strategy. Its versatility, adjustability, and compact size make it an excellent addition to any gym, and its range of features make it a popular choice for gym-goers of all fitness levels.
If you are a gym designer, it is essential to include the fitness bench in your gym design strategy to create a unique and captivating space that meets the needs of your clients.
If you are interested in discussing your gym consultant requirements, contact Biofit today to get started. Our team of experts can help you create a gym design that meets your specific needs and goals, and we can provide you with the equipment and advice you need to make your gym a success.