Flybird for Small Apartments: Foldable Weight Bench That Slides Under the Bed in Seconds
Executive Summary
Trying to stay fit when you live in a small apartment can feel like squeezing a full gym into a tiny space. The Flybird WB5 Adjustable Weight Bench, designed by FED Fitness and sold under the Flybird name, takes that on directly. This bench folds up, offers multiple angles, and slides under the bed in just a few seconds. It works for flat, incline, and decline positions, can handle up to 800 pounds, comes nearly ready to use out of the box, and folds down to a fraction of its size. For lifters in cramped spaces, it provides all the usual workout flexibility without eating up your living area. This review pulls together specs and independent feedback to break down where the WB5 shines, where it falls short, and how it actually plays out for anyone trying to do real strength training at home without taking over the apartment.
Introduction
When every square foot matters—maybe your living room is also your office, or the bedroom moonlights as your gym—finding home exercise equipment that fits is tough. Traditional weight benches take up too much space and are hard to tuck away, which makes it easy for working out to feel like a hassle instead of a habit, especially for apartment renters and city residents. Often, the difference between sticking with it or quitting is simply whether the bench constantly gets in your way.
Flybird’s WB5 aims to solve that problem. It’s pitched as a bench you can fold up and stash under your bed or behind a door in seconds, so your living space stays yours once your workout wraps up. But does it really live up to that “slide away” claim? Can it handle tough workouts in small spaces, or is it mainly just a clever marketing promise? Here’s a closer look at what matters if you’re thinking of bringing this bench into your apartment.
Market Insights
More people are working out at home since the pandemic, and many want gym-grade gear that fits into small spaces, sets up fast, and doesn’t take over their living area.
The Small Apartment Fitness Dilemma
Most adjustable benches weigh over 50 pounds and permanently take up around four feet by a foot of floor space—way too much for many renters. Cheaper foldable options can be flimsy, awkward to put together, or offer only a few angles. This leaves a big gap for a solid, easy-to-store bench that works for real training but doesn’t hog the room.
The Flybird WB5’s Place in the Field
- Ultra-compact fold: Folds down to about 30.1" × 13" × 8.6", so it can slide under most beds or tuck next to a couch where other benches won’t fit.
- Full FID functionality: Gives you 8 backrest angles—everything from upright for military presses to deep declines for abs and chest—plus 3 seat settings and an 800 pound static capacity. That’s a step up from most budget folding benches.
- Immediate use: Almost fully assembled out of the box, so you don’t have to fumble with tons of hardware.
While premium benches that fold up vertically often cost $300–$500 or more, and basic folding benches usually handle less weight or offer fewer options, the WB5 lands in the middle. It’s sturdy, adjustable, and generally sells for about $127.49, designed to fit small spaces.
Who’s Buying, and Why?
- Apartment-dwellers: Want equipment that’s easy to hide when they’re not working out but works for real training.
- Beginner to intermediate lifters: Value versatility, quick adjustments, and a compact form without needing hardcore, gym-grade features.
- Remote workers and students: Need fitness gear that doesn’t constantly intrude on their living or work area.
Product Relevance
Core Specifications and Highlights
- Dimensions (assembled): 46" L × 13" W × 18.5″ H.
- Folded Dimensions: 30.1" L × 13" W × 8.6" H (will fit under most beds with at least 9" clearance).
- Weight: About 28.5 lbs, so nearly any adult can move and store it.
- Capacity: Handles up to 800 lbs (person plus weights), beating most low-cost folding benches.
- Angle Adjustments: Offers 8 backrest settings (90°, 70°, 52°, 38°, 24°, 0°, –9°, –30°) and 3 seat settings (0°, 12°, 23°). That adds up to 144 different setups.
- Adjustment System: Uses a quick pop-pin or spring lock, and most people can change angles in a few seconds.
- Pad Lengths: 30" backrest and 15.7" seat, so even tall users won’t have their head hanging off the edge.
Space-Saving: The Under-Bed Metric in Action
What really stands out with the Flybird WB5 is how it collapses into a small unit that fits under most beds. Most bed frames give you 9–12" of space underneath, and the WB5’s folded height is just under 9".
Example:
One New York studio dweller said, “I keep my Flybird behind the door when not in use, but I could easily slide it under the bed. It takes less than a minute to fold up. This is massively helpful because I don’t want my gym taking over the whole apartment.”
Practicality check: Measure your own under-bed space first—anything below 9" and you’ll need to store it somewhere else, like in a closet or beside the couch.
Versatility: Full-Body Training, Apartment-Style
Real FID adjustability on the WB5 means you can cover most pressing, rowing, and core workouts:
- Shoulder Presses: Lock in at 90° for strict overhead work or supported rows.
- Incline/Decline Press: Choose from several incline positions, and get a –30° decline for abs or lower chest moves.
- Flat Bench: Do standard dumbbell or barbell exercises.
- Secure Core/Decline Movements: The foam leg roller keeps your legs grounded for ab routines or decline pressing.
Real-World Note:
While non-folding commercial benches are often rock solid, the WB5’s dual-triangle frame keeps it stable. Reviewers mention “very little wobble” even with 250+ lbs (between user and weights), which is impressive for something this light.
Engineering and Build Quality
- Frame: Made of alloy steel with a triangular design for better upright stability.
- Padding: Firm, high-density foam under faux leather—easy to wipe down and sweat-resistant, though it’s not as thick as what you’d see on high-end gym benches.
