It’s generally pretty hard, but there are a ton of factors involved in this. I’d say the biggest one is your mindset. What’s your definition of “great shape”? Are you looking to just slim down, or do you want to get the bulk and/or the curves of a movie star? Getting to an ideal healthy weight is relatively straightforward with diet and moderate exercise. Getting the bulk of a bodybuilder, on the other hand, is much more difficult.
Another factor is your approach to training. Getting personal training from a trainer on Right Path Fitness will generally lead to faster and easier results if compared to a DIY approach. Getting in great shape requires hard work and sacrifice no matter what, but working with a trainer ensures you’ll be working hard in an optimal way.
A trainer can also help you figure out realistic timetables, which can help you stay focused and motivated. It’s easy to feel like your efforts aren’t doing anything if you think something can be achieved in months when in reality it might take years.