Lately I have been trying to pinch my pennies since I have come to the realization that I spend way to much money and seriously need a budget overhaul. Obviously deciding to start working on my fitness makes me want to spend money! You know on cute workout clothes and expensive gym memberships. I’ve decided that in addition to shedding the pounds I need to shed my frivolous spending. I’m sure there are other readers out there as well that want to lose weight for little to no money so I have compiled a list to share with you on 5 ways to lose weight for free.
1. WALKING
I know! I’m a fitness genius! But seriously the best free activity I can think of is walking. Just get outside and walk. I know there are days where you are going to be tired and there are days when you just don’t want to do it, I know I’ve been there. To combat the psychological warfare that is being trapped inside all day with a baby I began getting out and walking everyday. I feel 1000 times better just getting out, breathing in the fresh air and getting my heart rate up. Avery even likes it too and generally takes a little nap while I’m out walking around town.
I love my Fit Bit and if you ever want to invest in a fitness tracker get one. I love seeing how many steps I get in a day as well as laugh at how much sleep I’m not getting right now (thank you Avery). If you don’t have the money to invest in a fitness tracker there are plenty of apps for your phone that will track your steps for you. The only downside is that you have to keep your phone on you at all times.
Check out the Fit Bits available at amazon by clicking on the image above. I use the Fit Bit charge 2 and will most likely upgrade when I have the money.
2. YOUTUBE
YouTube has it all. Want a video to show you how to add widgets to your blog, you tube has it. Want a video to show you how to make that craft that will win you best class mom, you tube has it. Or do you want to break a sweat, guess what? You tube has videos for that too. People will literally film anything and upload it to you tube. Use that to your advantage and find a workout video that fulfills your exercise desires.
Right not I love the BodyFit by Amy series on YouTube HERE
As well as Yoga with Adriene HERE
3. MY FITNESS PAL
My Fitness Pal is a free app for your smartphone. And let’s be honest, everyone has a smartphone. This app is great because it tracks your calories and you can also pair it with your Fitbit or other step tracker device so it can include your calories burned. You create a calorie goal based on how much you want to lose and your activity level. Here’s mine. My calorie goal may be higher then yours because while I may want to lose weight I’m also breastfeeding which means I need a higher intake of calories.
4. FREE CLASSES IN YOUR AREA
Facebook is your friend for this one. Basically all my friends click that little interested button on events happening in your area. I’m constantly getting notifications saying “Christa and 3 other friends are interested in an event near you tomorrow.” While slightly annoying this could benefit you. Browse those events and see if they offer any free fitness or exercise classes near you.
One event that I actually was interested in was a free four week offering of yoga in the woods (yes, I too pictured a bunch of women traipsing through the woods to find the perfect clearing and getting a bunch of ticks in the process). Despite this image, I was still wanting to do this because 1. I love yoga and 2. It’s free and 3. Natures is pretty cool. Sadly for me I forgot all about the baby that was attached to my hip currently so I was unable to go. My point is there are free classes out there, you just have to look.
5. MAGAZINES
Magazines and online magazines offer many free workout videos or articles. I’m a sucker for giving my e-mail to anyone who will ask for it so I am constantly getting workout tips and tutorials to my inbox. Shape, Women’s Fitness, even Cosmopolitan offers free fitness articles and videos.
HERE is one that was recently delivered to my inbox and is sure to help you with your weight loss goals.
What workouts or free ways to lose weight have you discovered? Let me know in the comments!
These are great - I love YouTube videos for working out! Some of my favorite are Sugarpop Fitness and Yoga with Adriene.
myslightlychaoticlife says
I love yoga with Adriene!
Angelina says
Great ideas! You are a fitness genius, there are so many times I have forgotten that it is just that simple as taking a brisk walk. My son loves the outside so I will definitely do this more often.
myslightlychaoticlife says
Yes! Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather as much as you can. My daughter takes her best naps while I’m out waking with her in her stroller.
