We consulted with Men’s Health UK Fitness Editor Andrew Tracey for the best exercises to maximize your new weight bench:
Barbell Row
Place one end of your bench on a box or racked barbell, with a loaded bar beneath. Lie so that you can reach the bar. Gripping slightly wider than shoulder width, row the bar towards you. Pause as it reaches the bench; lower under control.
Dumbbell Row
Set a bench to 45 degrees and position yourself with your chest on the pad, holding a pair of dumbbells. Staying tight to the bench, row both dumbbells towards your hips, pause and slowly lower before repeating.
A-Jack Jump
Straddle a bench lengthways. Squat to touch it before jumping up explosively. Bring your feet together to land on the bench, then drop back down. As your feet hit the floor, slow your descent so that you don’t slam into the bench.
Chinese plank
Position your upper back on the bench and put your heels on a second bench or platform. Extend at your hips and lift into the air, creating a line from your shoulders to feet. Hold, maintaining ‘structure’ for as long as possible.
Burpee Over Bench
Assume a burpee position next to a bench. Jump your feet to your chest and, as you begin to stand, place your hands on the bench and hop over it. Perform another burpee, repeating the movement.
Box Squat
Straddle the bench with a barbell on your back, feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Push your hips back and bend at the knees, slowly squatting until you lightly touch the bench. Keep your torso upright and stand up explosively.
Tricep Extension
Place your hands on a bench, about shoulder-width apart, and step back so your arms are fully extended. Keeping your elbows tucked, lower your head until it’s below your hands. Extend at your elbows, pushing back up to full extension.
Pike Press-up
Assume press-up position with your feet on a bench. Walk your hands back until your hips are above your shoulders. Lower you head slowly by bending at the elbows. Your head and hands should form a triangle. Pause and push back up.
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