(4/2025) The warm weather has finally arrived and we can put Winter's cold winds behind us. Spring is a great time to start that walking, jogging or bike program you have been thinking about. The weather is warm and pleasant and it feels great to get outside since it is not freezing anymore. Some people like to walk or exercise in the cold weather but most are more likely to start and stick to an outside exercise routine when the weather is nice.

Spring is also a busy time, cleaning up the yard from the winter and clearing out the flower beds. Getting the ground ready to plant a vegetable garden is another big job. It's a good idea to go for a few walks, maybe rake the leaves left from the fall or do some type of medium exercise before you jump right into the harder, more intense work of the summer. Get your muscles and body stretched out and built up before you start those big summer jobs you knew were just around the corner.

I think everyone enjoys getting out in the warm sunshine after a long, cold winter. Sunshine is the best way to get Vitamin D that we all need. Just ten to fifteen minutes a day in the morning sun, before the sun gets really hot and the rays are strong can be enough to boost and maintain our vitamin D level. Of course, sunscreen in extremely important to protect our skin from harmful rays that come later in the day and can burn skin quickly.

Eating healthy and moderately, staying hydrated, thinking positively and exercise are all part of achieving our health goals. Finding an exercise that is both enjoyable and beneficial and one that you will stick with is key. Challenging others in a group setting may be the way for some people to start, stick to and achieve the weight and health goal they are looking for. Some people may need to challenge themselves and work on the things they want to accomplish on their own. Whatever works for you, the important thing is to compile a plan and get started on it. You may find you change course a few times until you figure out what is going to work for you. Health and fitness is not a one size fits all program, just don't give up. Keep looking for and challenging yourself until you find your routine and see the progress you are searching for. I've written some of these ideas in previous articles but I find reminders are always helpful. We can hear or read something several times but it may not register in our mind. I find if we are thinking about making a change or if something in our life or the life of a family member or friend is happening and you hear the same idea, it just may be the time it makes you remember and incorporate it into your life. Sometimes things happen just at the right time and it can be a sign that it's time for you to make a change.

I always tell people to Keep Moving, you will be glad you did and I firmly believe that. I'm always looking for new ways and ideas to help people find the right plan for them so if you have any ideas I would like to hear them. You can send me your ideas or give me a call at 717-334-6009. Working together is the best way I have found to help each other. Enjoy the warm weather!