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Top 10 Sit Up Benches Reviewed and Rated By Our Editors

last updated: Feb 04, 2021

We all know that sit-ups are one the best ways to sculpt killer abs, but if you are doing them on the floor, you may be cheating yourself. A good sit up bench not only helps you to perfect your form but also extends your full range of motion to activate more muscle groups than your standard motion. Plus, a strong core can help aid in a variety of lifts. We made sure to include designs that allow you to switch up your form as needed, and is composed of strong and wobble-free materials that hold up quite well over the years.

In this guide, we have selected some of the best sit up benches out there on the market so you can be well on your way to amazing abs.

In a Hurry? The best abs workout bench after 11 hrs of research

icon
Gymax
95.2/100 our score
Adjustability
95
Application
95
Support
96
Durability
95
Value
95
Gymax
Why is it better?

Wide frame

Foldable

Adjustable backrest

Versatile

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Researched Sources
25
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
3k
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
11
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
7
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Adjustability Application Support Durability Value By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Adjustability
95 %
Application
95 %
Support
96 %
Durability
95 %
Value
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$75.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Adjustability
94 %
Application
93 %
Support
94 %
Durability
95 %
Value
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$69.99
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93
Adjustability
93 %
Application
94 %
Support
92 %
Durability
93 %
Value
93 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$82.10
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.6
Adjustability
91 %
Application
92 %
Support
91 %
Durability
92 %
Value
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$549.99
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Adjustability
90 %
Application
90 %
Support
90 %
Durability
91 %
Value
91 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$149.99
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Adjustability
90 %
Application
91 %
Support
91 %
Durability
90 %
Value
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$157.00
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.8
Adjustability
90 %
Application
90 %
Support
90 %
Durability
89 %
Value
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$246.82
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.6
Adjustability
88 %
Application
89 %
Support
88 %
Durability
89 %
Value
89 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.6
Adjustability
86 %
Application
86 %
Support
87 %
Durability
87 %
Value
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$119.26
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.4
Adjustability
85 %
Application
84 %
Support
84 %
Durability
85 %
Value
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (12.03.24)
Amazon Link
$86.59

10 Best Sit Up Benches

1. Gymax

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
GYMAX Adjustable Sit up Bench
GYMAX Adjustable Sit up Bench
GYMAX Adjustable Sit up Bench
Amazon Link
Adjustability
95
Application
95
Support
96
Durability
95
Value
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$75.99
Pros:

Wide frame

Foldable

Adjustable backrest

Versatile

Cons:

Padding breaks down quickly

What we love most about this bench from GYMAX is that it boasts a slightly wider frame than some of the other designs out there on the market. It is composed of strong and durable materials that hold up quite well over the years and allows users to make adjustments to activate various muscle groups.

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What makes this design stand out from the crowd is that it provides users with four different levels that help to activate various muscle groups. It is able to adjust downward which helps to dig into those lower ab muscles that are often neglected when working out on the floor.

It also boasts soft foam feet and leg braces that comfortably hold your lower body in place as you work your core. These foam pads help to wick away sweat from your body so that you can maintain a strong foundation as you burn out those abs.

The best part about this design is that it comes in at a super affordable price point that won’t break the bank. The adjustable features make this design not only great for sit-ups but for a wide variety of basic dumbbell lifts as well.

2. Apex

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Apex Utility Bench Slant Board Sit Up Bench Crunch Board Ab Bench for Toning and Strength
Apex Utility Bench Slant Board Sit Up Bench Crunch Board Ab Bench for Toning and Strength
Amazon Link
Adjustability
94
Application
93
Support
94
Durability
95
Value
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$69.99
Pros:

Comfortable foam

Small frame

Incredibly affordable

Cons:

Cannot adjust back

Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this design from Apex. It is composed of strong and durable materials that hold up well over time and comes in at a super affordable price point that won’t break the bank. The lower price point of the durable frame makes it a great choice.

