What tools are absolutely required when working out at home?

[Sire]

Hi all!

I'm thinking of buying "Men's Health Home Workout Bible" and the "New Rules", since working out at home is the only option for me. My questions are:

1. Are those two books a good combo or do you have any other recommendations for me? The reason I got interested in them are that they seem to focus on a FEW, scientifically proven excercises, and that you (hopefully) can do them at home. I have little time and need stuff that actually works.

2. What tools and equipment are absolutely required if I want to do all the six magic excercises? I have a pretty small flat with little space. A bench might just work if it's easily collapsable for example.

Thanks a lot.

//Simon

[RobLL]

With a dumb bell set you can come up with substitutes for everything, or at least good enough substitutes that you will have almost all the benefits.

Add a chin up/pull up bar - any friend with carpentry/plumbing skills can do this.

A squat rack with high and low cable pulls, and an adjustable bench will complete a gym.

[Pman]

I would only add a stability ball to complete the set.

[Viknord]

The "high and low cable pulls" are really not neccesary. You can substitute pull-ups and barbell/dumbbell rows for those. Just a thought.