Now that Labor Day has past, and the kids are back in school it's time to focus on getting back into shape. If you want to lose weight in order to look good in your bathing suit next summer, this is the time to start.

People often wait until after the holidays to make their New Years resolution to lose weight. The problem with waiting until New Years is that only gives you 3-4 months before pools and beaches start opening. That is often not long enough to lose all the weight you want to lose. This is especially true if you are more than 30 pounds overweight.

You're better off starting now for two big reasons.

#1. If you start now, you give yourself 7-8 months to get that weight off. Often, people set unrealistic time goals, and get discouraged if they miss their goal weight in the time they gave themselves.

Start now, and give yourself a more realistic time frame. If you reach your goal weight early that's OK, you'll then have extra time to tone.

#2. If you start now, you'll get yourself into a good eating and workout routine before the holidays. If you have a good routine going you won't cheat as much during the holiday season when there will be lots of fatty food temptation.

We all know you'll cheat a little during the holidays, but having a solid workout routine speeds your metabolism. Your body will be better at burning that extra slice of pumpkin pie if you're in a solid workout routine.

So, get started now. Good luck!

Thanks for the post, but everyone on the forum has already started their lifestyle changes. I don't think theres anyone here just sitting on their hands waiting for the right time to start.