Exercise Bench - What Are They

By Author: Rob Thomas
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An exercise bench is needed to increase the activities that increase strength such as using free weights. These are used to increase endurance in the back and abs, increases muscle strength, body strength and increases flexibility. The most common kinds of exercises possible are back-benches and Abdominal Hyper-Extension Benches that are usually designed to give isolation of the back and abdominal muscles and also stretching the muscles. May also include inclined and flat benches that are combined with free weights for upper body workouts and free standing bench presses for chest. This bench works well for both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. While aerobic exercises help to strengthen the cardiovascular system by increasing the oxygen available to the body and allows the heart to use oxygen more economically, anaerobic exercises work the muscles to build body strength.

There are a number of exercise benches available in the market today. Some of them are specific to exercises whereas others allow to perform different kinds of exercises. Some of these benches are listed below:

Flat exercise bench- This is used ...
... to elevate one's body for specific kinds of exercises such as crunches, sit-ups and reverse crunches. The one vital difference between these and weight benches are, there are no arms to support the weight bar. They are also similar to weight benches. The padding on these benches are different form the ones on weight-oriented ones.

Weight bench- It is a padded exercise bench that is usually used for weight lifting exercises. These are non-adjustable, flat, padded planks while others are hinged, so that the upper portions can be adjusted as per different exercises. They also have attachments and accessories for leg weight-lifting

Ab Benches- They are designed for working one's abs. The benches have a small padded seat on upside down U shaped frame. There are padded posts which can be used to lock one's feet in place for doing sit ups and crunches.

Foldable exercise benches- This is primarily for exercises in confined spaces. They can be stored under beds or stored in closet. This may either be an exercise bench or a weight bench.The usual types of work outs are reverse crunches, sit ups and crunches are done on this.

Incline Benches- They are usually used to work one's abs. There are two sets of padded knee rests at the top and two under to lock the legs in position. They can also be used as flat benches. The steepness can add the much needed intensity to the abdominal workouts. The knee locks can also be used as support for the leg lift type exercises.

Back Extension Benches/Racks- There are benches designed for the reverse crunches which are also called back extension exercises. These racks are usually inclined, have one padded posts to lock the feet under.

Combination Exercise Benches- These benches are well-equipped for exercises of different kinds. They can be used as both inclined benches and flat benches. The exercises are reverse crutches, bench presses, ab crunches, flies and so on can be done on this.
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Please visit this link for more information on Exercise Bench and this link for information on Aerobic Exercise Machines.