- Adjustment Mechanism: Trustworthy pop-pin/ladder, though some users note that adjusting one-handed can be a bit awkward but doesn’t take long.
Ergonomics: Where It Excels (and What to Watch For)
- 30″ backrest/extended pad: Users up to about 6′2″ get full support for their head and neck.
- 15.7″ seat width: Wide enough to feel stable.
- 18.5" bench height: Feels natural for anyone over 5′6″. If you’re under about 5′4″, your feet might not rest flat on the floor, which can affect stability for heavy presses.
- 2-inch pad gap: The design leaves a noticeable gap between the seat and backrest, since each adjusts separately. For some, especially during presses or core moves, this can feel uncomfortable.
Setup and Daily Use
- Assembly: Arrives mostly put together; worst case, you’ll spend about 10 minutes tightening a few bolts and pins.
- Folding:
- Push the seat in.
- Release the main pin.
- Fold up the frame.
- Weight: Since it’s just under 30 lbs, most adults can set it up or pack it away every day without hassle.
Value and Policy
- Warranty: 1-year warranty for the frame, plus lifetime tech support.
- Returns: 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Shipping: Free shipping is common with major retailers.
- Availability: Sells out sometimes due to demand; check different stores if the main site has it marked as “sold out.”
Actionable Tips
Want to get the most out of your small-space gym setup? Here’s what helps with the Flybird WB5 (or any similar foldable bench for apartment living):
1. Measure Twice, Store Once
- Under-bed fit: Before ordering, measure under your bed. You’ll need at least 9" of height and about 31" of length for it to slide in easily.
- Alternative storage: If the bed won’t work, consider propping it alongside a sofa, storing upright in a closet, or behind a door.
2. Assembly & Adjustment
- Out-of-the-box setup: Check all bolts and pins—sometimes they loosen during shipping, even if pre-assembled.
- Practice folding: Run through the fold/unfold steps a couple of times until it’s second nature (it really does get easier).
- Backrest/seat adjustment: While the pop-pin system is fast, using both hands makes seat and angle changes go more smoothly.
3. Ergonomic Tweaks for Your Body
- Shorter lifters: If you’re under 5′4″ and your feet don’t reach the floor, placing fitness mats, small weight plates, or risers under your feet can give you the leg support you need during presses.
- Pad gap workaround: If the 2" gap bothers you, try laying a folded towel or a lumbar support pad over the space when pressing or doing abs.
- User height: Taller folks (up to 6'2") say the 30" backrest gives them enough support, so no “head off the bench” problem.
4. Training Variety
- Take advantage of angles: Mix up the 8 backrest and 3 seat settings to work all your pressing, rowing, and decline routines.
- Secure your legs: Strap your legs under the foam roller for more stable decline presses and ab work.
5. Maintenance and Lifespan
- Surface care: After workouts, wipe down the pads with a damp cloth or mild cleaner to keep them in good shape.
- Check hardware: Every month or so, make sure all pins and bolts are snug to prevent wobble.
- Floor protection: Use a thin mat underneath the bench on hardwood or carpet to stop scuffs and keep the bench stable.
- Avoid abuse: Don’t drop weights on the pads; always place them down gently to keep the padding and frame from wearing out.
6. Understanding Limitations
- Heavy lifters: If you regularly bench over 350 lbs or expect commercial gym toughness, this probably isn’t your best option.
- Commercial settings: It’s not designed for constant, heavy-duty use in a gym that sees a lot of traffic.
- Pad gap/height comfort: If you’re picky about back pad gaps or bench height, try to test it in person, or make sure there’s a decent return policy in case it doesn’t suit you.
7. Buying & Support
- Returns: The 30-day return window lets you test how it fits and feels in your space. Hang onto the box for a smoother return if you need one.
- Support: Use lifetime tech support if you run into questions about setup or maintenance.
Conclusion
The Flybird WB5 isn’t just another folding bench—it’s built to tackle the space issues of apartment workouts, giving you real options for strength training while keeping your home feeling like home. It delivers on its “slide under the bed in seconds” promise, so you don’t have to choose between fitness and free space.
No, it doesn’t offer the rock-solid feel of a gym bench or a competition platform—but for most apartment dwellers, beginners, remote workers, or anyone looking for serious strength options that don’t take over the whole room, the WB5 nails the balance between function, price, and compactness. Yes, there are a couple of quirks (like the bench height and pad gap), but most users can get around those with minor tweaks.
In a market full of equipment that says all the right things but rarely works for real-life living spaces, the Flybird WB5 actually does what it claims: versatile, full-body training without the clutter, and easy to hide away when it’s time to get on with your day.
Sources
- Flybird Official Product Page – FED Fitness
- Macy’s: Flybird WB5 Adjustable Bench
- Lowe’s: FED Fitness FLYBIRD WB5
- Garage Gym Lab: Flybird Adjustable Bench Review
- HomeGymOnly: Best Home Gym Adjustable Weight Bench
- ShreddedDad: Flybird Foldable Weight Bench Review
- Reddit: r/homefitness & r/fitness30plus Discussion Threads
- YouTube: Flybird Bench Assembly and Review Videos
- Desertcart Japan: Flybird WB5 Weight Bench
- Thestrengthstack.com: Flybird WB5 Weight Bench Hands-on Review
- BodyBuildingReviews.com: Flybird Adjustable Bench