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One of the things that we noticed about this basic design is that it is composed of solid steel construction. While in use, there is little chance of this solid design wobbling and moving around on you, even as you struggle with your reps. It weighs in at just shy of 20 pounds, which means that while it is solid, it is still fairly easy to move when needed.

We also like that this solid design has a slightly smaller frame than most, so it won’t take up that much room in your home gym. The slant design cannot be adjusted, however, which means that it is only able to be used for decline sit up and dumbbell work.

If you are in the market for something solid, wobble-free, and affordable, this slant board from Apex is a great choice. We love that it is built with solid and sturdy materials that hold up well over time, and has comfortable foam padding for easy landings.

3. Marcy

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93
Marcy Utility Slant Board
Marcy Utility Slant Board
Marcy Utility Slant Board
Amazon Link
Adjustability
93
Application
94
Support
92
Durability
93
Value
93
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$82.10
Pros:

Trusted brand

Adjustable foam rollers

Powder-coated finish

Cons:

Cannot adjust the board

Marcy is one of the leading names in affordable gym equipment, so it comes as no surprise that their slant board makes an appearance on our list. What we love most about this design is that it is built with solid materials that won’t wobble as you struggle under reps, and allows users to make slight adjustments for a more secure base. Plus, it comes in at an affordable price point that won’t break the bank.

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What makes this design stand out from the crowd is that it has slight adjustments to create a super stable base. While the board itself isn’t able to be adjusted, you are able to lift the foam rollers up and down to create enough space between your knees and the padding for added stability. These adjustments also work to prevent injuries as well.

The high-density foam rollers are incredibly durable and work to hold your legs and feet in place. They are made from moisture-wicking materials that won’t become slippery as you begin to sweat, and won’t hold on to odors to keep your gym smelling fresh. We also love that this design boasts solid steel construction with a powder-coated finish that holds up well over the years.

If you are in the market for something that comes from a trusted brand that is solid as a rock, this design from Marcy is a great choice. It costs a little bit more than many of the other solid slant boards on our list, but we feel that the quality of materials used makes it worth every penny!

4. HF-5165

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.6
HF-5165 7-Position Weight Bench
HF-5165 7-Position Weight Bench
Amazon Link
Adjustability
91
Application
92
Support
91
Durability
92
Value
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$549.99
Pros:

Dual layer contour padding

Durable

Stability

Easy to adjust

Supportive

Cons:

Quite heavy to move

Considered by many to be one of the best workout benches out there and there’s plenty of good reasons for that. This range all offers top performance with slight variations on design to suit personal preference or training targets. The bench is stable and comfortable and the contoured shin supports an especially welcome touch.

Seven very easy to adjust positions so you can get the entire range of muscles working while enjoying stability, reliable support and tons of comfort.

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Depending on your choice of Valor bench, you get shin protection, padded calf support, wheels for moving the bench; the difference in features between the abs workout benches are subtle and very useful.

Offering seven positions means you can go for an extensive range of work-outs and ensure that your training routine covers all the muscles.

The sit-up bench surface is a combination of supportive yet smooth or soft enough to feel comfortable as it is finished off with a very durable skin to ensure that you feel comfortable. It does not absorb sweat so there are no problems with cleaning and drying. Because it is sweat resistant it will not allow the growth of any bacteria.

Built from high-grade quality materials, the bench will be a key feature in your home gym and play a big part in building muscles and endurance.

5. Finer Form

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Finer Form Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle for Ab Exercises
Finer Form Sit Up Bench with Reverse Crunch Handle for Ab Exercises
Amazon Link
Adjustability
90
Application
90
Support
90
Durability
91
Value
91
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$149.99
Pros:

Heavy duty 14-gauge tube steel framing

Comfortable knee and leg rollers

Easy to use, very portable

Attractive price point

Cons:

Some users report that holes do not match

The Finer Form ab bench is a very solidly heavy-duty 14-gauge tubed framed angled slant board that features high density, deluxe boxed upholstery, along with a durable powder-coated finish.

