It might not feel it at the moment, but summer – assuming you’re reading this around the end of February – is a mere few months away. But before you stock up on dubious-sounding fat-burners or hit the ‘intermittent fasting’ panic button, let this issue take you on a more sustainable journey to improved fitness and a firmer physique: from aerobic base training, to the six-week programme to rev your metabolism for the months ahead.

It might not feel it at the moment, but summer – assuming you’re reading this around the end of February – is a mere few months away. But before you stock up on dubious-sounding fat-burners or hit the ‘intermittent fasting’ panic button, let this issue take you on a more sustainable journey to improved fitness and a firmer physique: from aerobic....