These days, almost everyone you meet is looking to lose a few pounds. In fact, obesity is the number one health problem facing the developed world today. Sportswear and weight loss go hand in hand to solve this problem.

Some may think that the answer is quite simple. The basic theory is that to lose weight a person must eat fewer calories than they burn during the same 24-hour period. However, cutting calories that happens too quickly will cause the body to think it’s starving and therefore start storing fat so the body can use it later as a food source.

That means that to be successful at cutting calories, you’ll need to do it slowly while increasing your fitness level. Physical activity is an important part of the weight loss formula.

There are simple things a person can do to increase their fitness level. Too often it is assumed that a gym membership is a requirement and while that might be a good thing, for some people not being able to afford a gym membership is not a valid excuse for not getting in shape.

Walking is not only cheap, it is the best activity to burn calories and keep your heart healthy, which is also very important. When a person is extremely out of shape, check with your doctor first and once the go-ahead is given, start slowly, for example, walk around the block.

Increase walking speed or walking duration as fitness improves, and then add some hills. If jogging is preferred, it can also be incorporated into the workout.

Another option is to buy fitness equipment for the home. This equipment may include rowing machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, and ski machines.

A treadmill takes up space, but overall it’s a great option, but they’re not cheap. Steer clear of bells and whistles and finding an affordable treadmill won’t be a problem.

Stationary bikes have been around for a long time and are also a good option. They take up very little space, are low-impact, and are a great place to start getting into shape.

Rowing machines will provide total body work and have minimal impact on the joints, which is beneficial for anyone with joint problems. However, it can take a bit of practice to get used to.

Ski machines are also a good option for a full body workout, however they take up quite a bit of space. If space isn’t an issue, they’re a great option, but start slow as injury can occur.

Now that exercise equipment options have been covered, nutrition now needs to be addressed. Start by doing a calorie calculation to determine your current caloric intake, and then reduce this by 250 to 500 calories per day. Do not reduce calorie intake by more than 500 calories or the body will go into starvation mode. To lose weight, a man should consume on average no more than 2,000 calories and a woman on average no more than 1,500 calories. Of course, if your daily activity level is really high, your calorie intake will need to increase as well.

Sportswear and weight loss go hand in hand because you can’t have one without the other. Combining reduced calories with increased physical activity is the beginning of successful weight loss.