Author: Rachael Sacerdoti
Get fit for Summer with the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle. As well as having consistent actions you follow most days, having a set routine you follow at various points in the year is also a great way to keep up your progress. My April reset habits are easy to follow with repeatable steps that quickly lead to lasting change.
Through my own 30kg transformation, I’ve learned that spring is the perfect time to reset your fitness routine and prepare for the warmer months ahead. April gives enough time to make meaningful changes before summer arrives – without resorting to crash diets or unsustainable workout regimes. These are my April essentials to set you up for an wonderful Summer.
1. Refresh your accountability
The most powerful realisation in my own transformation journey was also the simplest: the more accountable I was, the more I committed. So every April, I reassess my accountability – whether that’s scheduling a new workout buddy, revisiting weekly progress photos, or setting new goals. Like anything in life, accountability can go stale without attention and fresh energy. You’ll be amazed how fresh accountability can boost your mojo and motivation.
Accountability is the foundation of lasting change, which is why it’s the cornerstone of any transformation and our programs. Refreshing your accountability partners or systems now gives you the structure needed to stay consistent through summer. If I want to get fit for summer, it’s a non-negotiable step to kickstart everything.
2. Get Smart and Ditch the Cardio
Many people make the mistake of doing endless cardio to prepare for summer. In April, I prioritise resistance training to build lean muscle, which naturally increases your metabolism and helps you burn more calories even at rest. I aim for 3-4 strength sessions per week, focusing on compound movements that work multiple muscle groups. Remember, strength training won’t make you bulky – it’ll create the toned, sculpted look most women crave for summer.
3. Reset 80:20 nutrition
April is when I recommit to balanced, protein-rich meals without feeling restricted. I follow my own 80/20 rule – eating nutritious, whole foods 80% of the time while allowing room for flexibility with the remaining 20%. But most of us get stuck in a pattern of eating the same 10 – 15 meals most of the time. Spring clean your repertoire and add a couple of new dishes to your 80%.
This isn’t about restriction (nothing restrictive is sustainable!); it’s about creating a lifestyle that works with your social calendar while supporting your goals. Making your meals interesting and delicious makes a big difference. And focusing on layering protein at every meal, with plenty of vegetables, and adequate hydration are the building blocks you need.
4. Plan for travel and social events
Summer brings holidays and social gatherings, so in April I start planning strategies for staying on track starting with the Easter holidays and beyond. To get fit for Summer, I look ahead at my calendar and identify potential challenges, then create specific plans for managing them. This might mean researching restaurant menus before dining out, packing protein-rich snacks for travel, or deciding which events warrant those 20% flexibility moments. Planning ahead removes decision fatigue and makes consistency easier.
5. Prioritise morning workouts
As one of my clients said, “spending less than an hour every morning completely changed life for the better.” In April, I reset my routine to prioritise morning exercise. This ensures workouts don’t get pushed aside when days get busy, and it sets a positive tone for making healthy choices throughout the day. Even a focused 30-minute workout is enough to get a glow and make a difference. And by establishing this habit in April, it becomes second nature by summer.
6. Personalise your plan
What works for someone else might not work for you. Your plan also needs to progress as you progress. So in April, I take time to reflect on what has been working for me and what isn’t by looking at my goals but also my overall stress levels, lifestyle and workload.
This personalised approach is why we tailor all It’s So Simple programs to individual circumstances, goals, and preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to getting fit for summer. So, be honest about your lifestyle needs whether that’s quick workouts, family-friendly meals, or strategies for frequent business travel.
7. Build your tribe
The power of community is truly beyond belief. I regularly take time to reconnect with my fitness community and build new connections with like-minded people. Having others on a similar journey provides motivation, inspiration, and support when challenges arise. We see time and again how commitments to coaches and teammates make clients more invested and accountable.
Sustainable Doesn't Mean Slow!
Most importantly, in April I remind myself that sustainable results come from sustainable habits. So, whilst your goal might be to get fit for Summer, focus on each small, consistent action and how this compounds over time. Rather than attempting a dramatic overhaul like carb cutting that lasts a few weeks, I focus on building habits that can be maintained beyond summer. True transformation isn’t about reaching a certain weight on a specific date – it’s about creating a healthier relationship with fitness and nutrition that lasts a lifetime.
