JOROTO MD56 Adjustable Weight Bench Review: Is This All-in-One Bench Worth $270?

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By Liam Smith — Fitness enthusiast and founder of Apexfito. I test home gym gear and write about what actually works for people training in small spaces.

JOROTO MD56 at a Glance

The JOROTO MD56 is an adjustable weight bench that tries to be four machines in one: a flat/incline/decline bench, a preacher curl station, a leg extension/curl attachment, and a Roman chair for back extensions and sit-ups. It folds down for storage, and the frame is ASTM-certified for a claimed 1,300 lb capacity.

It sits at $269.99 on Amazon right now, with a 4.6-star average across more than 1,900 reviews. That rating alone puts it above most benches in this price band, so I wanted to figure out whether the all-in-one design actually holds up or just spreads itself too thin.

Who Is the MD56 For?

This bench makes the most sense if you fall into one of these buckets:

• Small-space lifters. If your “gym” is a corner of the bedroom or a garage bay, a single folding unit that replaces three separate pieces of equipment is a real space saver.
• Dumbbell-focused home lifters. The bench gives you a solid platform for pressing, rows, and curls without needing a rack.
• People who want variety without buying more gear. The preacher pad and leg attachment cover movements most basic benches skip entirely.

If you’re mainly a barbell bench presser with a power rack already, you probably don’t need this. A simpler flat bench would do. But for dumbbell-only training, it’s one of the more complete options at this price.

Build Quality and Frame

The frame is made from alloy steel with reinforcement plates welded at the high-stress points. JOROTO says the triangular support structure and adjustable feet keep it stable even on slightly uneven floors. The 1,300 lb rating is ASTM-certified and factory-tested, which is a big deal at this price point. Most benches under $300 claim 800-1,000 lbs, and that’s often optimistic. If you’re wondering how much capacity you actually need, we broke down the math in our guide to reading weight bench capacity ratings. The short version: the MD56’s certified number leaves real headroom for most home lifters.

Owner feedback backs up the stability claims. Multiple long-term reviews mention the bench feeling solid during heavy dumbbell pressing and dips, with no wobble at the pivot points. A few reviewers noted the feet pads are adjustable, which helps on carpet and basement floors that aren’t perfectly level. If you mostly train alone, that stability matters more than you’d think — we wrote a whole guide on staying safe on a weight bench without a spotter, and a wobbly base is the last thing you want under you during a heavy press.

One thing to keep in mind: the bench itself weighs about 35 lbs (16 kg). It’s light enough to move around, but it’s not flimsy-light either. The steel tubing is noticeably thicker than what you get on the cheapest Amazon benches.

Comfort and Padding

The pad is wrapped in a sweat-proof PU leather with high-density rebounding foam underneath. After reading through the reviews, the two things people consistently praise are how firm the padding is and how well it holds its shape.

I paid attention to this specifically because soft pads are a common complaint on budget benches, foam that compresses to the frame after a few months. The MD56 reviews don’t show that pattern. Several reviewers with 6+ months of use report the pad still looks and feels like new.

The headrest extends, which is a nice touch for taller lifters. Shorter users also seem to fit fine — the bench doesn’t force you into an awkward position like some oversized frames do. If you’re on the shorter side, this is worth noting, since many benches are clearly built for taller guys.

Adjustability: Where This Bench Shines

Here’s what the MD56 does that most benches at this price don’t:

• Backrest positions: flat, multiple incline angles, decline, and a true 90° upright setting.
• Preacher pad: adjustable in both height and width, which is rare on benches in this range. It actually fits your arm length instead of forcing you to adapt to it.
• Leg extension/curl station: flips out when you need it and tucks away when you don’t.
• Roman chair mode: converts for back extensions and sit-ups.

Being able to go from flat bench to 90° for shoulder presses to preacher curls without changing machines is the whole point of this design. If you train at home with a set of adjustable dumbbells, that versatility covers a surprisingly complete full-body program.

One warning from the reviews: this is a bench, not a rack. It’s built for dumbbells, bodyweight, and up to a certain point barbells. For heavy barbell benching you’d want a dedicated power rack setup, which is a different purchase entirely.

Foldability and Storage

The bench folds in on itself using a quick-release locking pin. Folded, it’s compact enough to slide under a bed or fit in a car trunk. The folding mechanism is one of the most-reviewed features, and the feedback is mostly positive — the latch locks securely in both positions, and there’s no rattling when it’s set up.

Assembly is straightforward. The bench ships with the tools you need and the instructions are clear enough that most people get it together in under 30 minutes, based on the review comments. There’s also a printed workout guide included, which is a small bonus.

What Comes in the Box

• MD56 bench frame and seat pads
• Preacher curl pad
• Steel bar with chains (for the leg attachment)
• Assembly tools and instructions
• Illustrated workout guide

Specs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• True all-in-one design: bench, preacher curl, leg extension, Roman chair
• 1,300 lb ASTM-certified rating is rare at this price
• Preacher pad adjusts in height and width
• Folds compact for storage
• Firm padding that holds up over time
• Adjustable feet for uneven floors

Cons:

• Not for heavy barbell work — it’s a bench, not a rack
• 16 kg means it’s not the lightest thing to haul around
• Leg attachment uses a steel bar with chains, which feels slightly utilitarian compared to the rest of the build
• Some reviewers wish the seat itself adjusted independently of the backrest

How It Compares to the MD55

The MD55 is JOROTO’s budget adjustable bench, and we covered it in our MD55 review and a budget bench comparison. The MD56 adds the Roman chair mode and the height/width-adjustable preacher pad, plus a higher certified capacity. If you only need a basic incline bench, the MD55 saves you money. If you want the full all-in-one package, the MD56 is the upgrade that justifies itself.

Should You Buy It?

The JOROTO MD56 is one of the more complete home bench setups you can get without stepping up to a full power rack. The 1,300 lb certified capacity, adjustable preacher pad, and leg station cover a lot of ground for $269.99, and the review data suggests it holds up well over time.

It’s best for dumbbell-focused lifters in small spaces who want one piece of equipment that does the work of four. If that sounds like you, it’s an easy recommendation.

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About the author: Liam Smith is the founder of Apexfito and writes evidence-based training guides and gear reviews.

Medical & Editorial Review: This article was reviewed by Liam Smith, founder of Apexfito, for accuracy and safety. Content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician before starting any exercise or nutrition program.