Spring has sprung! The temperature is getting warmer, clothing is getting lighter, and bodies are becoming more visible. Spring is a time of renewal. Time to do some extra cleaning, rotate our closets, start our gardens, look in the mirror and wonder why in the world we ate that last piece of cheesecake!

Spring is a second chance; it’s the season for the procrastinator’s jump off. We all sat here and listened to those New Year’s resolutions and silently committed to do the same! Later. So, now as the mercury starts to climb and we realize that our yet-to-be-toned selves will soon be exposed, we figure it’s time to get it crackin’.

The first thing to do is decide. You have to decide that you want to lose weight or tone up or even out your complexion, whatever your spring thing is. Once you have decided you have to commit to the process. No worthwhile or sustained change happens without a process, so commit to it from the get go. Understand that losing weight will require you to modify your diet and move your ‘ahem’. Evening out your skin tone may require nightly facial treatments. Make sure that the process you are committing to is one that is realistic and will work for you. If you work two jobs and have a small child at home don’t commit to a plan that requires you to go to the gym five days a week for two hours a day and fast on the other two days. That’s just setting yourself up to fail. You need a more moderate plan that allows for you to work your fitness into to your existing timeframe. A plan that counts “living energy use”, like walking up the stairs at work or walking the seven blocks from the train station, and the twenty minute workout at home is more easily blended into your lifestyle and you will more likely stick to it than something drastic.

Listen to your body. Now is the perfect time to revamp your eating habits. As the days get warmer, your body will likely require less food to feel satisfied. Also, digestion alone creates heat in the body so the hotter it is outside the less heat your body needs inside. That said, now is a great time to increase fruit and vegetable intake. Drink plenty of water and cut out the ‘eat and go straight to sleep’ winter cycle.

Other than the big question of weights and measures, what about the little things? The little things like getting your manicure and pedicure done so those toes and heels will be ready for sandals when the time is right. Little things like getting your hair ready for the summer sun by giving it some extra TLC now. Little things like getting a body scrub so those shoulders and elbows are ready to feel the sun in an ash-free environment. A little preparation goes a long way.

That goes for you too brothers. Not that you have to get all metrosexual and start polishing your nails, but a nice shaping and buffing and some corn removal might be in order. Spring is also the perfect time to visit the dentist. Get those teeth cleaned and maybe whitened. There is nothing like fresh breathe and a bright smile on a sunny day to melt a sister’s resolve.

Spring is here and summer’s fast on its heels, so let’s do the maintenance things now so we can do the dating thing all season long. When you feel great about your presentation your confidence shows; and honestly, is there anything sexier than that!