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This situp bench features an extra-long slant board to provide more upper body training versatility along with dual foam pads to secure your legs and ankles. The back pad measures 43 x 13 x 2 inches. The max user weight on this bench is 300 pounds.

This sit up bench features 4-inch leather rollers that are more comfortable on the shins and ankles than traditional rollers.

6. XMark Fitness

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
XMark Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench
XMark Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench
Amazon Link
Adjustability
90
Application
91
Support
91
Durability
90
Value
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$157.00
Pros:

12 angle adjustment settings

Support handle

14-gauge powder coated steel frame

Duraguard, tear-resistant vinyl upholstery

Cons:

Leg pad ends low quality

Here’s a board that surprises a lot of people. The ab bench offered is the simplicity of design while ensuring that capability and performance are included and this will be great for building up muscles. XMark score well on the types of bench option which they offer and you will be impressed if you check out what they produce, they are user-friendly for setting up and easy to use.

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At first glance, you might even think you’ve set up the ironing board by mistake.

But once you mount the bench any doubt of its functionality, stability or build quality will go out the window and even if you’re particularly heavy or tall, this mild-mannered looking piece of equipment will handle you.

A simple, affordable piece of purpose-built kit, the XMark adjustable bench delivers the goods with no fuss and no problems.

7. Fitness Reality X-Class

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.8
Fitness Reality X-Class Light Commercial Multi-Workout Abdominal/Hyper Back Extension Bench
Fitness Reality X-Class Light Commercial Multi-Workout Abdominal/Hyper Back Extension Bench
Fitness Reality X-Class Light Commercial Multi-Workout Abdominal/Hyper Back Extension Bench
Amazon Link
Adjustability
90
Application
90
Support
90
Durability
89
Value
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$246.82
Pros:

650-pound weight capacity

Fully adjustable

Double stitching

Tapered bench

Cons:

A large unit that is not foldable

The Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board is a combination abdominal board and hyperextension situp bench. For those looking for a bench that gives more choices for a range of exercises, the designers have come up with a product which of course works as a standard bench but also with some quick adjustments, allows you to increase your range of exercise options.

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A very stable bench, nice friendly adjustability, durable materials, takes up minimum space while giving a broad range of exercise options.

The situp bench is adjustable and will accommodate people with heights of from 5’ to 6’3”. You get one flat and three decline bench adjustments as well as 14 thigh support cushion for noticeable support.

The vinyl bench cover is double stitched for extra durability. It you with soft and slip-resistant push-up and dip bar handles.

The sit-up bench is 36 inches long, and 12 inches wide, tapering down to 8 inches. Front and rear stabilizers ensure that this board is very stable.

8. Pure Fitness

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.6
Pure Fitness Ab Crunch Sit Up Bench
Pure Fitness Ab Crunch Sit Up Bench
Amazon Link
Adjustability
88
Application
89
Support
88
Durability
89
Value
89
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Good strong frame

Comfortable padding

Steep angle capability

Easy to fold up

Cons:

Lightweight work-outs

Pure Fitness offers this very popular home fitness abs workout bench for focused in-training work. Space-efficient design built via a sturdy steel frame, with a flat top work-out area coated with vinyl for durability and easy cleaning.

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Adjustable to four positions for the ankle-roller, these two protective rollers are coated in dense foam to protect knees and ankles.

The knee-ankle pads give security and contain dense-foam for padding, the bench angles at 40-degrees; this means serious maximum training for building up core muscles.

After training, the ab bench easily folds away to be stored in a convenient space. High performance and convenient simplicity.

9. GYMENIST

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.6
Gymenist Exercise Bench
Gymenist Exercise Bench
Gymenist Exercise Bench
Amazon Link
Adjustability
86
Application
86
Support
87
Durability
87
Value
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$119.26
Pros:

Supportive

Good for a range of exercises

Light

No set-up needed

Foldaway model

Cons:

Not for heavy duty training

Great situp bench that is super easy to fold up after exercise; when folded up it is half the size. This option will support up to around six-hundred pounds, a solid easy to manage bench which will work well in a gym or for use at home.

