Spring is coming and it is right around the corner. All those outdoor activities you’ve been putting off until the days get longer are waiting for you to follow through. Not to mention, we are now in the window of perfect temperatures before the summertime heat hits.

As you get back outside, here are some healthy tips for making the most of this spring season.

Take it easy to start

Before jumping back into exercising, it’s a good idea to take inventory of where you’re at physically. Don’t try to just pick up where you left off. Start with some light exercise that reminds your body how good it feels to be moving in the sunshine again. In the first few trips outdoors, focus on getting your heart rate up and soaking in some vitamin D. Also, take mental notes of how your body is feeling. Is there any pain in your movement while you exercise or is the soreness out of proportion for exercise you put in?

Schedule a screening or doctor’s appointment

A simple maintenance screening or appointment will not only give you a baseline for how your body is doing, it’s also an opportunity to knock out any issues that may have come up during the inactive winter months.

Make it social

Whether you get a personal trainer or buddy up with a friend, there’s strength in numbers. There’s nothing like a little accountability and friendly competition to keep you on track on the days you’re tempted to stay in. Schedule regular workout dates with a friend to help you stay committed.

Focus on your fuel

Don’t sabotage your workout by not paying proper attention to what you’re putting into your body. Keep water close to you and drink it throughout the day to stay hydrated. Make it a goal to drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day.

When it comes to meals, eat real, whole food. Eat nutritious meals with healthy ingredients — fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains and clean proteins. You’ll be amazed at how much of an impact this will have on your body and your workout.

Prioritize rest and recovery

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As the intensity of your training increases, it’s important to remember the vital role recovery plays in getting stronger. Rest can really speed up your recovery time, relieve muscle swelling and soreness, and help you perform at your peak.

Keep on going

Once you’re back on track, the key is to keep going. The main thing is to find an activity, exercise or program that you really enjoy and stick with it. Let the spring temperatures and sunshine carry you through the time it takes for these activities to become sustainable healthy habits to continue throughout the rest of the year. As you settle into this active lifestyle, not only will you look better, but you’ll also feel better and have more energy.

Isabela Joyce is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist at The M.A.C.