We have all likely seen the stereotypical gym-fail of someone stuck underneath a barbell while trying to perform a bench press that is just simply too much. The unluckiest among us have probably been on the receiving end of this displeasure first-hand.
That’s why for many people a gym partner is a necessity, someone who can be on standby to help achieve the extra one or two tough repetitions at the end of a set.
It was the lack of having a spotter, which has led mechanical engineer Dave Vorozilchak to come up with the Maxx Bench. The device resembles that of any standard weights bench, except that it comes installed with a pedal that, when pressed under foot, hydraulically lowers the person out of harm’s way.
The potentially life-saving pedal also acts as a height adjuster for the bench as a whole.
It’s simple yet so clever, solving a common problem that many face. Current solutions to the problem consist of contraptions like Smith machines, which suspend the barbell in a fixed position and can be locked in place, but can restrict motion and still leave room for injury; or there’s the option of avoiding bench presses when you haven’t got a partner, which is also not great.
The Maxx Bench has been seeking funding on Kickstarter, and has already surpassed its funding target, with funders securing their own bench for the equivalent of £417, of which there are some units left to reserve (though for any British bodybuilders out there, the site states that shipping outside of the US in a no-no for now).
If the Maxx Bench does hit the mainstream market, it is expected to retail for around £760.
