Opinions most appreciated-Should I add a flat bench to my home gym? (pic incl)

[bigcanadian71]

I train at home. For the last few years I have exclusively done incline barbell presses because "everbody" seemed to favor them over flat benches. I use a power cage and a Hammer Strength 30* bench for incline presses, but the way I made my cage doesn't allow me to do flat benches. It wouldn't take much to make an olmypic flat bench (I have 12 days off for Christmas so it's the perfect time) or maybe buy one used in Toronto if the price was right. Should I get a flat bench so I can switch between flat and incline? Here is a pic of the bench I have in mind. Very simple design unlike the Hammer Strength olympic flat bench.

[kenneth]

Originally Posted by bigcanadian71

I train at home. For the last few years I have exclusively done incline barbell presses because "everbody" seemed to favor them over flat benches. I use a power cage and a Hammer Strength 30* bench for incline presses, but the way I made my cage doesn't allow me to do flat benches. It wouldn't take much to make an olmypic flat bench (I have 12 days off for Christmas so it's the perfect time) or maybe buy one used in Toronto if the price was right. Should I get a flat bench so I can switch between flat and incline? Here is a pic of the bench I have in mind. Very simple design unlike the Hammer Strength olympic flat bench.

if ya got the time and the space.. what do ya got to lose! personally i hate flat benches.. haven't done them in years and don't plan on doing them.. i only do inclines and declines.

[BamBam]

it sounds like you have some fabrication skills..."I made my cage".
why not just alter your current incline bench to allow for flat presses?
you'll save much money compared to buying a new bench, or with steal prices on the rise, the cost of making one. shouldnt be too difficult to make your current bench into a reclining/adjustable bench.
i personally would stick with BOTH incline and decline presses. i dont usually do flats.

[kenneth]

Originally Posted by BamBam

it sounds like you have some fabrication skills..."I made my cage".
why not just alter your current incline bench to allow for flat presses?
you'll save much money compared to buying a new bench, or with steal prices on the rise, the cost of making one. shouldnt be too difficult to make your current bench into a reclining/adjustable bench.
i personally would stick with BOTH incline and decline presses. i dont usually do flats.

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agreed. inclines and declines outs the window with the flat.

[Juggernauttx]

Your better off, getting a dip bar. Do some wide grip dips with some weights attached if needed. These will recruit alot more fibers in the pecs than reg ole benches.

[Girth]

Jug beat me to it. Dips are a much better idea than any bench. They should AT LEAST be included.

[milesfan]

Definatley add an adjustable bench. Im not sure if you are gonna make one or buy the icarian. But ill tell you right now that bench is close to a grand. Spend about 150 more and buy the hoist bench...same craftsmanship, and it is adjustable.