What does it COST to lose weight and get fit?

You're committed. You're dedicated. You've decided to take control of your health. But you're also on a budget. So, you wonder "What does it COST to lose weight and get fit?" There are so many commercials for the latest greatest fat burning pill, the best diet plan, the newest piece of equipment, or the hottest DVD at home workout. All of these things can be very expensive. Not to mention the price of a gym membership. So, you start to wonder, "Can I really afford to lose weight?" The answer is YES! The truth is that you don't need any of that expensive stuff, especially at first. 

For me, the closest gym is about a 30 minute drive. I did check it out, but couldn't justify the $40 a month (on a 2 year contract) knowing that the distance would likely prevent me from going in the first place. Let's be honest here. Most people will find any excuse NOT to work out, and I can be the same way at times. So, I knew that if I had to drive 30 minutes to the gym and 30 minutes home each day, it just wasn't going to happen. 

As far as weight loss pills and diet plans, I don't believe in either one. First of all, there is no magic pill. If there was, there would be no more obesity. Think about it. If there was some pill that you could take daily and magically lose a ton of weight, wouldn't everyone take the pill? So the fact that there are still many people struggling with weight shows there is no magic pill. Those diet plans advertised on television are another no-no in my book. First of all, some of them charge you by the pound. I'm sure you've heard the commercials that say something like "Lose 20 pounds for $20." You're not a prize pig for sale. You don't deserve to be priced by the pound. Not to mention that those plans charge monthly fees, and simply want you to buy their food and supplements which are junk. Those plans get you to eat chemically processed "food" that isn't healthy to begin with. And, it doesn't teach you anything about what you should be eating and how to maintain a healthy weight. So skip the television ads and just get to work.

The only equipment you really need when you get started are good workout shoes, some comfortable workout clothes (doesn't have to be expensive or fancy), a sports bra if you're a woman, and Internet access. Go for a walk. Go running. Do push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, squats, lunges, chair dips, etc. Look on you tube for free exercise videos. Work out at home or outdoors. Grab a friend or two and get fit together. You don't need to spend a lot of money to get in shape, no matter what the advertisers tell you.

Later on, you might want to get some basic equipment. For instance, I invested in a good quality set of adjustable weights. For me, these are perfect because I can change the weight with a few clicks and they take up less space than a whole bunch of different weights. I also got a stability ball for ab work, a treadmill for running when going outdoors isn't an option, a pull up bar, medicine ball, resistance bands, and some workout dvd's that I enjoy. I also recommend getting a TRX system or a MostFit system. They are essentially the same thing, but the MostFit is less expensive. But again, you don't need to spend a lot to lose weight, especially in the beginning. Later on, however, you will find yourself wanting more and more equipment so you can do more at home and challenge yourself to do new things, and build new muscles. Take it one step at a time, and don't go overboard trying to build a gym in your house.