To get the summer of to a good start, you will need to focus in on your metabolic rate. I wouldn’t focus on cardiovascular routines either: they’re not going to help very much. You are going to need a multifaceted approach to fitness and fat loss including diet, strengthening moves, intervals, and some self-discipline in order to get the body you’re looking for. Right about this time of year, many people are wishing they stuck to their New Year commitments and they want to get all the fat off their body in a week or less. You’re going to want to show off on the beach and you can’t with all that lard hanging off your body, can you?

Here’s a seven day plan that will get you headed in the right direction. If you start now, you still have enough time to spiff yourself up before vacation. Monday: Do some intervals and strengthening work to get your metabolic system engaged. If you’re not doing this kind of program already, you need to start it right now.

Tuesday: Do something fun for about half an hour to get started. Once your mind is in gear, get some goals defined for short-term and long-term purposes. Write down where you want to be with your health, wealth, and relations. Wednesday: Intervals and strengthening rituals again. Be sure to warm up properly before you start any exercise initiative.

Even if you’re short on time, you still must warm up, even if you have to reduce some of your reps elsewhere.

Thursday: Go do something with friends or relatives for a while. Maybe just you and your pet. I want you to spend some time comparing your current physical state with the way you were last month. You should always monitor your progression.