Best Weight Benches UK 2026

I've owned three benches over the years. The first was a £40 Argos special that wobbled during anything over 20kg. The second was fine but the vinyl cracked within 18 months. Now I use a Mirafit and wish I'd just bought it first.

A bench is foundational. Without one, you're limited to floor presses and standing work. With one, you unlock chest, shoulders, back, and arm exercises that actually build muscle.

## Quick Picks

## Why Adjustable Beats Flat

A flat bench does one thing. An adjustable bench does everything:

- Incline press for upper chest (the bit that shows in t-shirts) - Shoulder press support with proper back bracing - Decline work for lower chest - Seated rows with back support

The extra £50-70 for adjustability pays off within a month. You'll use every angle.

The exception: if you have a power rack with adjustable J-hooks, a flat bench works fine. The rack handles the angles.

## The Mirafit M150: Why It Dominates

The Mirafit M150 appears in every UK home gym forum recommendation thread. There's a reason. *(Price when reviewed: ~£150 | Check price)*

What I like: - 6 backrest positions, 4 seat positions—covers every exercise - 260kg weight capacity handles anything a home lifter throws at it - Heavy construction (28kg) means no wobble during pressing - Pad density is firm for stability but not uncomfortable - UK brand with actual customer service

The honest downsides: - It's heavy. Moving it around solo is a workout itself - Takes up space—doesn't fold - Overkill if you're only using 15kg dumbbells

## Budget Option: Mirafit Foldable

The Mirafit Foldable is the sensible starting point if you're not sure home training will stick. *(Price when reviewed: ~£90 | Check price)*

It folds completely flat—slides under a bed or behind a sofa. For dumbbell work up to 25-30kg per hand, it's perfectly stable.

The tradeoff: lighter construction means wobble under heavier loads. If you're pressing 40kg dumbbells or heavier, you'll outgrow it.

## Heavy Lifting: M460 FID

For serious strength training, the Mirafit M460 FID adds decline positions and a leg attachment for leg curls and extensions. *(Price when reviewed: ~£280 | Check price)*

350kg capacity handles competition-level lifters. The decline position is useful for lower chest and ab work that other benches can't do.

Skip this if: you're a beginner or intermediate. The M150 covers 95% of exercises.

## Before You Buy: What Actually Matters

Weight capacity: Add your bodyweight plus the weight you're lifting. 200kg is fine for most people. Over 250kg combined? Get 300kg+ rated.

Pad gap: Some benches have a gap between seat and backrest. Annoying during heavy bench press when your lower back bridges. Check reviews.

Adjustment mechanism: Cheap benches need you to hold the backrest while pulling a pin. Good benches have levers you can reach while seated.

Stability: Heavy = stable. If a bench weighs under 20kg, expect wobble.

## My Recommendation

Start with the M150 unless you're genuinely tight on space. The foldable is fine for beginners, but you'll upgrade within a year if you stick with training. The M150 lasts a decade.