The summer is a season where we look forward to getting outdoors more, going on vacations, hanging out on the beach etc., and it helps a lot to enjoy these moments when we are in better shape. It is an inconvenience to try and do fun things with family and friends and getting out of breath by performing simple activities.

The first day of summer is right around the corner but you still have plenty of time to try and get fit to enjoy it even more. A great way to do this is focus. The easiest way I find to keep focused is by using a specific program with a specific goal in mind. Good programs to consider are ones which have some sort of time frame.

The reason I think these type of programs work is because you go in with a goal in mind and you are more likely to stick to it. For example, when I got involved with my fitness business, I used a 90-day fitness program. I stuck to it because I knew I could handle 90 days. It was easy and I didn't stray because I had a set plan of working out.

You can do the same by setting some sort of time frame, be clear on what your goals are (lose 10 pounds, 20 pounds, gain muscle mass, etc.) and stick to it. This could mean making a decision to go to the gym 4 to 5 days a week or making sure you walk, jog, or run every other day after work. Just keep in mind that you want to do it for 30 days, 90 days, or however long you set and it will make it easier to stick to it.

Programs to Consider

Some good fitness programs that are popular and continue to gain in popularity can be used right at home. This makes it convenient and removes the excuse of not having enough time. If you are already at home, you should be able to devote at least one hour a day to your workout.

Two popular programs to consider are:

P90X® and Insanity™.

90 Days - They are both extreme fitness programs with a few differences. P90X® is a 90-day program that combines cardio, weights, and yoga to get into shape. Its basis is on "muscle confusion" which prevents the body from adapting to the same workout over a period of time. Many people have had success with this one. I used the first version of it called P90®.

60 Days - Insanity™ requires nothing more than your own body weight which is cool. It is a 60-day program that is based on plyometrics. My dad will be starting the program shortly and he is in his 60's. He is in great shape already so I'm sure he will like the intensity. If you want to burn a lot of calories, this is one to consider.

Write down your goals and mark them off on a calendar. 30, 60, or 90 days go a lot faster than you think and imagine what you can achieve if you stick to a good fitness program.

I have collected my share of fitness dvd's over the years and some of them were good and some of them I just got bored with after a couple of weeks. Once I joined the gym, I didn't think much about in-home fitness dvd's. That is until I started hearing about P90X. I knew it was a fitness program on dvd and I once caught a glimpse of the infomercial and was impressed by it.

Then not too long ago, I learned more about Beachbody® products and realized they produce some of the most popular dvd's around. I had heard of Hip Hop Abs plenty of times. Soon after, I signed up with the Team Beachbody Club, became a coach, and have started P90 (the program before P90X.)

I'm into day 9 of P90 and here is what I like about the whole system thus far:

Accountability - Unlike other fitness dvd's you can buy, Beachbody has created a way for you to be accountable. If you join the Team Beachbody Community, you can log in your workouts, team up with buddies who are also doing the same program you are, join groups, utilize the message boards, and use personalized meal planners (paid version of club.) It is a good way of feeling part of a group and it keeps track of your overall progress too (calenders, before/after stats, etc.)

Progression - The workouts are set up for progression. For example, in P90, there are 4 phases. You start in phase 1-2 and progress into phase 3-4. Average progression from phase 1-2 to 3-4 happens at the 30 day mark but can vary depending on how you feel. I can tell you after day 9, I have noticed improvement in my overall strength already.

Meal Plans - Food is my biggest obstacle. Working out is fun for me but I just couldn't get my eating habits down. I was so happy to read over the meal plans that come with the programs and the ones you can use in the club. Sure, I could get healthy recipes online, but that brings me back to the accountability issue. Participating in the club and knowing that I want results at the end of 90 days pushes me to eat properly.

Time Saver - I quit the gym recently and I have no regrets about doing so. One thing I've noticed is that I'm saving myself a lot of time by working out at home. I can do my workouts any time I want and they don't take long at all. I'm done within 30 - 40 minutes and I feel great afterwards. It's convenient, I get it done, and move on with my day.

If you are struggling to find a fun way to exercise without investing time and money in a gym, I recommend checking out Beachbody® products. I think their programs are a great resource for people who just want a simple way to get in shape while making it fun at the same time. It is working out great for me so far and I am documenting my progress over at my other fitness blog.

I am an Independent Beachbody® Coach - Making purchases or becoming a coach through my web site below, will allow me to team up with you in the club, introduce you to my coach, offer support, and answer any questions as well:

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