Spring is in the air and often times that means people start to think about getting out and enjoying the nice weather. And then comes the infamous worries about shedding those "winter pounds" or toning up for the beach season.

New to Martial Arts
If you’ve never done Martial Arts, spring is a great time to get started. The good weather makes it easier to go exploring for schools you might like. Many schools tend to capitalize on the spring exercise trend and promote deals or introductory packages to get your feet wet.

Spring is nice enough that you don't have to freeze to get to class or shiver on the exercise mat. But it's not so warm that you start to sweat even before you workout. The vacation season hasn’t really kicked off yet so you have a chance to build a routine before it gets disrupted.

One of the best ways to get started and stay motivated is to find a friend and go together. Martial Arts is as much about working with someone as it is a solo journey.

Returning to Martial Arts
Something about spring churns a renewal inside of us, a desire to make a fresh start at things. If you’ve done Martial Arts in the past and have a sudden desire to start again, you’re not alone.

If you've taken most of the winter (or longer) off though, be sure to be gentle with yourself. Your body may remember all the moves it use to do but the reality is you're not in the shape you once were. You may not be able to last as long or kick as high or remember all the moves to your form.

Don't despair. You haven't lost the touch and it will come back to you with patience and practice. Just give yourself time and room for mistakes. Who knows? You may even discover that you do better this time around and understand more this time than you did the first time.

Martial Arts Trooper
For those of you have been trudging away, walking a mile back and forth to the dojo in the snow up the mountain both ways, I commend you! You deserve applause for sticking with it through winter. Now all your hard work and dedication will pay off as you step onto that floor with all the knowledge you gained.

But don't forget to recharge your batteries with spring along with everyone else. With the new faces and new interest always comes great energy. Be willing to accept and be open to receiving that energy.

Spring is also a great time to start considering on changing up your routine and move some of your training outdoors. It's one thing to be able to perform on a level surface; it’s another to learn your footing over rocks and cracks that naturally occur in the ground. And there's nothing more refreshing than the feel of the wind on your face and the sun on your back as your practice.

So for everyone, new and old to Martial Arts, spring is a great time of the year!