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Angle adjustment is quick and easy via a pin push and pulls system. The situp bench gives three positions for training, while the support legs are changeable to three different positions.

The seating area has a choice of three positions all of which offer very good support for the back. Padded and coated with tough vinyl for good comfort; when it comes to cleaning, give it a wipe with a damp cloth.

A simple design, solid support and a great capacity range of potential exercises.

10. CAP Barbell

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.4
CAP Barbell Flat Utility Bench best ab bench reviews
CAP Barbell Flat Utility Bench
CAP Barbell Flat Utility Bench
Amazon Link
Adjustability
85
Application
84
Support
84
Durability
85
Value
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$86.59
Pros:

Heavy duty

Supportive

Stable

Comfortable

Cons:

Flat-not adjustable

The CAP Barbell flat bench works along with the same design and style as the brand made flat ab benches. Super steel tubing gives maximum support up to a high of 1.250 pounds, this means you can go for serious heavy training. The bench base has a solid T-shape design which offers a high level of support and stability.

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The design is very specific; this ab bench will support very heavy duty weights and has been designed and tested to the highest standards.

Built with top-grade steel, the proportions of the ab workout bench are innovatively designed to offer full support. Heavy duty padding coated with high-grade vinyl makes this bench is all about durability and full support topped off with consistent comfort.

Set up is fast and ease of use is superb, a good sit up bench for the home gym.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Adjustability

Adjustability means performance is better.

Our review covered a nice range of sit-up bench options, we looked for ab benches that allow quick adjustment so that you can focus on your range of exercises without distraction.

When we chose a brand bench, we noted that most brands offer variations on the best adjustable ab sit-up benches. Though we selected a good bench, it is worth your time to check out the different designs for benches provided by our selection of brands.

Since there are only so many ways you can angle an adjustable decline bench to promote a great ab workout, we had to fall back on other things to select our best sit up bench.

Application

Application blends with ease of use.

The application for use is highly important when training; you want an application that ensures ease and not a distraction.

Our criteria measured the ease of application among the different situp bench choices, some offered very good application, some sat in the range for medium application; none of the brands were lacking when it comes to application.

We looked closely and came up with a favorite for application because it offered just a little more versatility for application:

Our runner up abs workout bench is the Fitness Reality X-Class Ab/Hyper Board which doubles as a hyper-extension unit, while also providing you with a tapered ab bench and 650-pound weight capacity.

Support

Without a high level of support, the product fails to perform.

During our review process, we noted that application and support work together; the application connects very much to adjustability and while using these features, a consistent level of support is needed.

These best adjustable ab sit up benches hold a lot of weight, deal with a constant range of body movements and need to give support for a broad range of angles while being reliable and comfortable.

Support stems from the robust level of materials used in the construction of the bench and the ability for the ab bench to retain stability.

All of our selected adjustable abs sit up benches easily met the needed criteria for support to make it into our top 10 choices.

Durability

Durability equates to ab bench performance and longevity.

The key to longevity for the best adjustable ab sit up benches is the quality of the materials. We looked very closely at the materials used to build the frames because this is where the support comes from.

The use of fine grade steel is the favorite because these materials have a long history of use and have clearly proven themselves to be the best choice. The steel is durable but light, resists buckling or bending and has a long durable lifespan. It is difficult to think of any other materials which can better serve for making abs workout bench frames.

Seat and workout surfaces are predominantly made from highly durable top quality vinyl. Vinyl is very durable, highly waterproof so it will not absorb sweat while being incredibly easy to wipe clean. A vinyl surface is also resistive to allowing bacterial growth or holding/emitting bad odors.

Value

Value matters, it's not just about price.

We applied our review methods to cover value in a broader context to include adjustability because a consistent feature for these abs workout bench is the need for adjustment during workouts.

