If you have been cooped up inside during our long, difficult winter, the sunny skies and clear roads are calling you!  But, even the fittest of us have to ease into spring time exercise, especially if the winter has been a time of couch sitting and excessive screen time.  If January and February brought only binge eating and binge watching favorite shows, April promises warmer weather and opportunities for walking, jogging, running, golf, and tennis abound.

Here are some pointers to getting that behind back in gear:

1. Underestimate how fit you are.  Don’t go from three months on the couch to a 10 mile run.  Assume you are out of shape and start slowly.
2. Look at your old sports shoes.  Maybe it’s time to reinvest in some new equipment!
3. Build up your time in cardiovascular activity.  Even if the first day consists of only a fifteen minute walk, that’s ok.  Every day add more time (5-15 minutes each day).
4. Exercising every day even for shorter periods is a much healthier choice than exercising strenuously once a week.  Thirty minutes of moderate exercise every single day is good for weight management, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and maintaining appropriate blood sugar.

If you are already exercising three times a week with weight-bearing exercises, good for you!  Consider increasing the amount of the weights slightly and challenge yourself.

Please remember to always consult your health care provider before beginning any new exercise regimen.