I travel quite a lot over the last year and half, often having to cancel my gym membership or put them on hold.  And after a year and half of working out, I’ve decided that there is just a few piece of equipment i really use.  Here’s a suggestion for those who want a gym on the cheap.  It isn’t for everyone.  Most of the items listed below can be found at your local discount retailers or local classifieds.

WEIGHT TRAINING / TONING

$50-30 1 Adjustable Weight bench (about $50 at discount retailers, $30 or less used)

$20-$100 1 Set of adjustable dumbbells - one of the most versatile piece of weight training equipment you can get (Kmart has a set of 40lb on sale this week for $20)

(If you don’t know what exercises to do, go check out a book at your local library, do a search for online workout sources, or checkout your local bookstore.)

$10-$15 1 Exercise mat. $10-15

CARDIO

Optional 1 Exercise bike/tread mill.  (You will find many of those on sale at local classifieds for really cheap, under $50, Kmart has one this week for under $100)

Alternative - just step outside of your door and walk, jog, run.  And if you have the equip, dribble and shoot a basketball, toss a football / baseball / Frisbee around with a friend)

For well under $200, you can have a very versatile home gym.

Of course, this is just a starting point.  Anyone have other suggestions please feel free to post them.