Value also covered the application, because the application needs to be quick and efficient so to see this designed into an ab bench, does meet the value criteria.

In terms of reliable support, we looked at the capability and value for ensuring that support is consistent and does not drop below required expectations.

Naturally, the value does relate to durability in conjunction with design; when we pay, we want durability because durability clearly reflects good value. Through applying a wide interpretation of the concept for value, we feel we were able to select 10 top-performing adjustable sit up benches.

The brands are good, they have an established reputation for value.

Expert Interviews & Opinions

Most Important Criteria (According to our experts opinion)
Sort criterias acording to:
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#1
ico Adjustability
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#2
ico Application
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#3
ico Support
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#4
ico Durability
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#5
ico Value
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expert tips icon
Durability

All benches have a similar frame design and similar materials such as steel and vinyl. Knock off designs look good, they look very much like their more costly counterparts but the saving is made through choosing low-grade materials with a short life-span.

The bench can be designed to look good but if the materials are sub-standard, you will have problems with the product and its ability to perform will quickly fail.

Research, look at online reviews, check out brands in stores, ask about the quality of the materials to ensure you get durability for your money.

This little extra effort through research will take you to choose a good durable bench.

Weight

You might think that a bench that feels very heavy is ideal; if the use of high grade steel is part of the construction, this may well be correct. However, heavy can also mean the use of the wrong materials.

Look for benches where the frame is described as high-grade steel; this type of steel is light enough to give support and stability but not heavy enough to make the bench too heavy to set-up and move to different areas.

Find out by comparing different benches to understand what is an acceptable standard weight for a bench.

Other Factors to Consider

Ease of Use

Ease stems from the design and features and even includes assembling and setting up the bench.

We applied the criteria for reviewing benches to include how easy they are to set-up; nobody wants to spend many hours looking at lots of confusing fittings and find that setting-up has become very difficult.

The best adjustable ab sit up benches should be easy enough to fully set up as functional within at least thirty minutes.

Another area for easy use which we covered is the actual adjustment of the bench; for example, to adjust and change the bench angle - this should be a quick easy action with minimal break in the training routine.>

This selection met the standards for easy though some of the benches do require a bit more effort to set-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Any weight limits for abs workout benches?

a:

The weight limit will be provided in the sales-marketing material and this is something which you must note when you choose a weight/abs bench.

For example, if the bench says it can take up to three hundred pounds, this means the frame has been designed to support the mentioned weight; if you were to double or overly increase the weight, you will run into problems.

q: Will a home sit up bench be different to a gym bench?

a:

This is all about performance specifications. When you choose a home use abdominal bench, it might have an advised weight limit which you will need to respect.

A gym bench should be able to cover the highest weight levels and offer the most options for a variation on training because it will be used by many different people who will have different training plans and expectations.

q: Can the ab benches be used for other exercises?

a:

So long as the bench gives a comfortable surface, very good structural stability, a user can try out other types of exercise on the bench.

q: I'm looking at a standard choice, what will I get for my money?

a:

A standard bench will offer a safe flat surface; a range of angle adjustments might be included as well.

Importantly, if you choose a standard bench, be sure you know the weight limit and do not go above the limit. Also, because the bench has limited features and is designed for standard workouts, do not try to carry out exercises on it for which it does not have a design for purpose.

q: I'm thinking of moving up to an Olympic standard bench, what will I get?

a:

With an Olympic standard bench, you should get every performance feature possible, including the decline sit up bench and the bench should be designed to perform for maximum weight levels, offer a very durable range of materials in the construction and have features that will allow a broader range of training best adjustable ab sit up benches options.

q: I want to buy online; is a situp benches easy to assemble?

a:

Generally, they are quick and easy ab bench options to assemble for home use. If you choose a bench with a bigger range of features, this might mean a little more time setting up these attachments or features.

Usually, brand makers create designs that factor in easy for setting up the best adjustable ab sit up benches.

Sources