Olympic Benches – A Fitness Tool to Increase Your Strength Training Endurance

Olympic benches are great training tools that many powerlifters use to increase their overall strength training endurance. However, it gets most confusing when it comes time to pick the best Olympic benches, thanks to the availability of the boundless selections at local and online stores. Therefore, it is recommended to make some market research before finalizing any fitness equipment. The sole purpose of these strength-training machines is to provide a stable and supportive device so that you can perform the exercises in both sitting position and while lying flat. Therefore, go for those devices that allow to make modifications to focus on different areas of your body.

While looking for an Olympic bench, make sure that the strength training device is in line with you, i.e. the bench is a good fit with your height and weight. Another factor that you need to consider is the sturdiness. Whether you are buying this fitness equipment for working on a particular part of your body or for all types of weight routines, make sure feel secure while using this device to lift weights. One may even opt for the multiple-purpose Olympic benches; they come with an attachment that allows you to perform various exercises. You can use the attachment to work on the leg muscles, abs and other parts of the body.

The construction of this strength-training machine must also be considered. Needless to say that the device must support the weights you are using. The key adjustment area of the bench must be study enough to lift huge amount of weight. And at the same time, it must not be difficult to move about. You can go for those Olympic benches that come with catches that keep the device from falling down.

At Westside Barbell, you can get some of the most reliable Olympic benches that are used by the pro powerlifters and World and National Champion powerlifters.

Effective Strength Training Equipments for the Upper Body

Many people would love to flaunt a perfectly chiseled upper body and torso. We suggest a few strength-training devices that will help them to achieve their fitness goal.

Incline Lever Row- Incline Lever Row is one fitness equipment that can help you to shape up the abdominal region. In addition, it is also effective for reducing strain in the lower back. Incline Lever Row comes with multi-position handgrips which you can utilize to add variety to your workout routine.

The Dip/Ab/Push-Up- The Dip/Ab/Push-Up should be used by anyone who is looking forward to work on the upper body. Made from huge 3″ square tubing, you can use it to perform knee raises. Thick pads of this fitness equipment will provide complete support to the elbows while you work out. Step down for a while and move up for the dips. This fitness equipment will also aid you to perform elevated push-ups.


Mini Sit-Up- We all know that regular sit-ups can help us to get a toned upper body and great abs. Now you can enhance the sit-up exercises with the help of the Mini Sit-Up. The best part is that this unique fitness equipment can accommodate itself within a space of 48” x 24”. You get sufficient resistance for ab work from the 30-degree angle and the shin rollers help you to stay in position.

45 Degree Hyperextension- This machine simultaneously works on the back region and stabilizes the lower part of the body. It can be easily adjusted, while providing the necessary comfort.

Curl Pedestal- All those who love doing curl bar exercises can opt for the Curl Pedestal. It comes with handy weight storage pegs that make it easier for the user to change and add plates swiftly. Thus, the momentum of your strength-training workout is not lost.

We provided a brief review of the different equipments that can help your upper body to get into shape. Select the one that will help you in fulfilling your goals and make you feel good.

Olympic Benches used by Westside Barbell Powerlifters

In our previous post, we discussed the factors that one must consider while shopping for an Olympic bench. Now, it’s time to focus on some of the benches that are used by the legendary powerlifter Louie Simmons and other powerlifters of Westside Barbell.

Olympic Decline Bench
This strength-training device is known for its ability to fire every nerve of your chest and can create separation between your Pecs to complete the torso. It allows a multijoint movement to increase strength in each major upper body lift. In fact, this Olympic bench is built to deliver strength and is suitable for all body types. This fitness equipment weighs 220 lbs and comes with welded mainframe. The adjustable and vinyl covered roller pads of this bench allow for various user torso lengths. It has pop pin adjustment and elevated knee position helps to avoid hyperextension of your lower back. For Olympic bar placement, this strength-training device comes with ABS Protective Wear Guards.

Olympic Incline Bench
This Olympic bench is not only impressive in appearance; it provides the best possible overhead shoulder training for powerlifters. The supported back position ensures that you can rely on this machine while performing overhead shoulder training. You can lean back on a 35° angle to put the hurt on the upper chest; the adjustable seat ensures that you are always correctly positioned. Other features include 3" square tubing, and a large spotter's platform that allows assistance to arrive just in time. This strength training equipment weighs around 270 lbs.

You can more information about the Olympic benches used by Westside Barbell powerlifters in our next blog post.

Bandbell Bar – A Specialty Bar to Change Your Gym

One of the most economical ways to create a powerlifting gym is to get a good power rack (to avoid injuries), plates and dumbbells, and finally some bars. In fact, these specialty bars can change your gym completely. The Bandbell bar, for example, can easily boost your strength training routine. This patent pending specialty bar take your fitness exercise a step ahead. You can attach kettle bells and bands to this bar for performing all kind of pressing.


The Bandbell bar can help you to learn press correctly. This fitness equipment helps you to contract all the pressing muscles including the last, arms, chest, and dolts. To use the kettle bells for most effective bar pressing, you can double up a mini-band and hang them from the bar. This must be done around the handle the kettle bells. Since this can be very precarious and taxing, it is recommended to use spotters. At Westside Barbell, many powerlifters use kettle bells for band pressing, which have produced great results. However, remember to stop the kettle bells along with the bar from accelerating while you lower the bar to your chest.

This requires proper technique and practice. The elasticity of the band will force the kettle bells to lower further, even though you stop the bar. And the bells will continue to move in all direction, just like an oscillating pendulum. This may create a chaotic state, if you cannot stop the bells in time. The bells will continue to move upward, once they reach lockout. To provide stability, you must work all your pressing muscles together.

The Bandbell bar can hold up to 200 lbs.