Have A Check-Up(01 of20)
Open Image ModalWhile you might look and feel just fine (or really hate needles), it's important to keep tabs on things like blood pressure, cholesterol, and vitamin deficiencies before designing your workout programme. (credit:Shutterstock)
Set A Schedule... But Be Realistic(02 of20)
Open Image ModalIf you haven't been working out much this winter, don't write down that you'll do outdoor cardio exercises for 30 minutes a day, six days a week. You'll only find yourself getting frustrated and will be more likely to give up on your workout program. Post your exercise plan in places you'll look frequently, like the calendar app on your smartphone or at your desk at work. (credit:Shutterstock)
Team Up(03 of20)
Open Image ModalYou're more likely to stick with your plan if you've got a partner in crime. Choose someone who has similar goals whose schedule fits with your own. Your best bet: Get together at the same time four days a week, whether it's before work or just before dinner. (credit:Flickr:pixajen)
Buy New Running Shoes(04 of20)
Open Image ModalIf you've been hitting the gym (and the treadmill) all winter, chances are, you're due for a new pair. Most running shoes last somewhere between 300 and 400 miles -- but if you use them to walk around or do other parts of your gym routine, that wear and tear counts, too. Go to a running specialty store to get fitted, and have them look at your gait/pronation to find the best shoe for you. (credit:Flickr:Yanki01)
Clean Out Your Cupboards(05 of20)
Open Image ModalGet rid of all foods that have low nutritional value. Yes (unfortunately) that means crisps, sugary cereals, white bread etc. (credit:Flickr:adamdachis)
Protect Your Skin(06 of20)
Open Image ModalNow that it's warming up, you'll be heading outside again. This means more sunshine (and vitamin D, which is a good thing), but it also means that your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays. Rub waterproof lotion with at least SPF 15 or more over all exposed areas of your body. Don't forget easy-to-miss areas like behind your ears, the back of your neck and the crease near your underarms. (credit:Flickr:Fifth World Art)
Pump Up Your Playlist(07 of20)
Open Image ModalStill listening to the same tracks from December? Do some iPod "spring cleaning" by downloading a fresh workout playlist to get you going. (credit:Shutterstock)
Skip(08 of20)
Open Image ModalHeading outside and doing this favourite childhood "workout" can burn about 208 calories in just 20 minutes. Add other outdoor cardio exercises like walking lunges, short sprints, and star jumps, and you've got yourself a circuit program you can do right in your back garden. (credit:Shutterstock)
Update Your Workout Wardrobe(09 of20)
Open Image ModalStill sweating it out in cotton T-shirts? Throw away worn-out workout clothes and replace them with shorts and tops made from breathable fabrics. While you're at it, update your sports bras, too (a typical bra has a lifespan of about six months, although hand-washing can make them last longer). (credit:Flickr:lululemon athletica)
Stretch Out(10 of20)
Open Image ModalThe best way to prevent injury is to stretch before and after your workouts. Here's how it's done: Warm up with 10 minutes of light outdoor cardio exercises, then do dynamic stretching -- as in, stretching while moving. This includes lunges, touching your toes and walking your hands forward, swinging your legs while standing and twisting from side to side. After your workout, complete "static" stretches -- a.k.a. your typical "touch and hold" routine. Yoga, Pilates, and dance classes are also great ways to stay flexible. (credit:Flickr:lululemon athletica)
Stay Hydrated(11 of20)
Open Image ModalAvoid muscle cramping and fatigue by drinking about two litres of water a day. Another general rule of thumb: The more you sweat, the more fluids you need to replace, so drink up after a vigorous workout. (credit:Flickr:Angela Winnie)
Plan A Trip(12 of20)
Open Image ModalOutdoor exercises are great, but if the weather's still cool where you live, take a "health" holiday to a resort with hiking, biking and other activities (plus warm weather), or sign up for a yoga retreat. (credit:Flickr:Sweet Carolina Photography)
Get Sporty(13 of20)
Open Image ModalBreak up your routine with outdoor exercises like tennis or golf, or team up with friends for an afternoon of ultimate frisbee. (credit:Flickr:J Resort Alidhoo Maldives)
Hit The Farmers Market(14 of20)
Open Image ModalSoak up some of that spring sunshine while you shop for fresh fruits and veggies. Other items worth picking up include fish, dried fruits and nuts. (credit:Flickr:Derrick Coetzee)
Change Your Thinking(15 of20)
Open Image ModalInstead of designing goals based purely on weight loss, concentrate on how you feel. If counting calories has you down, think in terms of portions instead. Constantly checking the clock during your workout? Chances are you need to find a sport or activity you actually enjoy. (credit:Shutterstock)
Step Off The Scale(16 of20)
Open Image ModalMuscle weighs more than fat, so although you may look more toned, there's a chance you might not be shedding pounds at the rate you'd expect. To get an accurate measure of your progress, use measuring tape once every two weeks to see where you're trimming inches from your waist, hips and other target areas. (credit:Shutterstock)
Jump On The Twitter Train(17 of20)
Open Image ModalGet vocal about your fitness routine and goals and make friends with other women looking to get motivated this spring with a Twitter feed. Give updates on your progress, post links to your favorite fitness articles and products, and cheer on others (they'll do the same for you). (credit:Shutterstock)
Tie On Weights(18 of20)
Open Image ModalTone up arms and legs by doing your regular routine -- whether it's walking to the store, cleaning your house or walking the dog -- while using wrist and/or ankle weights. The resistance will help strengthen muscles (and get your body that much more ready for bikini season). (credit:Alamy)
Sign Up For A Race(19 of20)
Open Image ModalAdding positive goals to your fitness routine will make you feel better and also give a purpose to your training other than losing weight or fitting into those skinny jeans. Look into local road races -- the 5K distance is perfect for beginners -- and sign up with your training partner. It's also a great way to get involved in your local fitness community! (credit:Flickr:Derek John Lee)
Reward Yourself(20 of20)
Open Image ModalDon't forget to take care of your hard-worked body! A sports massage is the perfect way to pamper yourself, while alleviating toxins and speeding up muscle recovery. (credit:Flickr:Zenspa1)