Spring break is just several weeks away, and then summer is right around the corner. You know what that means—we’ll be in swimsuits, shorts, and tank tops soon. Ready or not, pool parties, vacations, and warmer weather are ahead.

If you’re not ready for this, don’t worry. You still have time to get in better shape for swimsuit season. Set some realistic goals and start now. We can help you!

You can have a better shape by spring break—if you start now!

According to the CDC, a healthy amount of weight loss is one to two pounds a week. That may not sound like much, but in six weeks you can lose around twelve pounds. Twelve pounds is enough to look better in that swimsuit, and feel better, too.

After around four weeks of healthy eating and exercise, you will start to see measurable improvements in your fitness. You’ll also likely begin to see changes in your weight. Even if you haven’t worked out lately, it’s okay. In fact, the further you are from your goal weight, the faster you’ll make progress.

While you won’t go from overweight to your ideal weight immediately, four to six weeks gives you time to see results. Just get started!

Here are seven things you can start today to get in better shape for swimsuit season:

1) Set realistic goals

Goals are important to any weight loss success. They give you something concrete and measurable to work toward. But instead of making a typical goal of losing ten pounds in five weeks, why not make a goal to work out four times this week? Then next week make another goal. Just keep making realistic, small goals and stick to them.

2) Work out regularly and continuously

Commit to dedicating the time you’ll need to work toward your fitness goal. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time—consistency in working out is the key.

At Outlaw FitCamp, all our classes and personal training sessions are 30 minutes. We know you’re busy and don’t have time to stay in the gym all day. We’ll get you in and out quickly, and you’ll be surprised at the results. If you haven’t worked out for a while, you’ll see results more quickly. Then if you keep working out, you can make those results last.

3) Use the right technique

When exercising, using incorrect or unsafe technique is self-defeating. If you have poor form, you can injure yourself instead of getting stronger. It’s critically important to exercise correctly to get good results. Our certified personal trainers will teach you good form and watch to make sure you’re practicing it. This will help you reach your goals quickly and safely.

4) Worry about fitness, not the number on the scales

It’s common when starting a new exercise program to build muscle and lose fat at the same time. After a month of working out regularly, you may end with the same weight as the beginning of your program. But be assured that you’re in much better shape! Your muscles will show more definition because they’ll be hiding under less fat.

Be patient, and don’t let a small change on the scales discourage you. This is where it’s so important to keep working on your fitness plan. The scales may move slowly, but your fitness and physical definition are increasing at the same time.

5) Combine HIIT and weight training for quickest results

Studies show that the quickest (and most long-lasting) weight loss results come from a combination of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and weight training routines. Combining these workouts helps you accomplish two goals at once. HIIT workouts will improve your aerobic capacity. Strength training will rev up your metabolism and build muscle mass. Together, you will sculpt your muscles and burn fat at the same time.

Our certified personal trainers at Outlaw FitCamp are trained in the best way to combine HIIT and weight training for fast results.

6) Fuel your body with healthy foods

Your results will be much quicker if you eat well while working out. Fuel your body with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole carbs. Eliminate processed foods, excess sodium, and refined carbs. Not only will you feel and look better, eating well can also give you a noticeable reduction in bloating.

7) Set long term goals

We’ve talked about short-term goals for motivation and success, but having long-term goals is important too. Sadly, many dieters who’ve found success in losing weight end up gaining back everything they lose—and then some. Long-term goals help you maintain the progress you’ve made and keep it long-lasting. Experts believe that after losing weight, if you can maintain the weight loss for two years, it’s likely to become permanent.

Start now. Outlaw FitCamp can help you get there!

Don’t put it off. The more time you give yourself to get ready for swimsuit season the better off you’ll be, so start now! Give us a call at Outlaw FitCamp. We’ll get you in the classes or training you need to get where you want to be. It won’t be long until warm weather is on its way!