Summer is on its way...are you ready? Decide now to be body-ready to truly participate in summer, not to simply be a spectator in all the fun.

In order to progress through change in your personal fitness level, there are certain areas in your workouts to focus in on. It isn't enough to just show up and move.

The answer lies in the F.I.T. Principle:

Frequency: How often are you working out?

Intensity: How hard are you working out? What's your intensity?

Time: How long are your workouts?

All of these three are actually in your control to change. So what can you do?

Frequency

Get out there and sweat for 45 minutes to an hour most, if not all, days of the week. These workouts can, and should, vary; go for a vigorous hike, do an exercise DVD in your living room, go for a run, take a yoga class or try out new classes at your local gym. The idea is that you remain consistent with your workouts.

Intensity

Are you focused when you are in your workouts or are you on auto-pilot? Going through the motions will not lead to change. You may have heard the quote, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results," by Albert Einstein.

If your workouts are performed at the same intensity every time, you will not see results. You need to get uncomfortable in order for your body to change. Go in and out of uncomfortable throughout each and every workout.

Time

How long are your workouts? The desired time frame is between 45 to 60 minutes. If you have the extra time, add in another 15 minutes. The idea is that we need to keep inching toward additional challenges; this is how we push past plateaus.

Give it just a little more each time and change will happen. Summer isn't just about bathing suits; it is about being active and having fun.

Training begins now to be sure you aren't sitting on the sidelines. Take steps now to feel confident, energetic and proud of yourself this summer.