Jenny Hapgood LeBank, Senior Director, Product Management:

With spring’s longer days and better weather, are you more inclined to exercise outdoors? I love walking and bicycling this time of year — the fresh air, the sweet fragrance of flowers, and the sounds of birds all add to the experience.

Whether or not you’ve worked out all winter, take advantage of the sense of renewal that arrives with springtime by breathing new life into your exercise program.

You can recharge your training plan in any number of ways. Start with your physical activity goal in mind, and then create a plan with a variety of activities to help you get there.

Here are some ideas to get you going:

Go green. Green exercise — exercise in the natural environment — offers advantages over indoor exercise, including increased energy and feelings of vitality, and decreases in tension, anger, and depression. Exercising near a body of water seems to amplify these effects.

Be bold. Try an activity you’ve never done before. Whether it’s a Zumba® class, a geocaching adventure, or a recreational league sport, go for it. There’s nothing like a change of pace to raise up the fun factor in your fitness program. In the past I’ve made a habit of trying one new activity every year, but my goal this year is to try a new activity each season. And right now, it’s tennis, a really fun way to de-stress with my family.

Train for a fitness event. Gather some friends or co-workers, and prepare for a walk, run, or multi-sport event together. Look for a 5K or 10K walk/run in your area.

Make it a family effort. When your family is more active, it’s easier for you to be active. Plan fun family outings that involve physical activity, like a trip to the zoo, a day hike, or a bike ride after dinner.

Consider strength training. Muscle-strengthening exercises are recommended twice a week for most people, from beginning exercisers to athletes. Talk with your doctor first, and then check out a strength-fitness DVD from the library, or schedule a few sessions with a certified personal trainer to get started with the right form and exercises. Give it twelve weeks, and you’ll notice a difference in how you look and feel.

Play. Unstructured, active playtime is good for the body and the soul. Join your kids in a backyard game of soccer, or play fetch with your dog.

Plant a vegetable garden. Turning over soil, planting, weeding, and hoeing strengthens muscles and burn calories. The bonus? At harvest time, you’ll have the satisfaction of eating fresh foods cultivated from the work of your own hands. Organic tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, carrots, beans and lettuces are just a few of the fresh vegetables you could be enjoying this summer.

Use your spring training plan to get ready for the summer activities ahead. Take advantage of everything spring brings to get inspired, get moving, and stay moving.