Performing decline bench press w/ legs crossed and up

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I recently purchased

Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench with Upgraded Wider Backrest/Seat (2019 Version), 800 lb (2804)

from Amazon and although I like the bench a lot when doing incline bench press, when doing decline, I have to cross my legs and stick them up in order to get in a decent position. There is nothing to hold my legs up and even though it feels like I get ok activation when doing the movement, is it possible being in such a position could be detrimental in any way?

[air2fakie]

You're lying on a decline bench pressing a barbell with weights and your legs are just up in the air with nothing holding you in position? What could possibly go wrong?

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You're lying on a decline bench pressing a barbell with weights and your legs are just up in the air with nothing holding you in position? What could possibly go wrong?

It feels pretty balanced but yea, most regular adjustable benches for normal consumers don't have leg holders yet they still advertise that they allow for decline movements. Are there separate parts that allow one to get into the same position offered by conventional decline bench presses at a gym?

If not, does that mean you need to buy an actual decline bench specifically for decline movements?

[DJAuto]

It feels pretty balanced but yea, most regular adjustable benches for normal consumers don't have leg holders yet they still advertise that they allow for decline movements. Are there separate parts that allow one to get into the same position offered by conventional decline bench presses at a gym?

If not, does that mean you need to buy an actual decline bench specifically for decline movements?

Are you sure the bench you purchased has decline ability? In looking at the Amazon page, it doesn't seem like it. You could but the bench at a minimal decline by placing somethig sturdy like a board under the front, so your stability is still similar to flat but you're getting some decline angle. Otherwise, I always suggest not to have legs in the air...it minimizes stability.

Some home benches also have "pegs" that you can lock your legs in, similar but less effective than the leg locks you'd see at a commercial gym or a purpose-built bench.

[air2fakie]

It feels pretty balanced but yea, most regular adjustable benches for normal consumers don't have leg holders yet they still advertise that they allow for decline movements. Are there separate parts that allow one to get into the same position offered by conventional decline bench presses at a gym?

If not, does that mean you need to buy an actual decline bench specifically for decline movements?

Buy a better adjustable bench or don't do decline press, esp since it doesn't sound like you have any safeties. Do forward leaning dips to hit your lower chest if your shoulders can handle them.

This is not one of those things where you should say others have to convince you your way isn't good, but do what you will.

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Are you sure the bench you purchased has decline ability? In looking at the Amazon page, it doesn't seem like it. You could but the bench at a minimal decline by placing somethig sturdy like a board under the front, so your stability is still similar to flat but you're getting some decline angle. Otherwise, I always suggest not to have legs in the air...it minimizes stability.

Some home benches also have "pegs" that you can lock your legs in, similar but less effective than the leg locks you'd see at a commercial gym or a purpose-built bench.

Yea there are foot pegs/holders but they reside too close to the seat and require a bit of flexibility to get in position. It is advertised as allowing for decline yet doesn't seem well accommodated for it.

Buy a better adjustable bench or don't do decline press, esp since it doesn't sound like you have any safeties. Do forward leaning dips to hit your lower chest if your shoulders can handle them.

This is not one of those things where you should say others have to convince you your way isn't good, but do what you will.

Do you know of any good reviewed benches on amazon that one could buy? After messing with the seat adjustable, I could actually hold my feet/legs by using the pegs but it does require some flexibility and doesn't allow for that perfect feet positioning that the conventional declines at gyms offer. I could also just plant my feet on the ground. Are those good substitutes?