I travel a lot and most hotel "gyms" or "fitness centers" of course are not equipped for any kind of weight lifting. I figure if I want to lift weights I should take my own, but driving around with a full set of course isn't an option so I'm considering buying a pair of adjustable dumbbells.

Has anyone tried/used/bought any? The two main brands I've seen online (and in nearby stores) are either 1) Bowflex or 2) Power Block.

Any suggestions?

Oh yeah, they're both about $400 for a set: Power Block is $425 for 20-60lbs and Bowflex is $400 for 5 to 52.5.

[Edited on October 14, 2007 at 3:52 PM. Reason : .]

10/14/2007 3:49:18 PM

Many hotels have memberships at an area gym, if not, my suggestion is to bodywieght exercises.

"death by bodyweight" ( http://www.t-nation.com/portal_includes/articles/2002/237death2.html ) is a good starting point for bodywieght exercises. Add burpees to the list given.

you can use a child's playground for pullups, and some have rings (huge plus for dips, muscle ups, pull ups, and more), trees, etc. You can do dips between chairs or stair railings.

You can add resistance in the form of bands, weights in a bookbag, and weight vests.

There is a crossfit style bodywieght site with WOD's, but I'm lapsing on the name.

Also, http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/229/ and http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode2/Workouts

If you want some reading http://www.dragondoor.com/b28.html


[Edited on October 14, 2007 at 4:06 PM. Reason : Actually that set might be ok for adding to a bookbag or between your feet.]

[Edited on October 14, 2007 at 4:06 PM. Reason : ]

10/14/2007 4:04:33 PM

I used Powerblock in the Wolfcreek fitness center 3 years ago, and it seemed OK, but they did seem a little fragile (this is probably because they were used by so many different people). I hope you mean traveling by car, b/c you aren't going to lug these onto an airplane...

10/15/2007 12:35:44 AM

ask the hotel that you're staying at if they have any deals worked out with local gyms. most of them do. Also, consider getting a membership at a franchise gym like gold's or powerhouse. they tend to be in most major cities.

otherwise, stick to bodyweight exercises.

10/15/2007 12:57:51 PM

What about those vinyl dumbells that you fill up with water? They're like inflatable toys, except you fill them with water instead of air.

10/15/2007 2:33:57 PM

no

[Edited on October 15, 2007 at 7:02 PM. Reason : ]

10/15/2007 7:00:03 PM

No? I saw them in a magazine years ago and they looked pretty cool.

10/16/2007 8:47:28 AM

there are plenty of things you can do without any weight at all not to mention that nowadays just about every hotel has a deal with local gyms to allow you access while you stay there

other than reiterating that point, arcgreek said/posted everything else I would have suggested

10/16/2007 9:25:03 AM