It’s now spring, which can only mean one thing… summer is well and truly on its way! It’s at this point that many of us begin to panic at the sheer thought of hitting the beach in summer clothing and swim wear. Perhaps your New Year’s resolution to regularly visit the gym didn’t pan out, or perhaps that ‘new year, new me, eat clean’ mantra didn’t last more than a couple of weeks. Believe it or not, it’s not too late. It takes four weeks for you to see your body changing, eight weeks for your friends and family, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world. In twelve weeks, summer is only just beginning, so what’s stopping you? FILL UP, DRINK UP Water is your best friend. Fruit infused water? An even better best friend. Buy yourself a large water bottle and aim to drink the entire lot four or five times over. Not only does it help to remove the toxins from your body, but it does wonders for your complexion and energy levels. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT The best way to eat healthily is to picture yourself as the food you last ate. If you’re a pot of berries or a bunch of carrots, you feel great, whereas if you’re a greasy taco or a slab of fudge, you might not be feeling too fabulous. Treat your body like the trophy that it is, after all, you show it off all day every day – whether you realise it or not. LOOK AT EXERCISE IN A NEW LIGHT Thinking of a workout can often lead to a feeling of negativity, though exercising actually releases endorphins which makes you feel fantastic... and who doesn’t want to feel like that? The same workout is most definitely not for everyone, so it’s important to find what works for you and make it your own. Looking at a fit lifestyle and seeing how healthy, happy and strong it makes you long term, compared to the brief ten minute happiness you feel from scoffing a chocolate bar, is worth far more. So go on, pick up the weights, hit the cross trainer and begin working on the 'new you'! BREAK IT DOWN Don’t see it as twelve weeks of gruelling effort, see it as three separate blocks of four weeks, with each one being an entirely new challenge. By telling yourself you’ve only got four weeks to reach a new goal, you’ll find you hit those targets far quicker. MAKE A NOTE OF WHERE YOU STARTED Take measurements, write them down and refer back to them at the end of every four week period. Seeing your progress in this format is far healthier for the mind in comparison to weighing yourself, as you can bet every penny that your weight will climb and maintain regardless of how disciplined you’ve been, purely due to water retention and increasing muscle mass. Oh, and remember to take before and after pictures, because you won't want to miss that feeling of ultimate success! pre-summer-shred-smoothie Ready for the challenge? Take on your pre summer shred this week, and become the visible proof of just what a person can achieve if they put their mind to it. Don't forget to let us know how you get on via Twitter, Facebook or in the comments below! Looking to stock up on new gym equipment? Head to our website for all of the latest offers and brand new products...