There’s a reason why you don’t lift the maximum weight you can handle on a bench press, unless you have people nearby to spot you – you could very well get in danger if your muscles fail in the middle of a rep. At least, that’s the case if you’re not lifting on the Maxx Bench, a new exercise equipment that allows you bench press to failure without the aid of a spotter.
Unlike most similar contraptions, this isn’t a machine. Instead, it’s a free weights equipment that will engage all the same muscles as you would on a regular flat bench, without running the risk of having your muscles fail and finding yourself trapped under hundreds of pounds of weight. That way, you can push your chest presses to the upper limit of what you can handle as many times as you want.
The Maxx Bench consists of two components: a barbell rack and a bench. The bench can be screwed onto the bottom of the rack as a permanent setup, although it can be kept separate as well, if you prefer being able to move your gear around just a little easier. Similar to a squat rack, the rack has an adjustable rack out on top for holding the barbell and a safety rack below, where you can drop the same barbell if you find yourself unable to lift any further. The secret sauce, however, is the bench, which comes with an integrated hydraulic system that can quickly lower the bench when you step on the integrated footpad. Doing so allows you to easily leave the barbell in the support rack and get up even after you’ve spent every ounce of your strength trying to complete the last rep. Oh yeah, the same hydraulic system allows you to readjust the bench height at will, eliminating the tedious process of using pins like in traditional benches.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for the Maxx Bench. Pledges to reserve a unit starts at $650.