As spring approaches the desire to lose weight tends to increase and the motivation to take another shot at losing that extra weight that accumulated over the winter becomes more pronounced.  But many people are struggling with the ability to get on an effective weight loss program in light of the current economic conditions.

First there is the lack of money to spend on weight loss investments.  For instance, many people are cancelling their membership to the gym, and not too many people are in a position to make a significant investment on exercise equipment.  Additionally few people feel comfortable spending whatever discretionary dollars are available on weight loss programs like Jenny Craig or NutriSystem. 

In addition to the lack of disposable income, many people are not in the right state of mind to focus on weight loss.  Besides, there is a general feeling of guilt lingering around.  At a time when many people are losing their jobs, their houses, and even their dignity, is it right to be so concerned about a few extra pounds?  The idea of spending time right now on activities considered “fun” but that could also help you lose weight, such as practicing sports, may not be comfortable to some.  However, as explained in the article Play Time in the Recession is Critical to Your Success, this is the wrong attitude.  Self-denial is not going to make the problem any better for you or anyone else.  In fact, it is likely to make it worse.

In times like these when people are over-stressed and worried about their future, it is particularly important to pay attention to fitness and weight loss.  The last thing you need on top of everything else that is going on is having to deal with an illness.  Besides, if you don’t pay attention to your body, your mind is not going to be as effective as it can be, just at the time where you need to be at your very best.

So how does one go about losing weight on a dime?  It is actually quite simple.  You don’t need any sophisticated equipment or weight loss program to lose the pounds.  Here are some ideas you ought to consider:

1. Practice an inexpensive sport that you love – basketball, swimming, soccer and many other sports can be practiced relatively inexpensively or even for free.
2. Get a pedometer – For a small $25 investment you can keep track of how many steps you are taking every day, which will motivate you to do more. 
3. Join an inexpensive gym – there are many bargains out there as gyms are cutting prices to attract customers.  If you feel the need to be surrounded by like-minded people reaching for the same goals in order to stay motivated this may be a good option.
4. Join an inexpensive or free website to get advice and motivation – sites like sparkpeople.com can be just what you need in order to stay in the game.
5. Avoid eating out – if you cook at home you will tend to not only eat better but also save money.
6. Find a partner to join you on your weight loss journey – finding someone to partner with can be very effective in keeping you motivated and costs you nothing.

Losing weight does not have to be expensive.  With a little imagination there is a lot you can do to increase your caloric output and to eat better.  The key is to find the right ingredients to keep you motivated, whether it is a partner, a website or the gym.  Find what works for you by experimenting with different ideas until staying in shape becomes a routine that you don’t even have to think about.