Body Solid GFID225 Weight Bench Review

***2024 update… If you need a bench that folds flat, this is a great choice. If that’s not the case, make sure to check out my recommended benches page here. A lot has changed since I bought this bench almost 10 years ago!

There are few other pieces of equipment you’ll buy for your home gym that are as important or as used as a solid and reliable weight bench.

When putting together my gym, a bench was one of my very first purchases. I went to my local Play It Again Sports and found a basic flat bench that seemed to be in good condition. I was on my way home, happy for less than $50.

Unfortunately, that happiness didn’t last long. I quickly realized that this bench wasn’t going to work for me. First of all, one day, it started to smell in my hot garage. And not a light, I can deal with it, smell. A terrible smell that reminded me of what a gladiator’s locker room must have smelled like in ancient Rome. There was simply no way I was going to lay down on this thing! I haven’t bought a second-hand piece of equipment since.

I also realized that I wanted more than just a flat bench. I wanted something that would allow me to do a slight incline press. I wanted something to sit in and brace my back against when doing overhead presses. I wanted an adjustable, not a fixed, bench.

Show me the money…