Get the best results with a bench

Now that gyms are closed again, it's time to start working out at home again. You probably have a set of dumbbells lying around somewhere, but a gym bench could make your workout even more effective. While dumbbells are great tools for exercising, you'll naturally want some variety.

Which muscle group are you going to train?

With a workout bench, you can train your entire body or multiple muscle groups. Therefore, it's important to first determine which muscles you want to train. For example, do you want to train your pecs? Then a fitness bench will suffice. Want to work on your arms and legs? Then a bench with a barbell support is much more beneficial. In short, depending on your goals, there are different types of benches available, so pay close attention when purchasing one or when you plan to train!

Besides considering which muscles you'll be training, there are other things to consider. A fitness bench is certainly attractive, but do you have enough space to set it up? So, think carefully before you buy one! If you have limited space, it's recommended to look for a foldable model. Another, perhaps equally important, consideration is the maximum weight capacity. The bench can only handle a certain amount of weight, so keep this in mind when considering your current weight and your goals.

Now you know what to look for when buying a bench, but have you considered how often you plan to use it? If you're only going to use it occasionally, it would be a waste to buy an expensive, professional-grade bench. Therefore, consider realistically how often you actually plan to use it. So, if you only want to use a gym bench occasionally, choose one that allows you to train your pecs and arms. Do you train regularly? Then a bench that allows you to do multiple exercises is crucial. Are you going to train very intensively each week? Then you'll definitely need a sturdy and stable bench. Don't forget to pay attention to the maximum load capacity. Think of it as more than 200 kilos.

Don't forget the warm up!

When you're going to exercise, don't forget to warm up first. A warm-up prepares your body for the effort you're about to make. Your heart needs to adjust to this. There are two things you should do: a circulation warm-up, where you walk gently for 8 to 10 minutes, and then stretch.

Once you've finished your workout, it's recommended to do a cool-down. A cool-down is the opposite of a warm-up. The goal is to calm your body down and not stop exercising abruptly. This prevents muscle fatigue. So, finished your workout? Don't forget to cool down!