NordicTrack Utility Workout Bench Review in One Sentence: A basic yet sturdy adjustable weight bench for strength training at home.
After all, some of the best home gym equipment has kept the same general design for decades (I’m looking at you, weight lifting belts), and the best weight bench no need to reinvent the wheel, err, weight plate; you just need to provide all your favorites muscle building exercises when you need it.
If you already have a set of dumbbells or dumbbellsBuying a quality weight bench is potentially the last piece of that particular puzzle. There are some things to consider before buying a weight bench for your home gymhowever, please make sure you have asked all the right questions before clicking the “Buy” button.
The NordicTrack Utility Training Bench doesn’t mince words in terms of performance, design, or adjustment options, and that’s just the way I like it. And as you’ll find in our full NordicTrack Utility Workout Bench review, this is a piece of gym equipment well worth the investment.
NordicTrack Utility Training Bench Review: Price and Availability
The NordicTrack Utility training bench is now available at nordic track (opens in a new tab) for $299, which is slightly more expensive than the Mirafit M1 Folding Weight Bench (£99.95), and definitely on the higher end of weight benches in general, which can range from $50 to $500, depending on style and overall quality.
At the time of this writing, NordicTrack had plenty of these bad boys in stock, but that could change in the coming weeks, after all those holiday cookies (and the accompanying guilt over your expanding gut) kick in.
To complement this bench, NordicTrack’s Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. The dumbbell set is also available on their website for $599 (opens in a new tab)And that comes with a 30-day iFit Family membership, a $39 value, which is better than nothing.
NordicTrack also sells independently hex dumbbells (opens in a new tab) – ranging from 5 to 40 pounds each – that have rubber ends, which don’t make nearly the same noise as traditional steel dumbbells if you accidentally bump them. They also won’t vibrate your limbs as drastically during such collisions. (They’re also easier on your floors.) nordic track vault (opens in a new tab) it comes with its own set of dedicated dumbbells and kettlebells, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, if you can afford the entire $2,999 package.
For $349, the company speed weights (opens in a new tab) they’re basically the same as their Select-A-Weights, but the former tops out at just 12.5 pounds instead of 55; it’s a less bulky option for those who only require a fraction of the weight in their home gym. Both sets of adjustable dumbbells were on sale during Cyber Monday, so expect additional price drops over the holidays.
The NordicTrack Utility Exercise Bench is backed by a 30-day parts and labor warranty.
NordicTrack Utility Training Bench Review: Assembly
The NordicTrack utility training bench comes in a rectangular box that’s heavier than it looks (the bench itself weighs 62 pounds), which is why NordicTrack recommends hiring a gym buddy to help with assembly. Unwrapping everything is a bit of a tedious task, but to reiterate in the user manual (page 7), this makes the process quicker and allows you to check for missing parts on the fly.
(Image credit: TJ Fink)
It took me about an hour (at a casual pace) to set up the NordicTrack Utility Training Bench myself, which I must admit is a bit of a hassle with just a couple of hands. When attaching each piece to the steel frame of the bench, be careful not to fully tighten each screw or bolt too soon; otherwise, the end result can come out mysteriously unbalanced.
This is more important than you think, as an unbalanced bench will inevitably result in unbalanced form, increasing the chance of eventual injury. Heck, use a level to make sure the backing is flush with the floor it’ll rest on, and don’t be afraid to loosen and retighten various pieces as needed. Symmetry is key here.
(Image credit: TJ Fink)
Note: I also suggest investing in foam padding of some sort for your workout area, both to protect the floor and to muffle noise as you pound the dumbbells.
NordicTrack Utility Training Bench Review: Performance and Ergonomics
Measuring approximately 11.5 inches wide at the base and 9 inches wide at the top, the 34-inch-long backrest is roomy enough for larger frames, and at 2 inches thick, there’s plenty of high-density foam backing. . I never felt like I was going to slip off either side of the bench when reclining, which can be a big concern if the backrest is too narrow. (Or poorly padded. Or both.) Box stitching is another mark of quality here, as cheaper benches simply stretch out the seat covers and staple them to the back.
The equally wide seat has a similar tapered design, with a simple knob to adjust the angle. There’s a 3.5-inch gap between the seat and back, which can be a bit awkward for smaller frames (ie bony rears). However, at nearly 20 inches tall, this bench should fall into the Goldilocks Zone for most average-sized adults; NordicTrack says the bench is designed for ages 14 and up and can support up to 610 pounds: 300 for the user and 110 for additional weight. Impressive.
(Image credit: TJ Fink)
Once assembled, it was easy enough to pick up the bench by its built-in handle and roll it around my apartment. Some weight benches are collapsible and can easily slide under a bed when not in use, but this isn’t one of them; make sure you have the space for it before you buy. That said, it’s easy enough to put this thing in a corner or use it as an ad-hoc coffee table. (Hey, I live in New York City. Every square inch of my apartment is valuable.)
There are plenty of exercises you can do on a regular flat bench, but NordicTrack includes five different incline settings to adjust, plus two decline settings and a fully upright (ie military) position. Most budget banks don’t have military or decline setups, which explains some of the premium pricing here. In my tests, adjusting the seat/back angles is a piece of cake.
(Image credit: TJ Fink)
I’ve tried the NordicTrack Utility Workout Bench for about a month and it pairs perfectly with the NordicTrack Vault, not to mention the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set. From incline bench presses to incline rows to isolation curls to tricep kickbacks and so much more, this could be the most essential piece of gym equipment you never knew you needed. (However, a leg bar of some sort would have provided better stability when it comes to decline presses.)
Note: If you already have a squat machineyou’ll definitely want a weight bench to go with it.
NordicTrack Utility Training Bench Review: Verdict
The traditional weight bench isn’t exciting gym equipment, I’ll admit, but it’s still some of the most fundamental fitness equipment you can own. And while $300 is steep for this premium model, the NordicTrack Utility Training Bench should earn its keep in no time. It’s a sleek looking bench that has plenty of padding and plenty of adjustability. Plus, its steel construction is built to last.
I would recommend the NordicTrack Utility Exercise Bench to weightlifters of all levels; After all, it’s never too early to get your own weight bench, and if strength training is new to your workout routine, this weight bench sets the standard in terms of overall quality and functionality.
NordicTrack Utility Training Bench Review – Also Consider
the Mirafit M350 Adjustable Weight Bench (opens in a new tab) It has seven back and five seat positions so you can lock it in the exact position needed for any workout. The thick padded cushions and strong steel frame are ideal for heavy use. Ideal for work with dumbbells and abdominal exercises.
The Again Faster Team Adjustable Bench is a strong yet lightweight bench for home workouts. It has a solid 4- to 14-gauge variable steel frame and thick, durable non-slip padding. The maximum weight capacity is 450kg, quite heavy for most workouts people do at home.
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