Ways to Start Losing Weight on a Tight Budget

Guest Post by Stacy Crosby

The key to weight loss, as with pretty much anything, is consistency.  Consistency doesnt cost a dime.  If you have a goal in mind and remain consistent in doing the things required in order to reach it, chances are you will reach that goal.  

For most of us, at some point in time–past, present or future–we want to lose weight.  Often times, weight loss goals are put on the back burner because we don’t have the money to join a gym, hire a personal trainer, etc. If you want to lose weight and you’re putting it off because you dont have the money to do whatever it is you want to do, start with a goal. I am here to tell you that you dont need money to lose weight. Use what you already have to help you.

The easiest, most convenient, no-cost solution is the Internet. I absolutely love the World Wide Web because you can find the answer to just about anything.  Most of us have an internet connection at home, but if you dont, use your local library or a place that has free WiFi.  Let the internet be your greatest resource for helping you obtain your weight loss goals.  The first thing you will need to do is establish your goal: how much weight do you want to lose and in what time frame do you want to lose it?  A healthy and most likely to be maintained weight loss is up to 2 pounds per week.  Stay away from fad/drastic diets such as cabbage soup, liquid, grapefruit, etc.  

Following are the most common desires related to fitness and weight loss with low or no-cost solutions to help you reach your goals.  

I Want to Join a Gym

Search Planet Fitness locations, low cost gym memberships and YMCAs in your area. Many YMCA locations have scholarships and an open-door policy in which they will work with you in regards to the amount you can afford to pay each month. 

I Want to Hire a Personal Trainer

Use the Internet to find workout/meal plans based on your goals. Seek out a fitness professional or aficionado within your circle of family and friends, co-workers, etc. (there has got to be at least one) and ask them for help.  If it is their passion, they will be more than likely happy to help. Fiverr.com is an excellent and very affordable option- everything is $5!  Search YouTube for workout videos and you can also find workout video series for specific goals or time frames. 

I Want to Join Weight Watchers

My first experience with Weight Watchers was in 2009 and I lost 20 pounds. I have pretty much been maintaining a Weight Watchers lifestyle ever since.  I am a big fan of Weight Watchers and I think that it is best and easiest-to-maintain solution for weight loss and overall healthy eating.  Weight Watchers is basically a creative way of tracking your calorie intake and output.  If you are interested in starting Weight Watchers, you dont need to pay the fees to join Weight Watchers.  If you are interested and have $5 to spare, click here: https://www.fiverr.com/frugalandfierce. 

I Need Help and I Don’t Know What to Do or Where to Start 

My first suggestion would be to utilize your local library. Look for books under the subject of weight loss/fitness for beginners, guides to weight loss/fitness, and understanding weight loss/fitness.  Set aside some quiet time to read and take notes.  If you dont have time to go to the library, use the Internet. There is a plethora of information at your fingertips.  And as I mentioned before, utilize your circles to seek a fitness aficionado to help you.  

I Need a Partner for Motivation 

First, inform your spouse or significant other of your goal and see if they will join you or at least help you and hold you accountable in your weak spots.  Ask your friends and family to see if anyone wants to join you. Meetup.com is an excellent way to search for exercise, weight loss, and fitness groups in your area.  If all else fails, go to Pinterest and/or Google and type in Weight Loss/Fitness Motivation as often as you need to. You wont be disappointed.

I’m Stacy Crosby and I live in Greenville, SC. I am married with one daughter (17 months old). I left the world of retail to stay at home with my daughter. I love a challenge and I missed talking to so many different people on a daily basis. With the advice of friends and after much brainstorming, I decided to start blogging about the things that I love: Frugal Living, Fashion, Shopping, Being Organized, Fitness/Health and Creative “Hacks,” on my blog Be Frugal and Fierce.