How to actually lose weight when you can't afford a gym?

I haven't been to the gym in the nearly a year since I started using MFP, and I've lost 70 pounds so far.

When I first started, I (of necessity) walked the 1/3 mile (each way) from the nearest transit stop to the office where I work. Now, I choose a farther stop, and walk a bit over a mile from that stop to the office where I work, though I still use the closer stop at night.

I also walk at lunch (about a mile), sometimes. I am able to eat at my desk while I work, and my lunch break isn't long enough to be actually productive at anything else, so I get out of the office and walk. Your opportunities and mileage may vary.

I have done the occasional weights workout at home; for that, I recommend investing in the occasional session with a personal trainer to make certain your form is on target.

And as others have said, YouTube, DVDs, just dance to the radio, WiiFit Dance, etc. There are a ton of options.

Another possibility - if it works for you! - is to build accountability/rewards with a friend. My friend wants to walk every evening, but needs an incentive to push through to doing so. We have a deal. If she walks for a cumulative 15 minutes a day, she reports having done so to me. When she has done so 10 times, I buy a $5 starbucks card for her. That sort of arrangement may work for you; it may not.

I've lost more than 90 pounds and I have never set foot in the gym during my weight loss. I also have chronic issues so exercise in general is not a regular thing. It can be done, trust me. When I can exercise I mostly walk or run, do some bodyweight exercises, lots of youtube, Wii games, fitnessblender, some darebee.com, hasfit.com, free dailyburn workout plans and so on and so forth. Lots of free exercise options.

malibu927 wrote: »

The good thing is you don't need a gym, or to work out at all. The only thing required to lose weight is a calorie deficit.

But since working out is still a great thing, you can walk or run around the neighborhood or a local park, buy some DVDs, watch some YouTube videos, or download some apps on your phone to find the best workout for you.

YUP! I lost 80 lbs. without ever lifting a weight or running a step. Just netted 1200/day. But you should net what MFP tells you to. I just happen to be short and female so the 1200 is good. But if I work out for an hour a day, that means I eat 1700 total. I just hopped on my bike once or twice a week and rode a few miles. Nothin' to it!

Luckily, this time around, I found a gym that charges just $20/mo. for both me and my bf. It's super close, too. But guess what I do there? RIDE THE BIKE! haha ;p

jenmarie72011 wrote: »

I can't afford to get to a gym at this time in my life, but I'm so tired of being over weight and unhealthy, what're some at home exercises that would help me get into shape?

I've never stepped foot inside a gym and I've been maintaining an almost 60lbs loss for 2 years now, as well as have greatly improved my health in the process.

Weight loss is about calories, math and eating at a calorie deficit. Simple as that.

Just what everyone else says, weight loss is probably 85-90 % diet but I love my planet fitness and it's only 10 bucks

There is no gym near where I live.
Stick to your calorie goal and you can lose without any exercise.
Walk. Run. Dance. Hike. Go roller skating or swimming. Climb stairs. Carry heavy things. Do more physical labor. Get workout dvd's from your library or Netflix. There are lots of workout videos on You Tube. Do an internet search for body weight workouts.