Rianna Stavrides says
Aaaaah yes…the struggle is real :((( I had a hard time losing weight when I was still breastfeeding my LO. Will definitely use some of your suggestions to help me!
myslightlychaoticlife says
I have hear that about breast feeding! Some shed the weight while others have a hard time. Hang in there mama, you got this!
Walking with my little girl is one of my favorite things. I also love doing squats and lunges while holding her for extra weight. But I never thought of using YouTube. What a great idea!
myslightlychaoticlife says
Great idea to use your children in part of your workouts! Such a nice way to include them and the added weight is a bonus!
Tasheena says
I love this! People often think fitness has to be expensive, but these are all such awesome suggestions. If you’re into yoga, there’s a woman on Youtube named Lesley Fightmaster. She has a ton of great workouts and challenges that always get me lean and strong.
myslightlychaoticlife says
Exactly! Fitness and weight loss does not have to be expensive! I will have to check that person out on YouTube. It is my go to for workouts at home!
Alicia says
These are all great ideas! I ditched the gym last year for at-home workouts and when I need new inspiration, Instagram is full of fitness accounts!
myslightlychaoticlife says
Yes Instagram is a great source for inspiration! I ditched the gym as well, it can become so expensive!
Daniela says
Yes! I love walking! It’s actually the best form of cardio that isn’t harsh on your joints!
myslightlychaoticlife says
It is such a free, easy way to get exercise!
Shnooks says
Thank you so much for sharing this helpful tips with us ❤ I personally prefer watching youtube videos or using fitness apps 😍
Jolie Starrett says
Great tips. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to keep in shape!
Chantelle Hadden says
These tips are great, I definitely will be using them if I need to.
I think that people will be more inclined to lose weight when they are motivated to lose weight. You mentioned some really good points in the article. Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece of information online and I really hope you write more like this one.
Andrew says
Good Tips! I need to share it your post with my Wife.!
Renee says
Yes!!! Last year I paid for beach body. I liked it but I wondered if there were free options. Thank U for this!!!!
Heather G. says
My Fitbit and youtube are literally my go to’s! I live in the city so that helps a lot! Thank you for this post!!! There is a cycling class that is open for free on Thursdays and Fridays so I’m giving it a try this week!
Kate @ Kate These Days says
Great suggestions! Thanks! I lost the rest of my baby weight recently but I really need to put more effort into exercise so I can tone my body and gain more stamina. I overhauled my diet to lose the weight but exercise is just as important!
Mommaybefailing says
I love all of these ideas. My husband always makes fun of me because if I exercise and forget my Fitbit I feel like it doesn’t count. These are great ways to lose weight and taking your child for a walk is great for both you and baby.
Telia Teanna says
This came at the perfect time, because I will be doing a 30 day weight loss challenge starting January first so, I will being using some of these things to help with the challenge.
sanjota Purohit says
Totally agree! Especially with the walking.
Lauren says
May I ask what your workout routine is? I see you burned over 900 calories!
Madel Bais says
My boys are big enough to go with me running. We love to run on weekends. Thank you for this.
Toti and Alessia says
Nice points here in this post. Few essential tips, and those are not standard things but even interesting. Free class in my area is the best, I didn’t think about that.
Jeferson says
Nice fitness resources…. I have no more excuses to break a sweat…..
Keshia Richmond says
I like the idea of staying fit without pricey memberships and this article gives great tips on how to do that.
Great tips! I know I’ll be looking to lose some winter/holiday weight soon.
Tech Blog NG says
I learned that walking helps burn fat plus it’s a low tenacity exercise. I appreciated walking ever since then.
Blair villanueva says
I love walking a lot and also watch and dance with many fitness dance from Youtube. Saves money and helps me to be fit.
Emilio Marcos Sierra says
These are really good free tips! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading and will definitely be using them after the christmas season haha
Miss Zesty says
Loved it to the core.. great tips. I follow sincere routine and it has benefited me a lot
aisasami says
Nice tips! Youtube is my go-to free exercise help with the countless videos from the Just Dance series.