Before you step out the door, lace on your running shoes or think about working up a sweat, there are some key fitness tips I have in mind for you. These are little bits of healthy knowledge that I wish I would have known before getting my workout on in Dallas.

1. Hit the Trail Early

Whether you are a fan of the Katy, Santa Fe or White Rock Trails, the key to avoiding mass chaos and crowds is to get out there early and get ‘er done. Another plus to beating the rest of the city is also getting the best times and experiencing the coolest weather. Trust me, the temperature is only going to climb and with it the body count of walkers, runners, bikers and everyone else out there trying to get healthy like you.

2. First Class is Free!

Before you fork over the big bucks for a group workout or class based fitness class, be sure to check and see if you can experience the first class for free. With so many new studios popping up all over town, your business is more important than ever. Most fitness studios are willing to give you a sampling of their classes for free and the group situation provides an opportunity to ‘bring a friend’ for free the first time around. Who knows, you might get hooked based on the free class! (My favorite class to try out for first timers is Flywheel!)

3. Show up and be Present

Just like a job or educational class, you oughta be ‘all in’ when you exercise in Dallas. After polling some of Dallas’ top instructors and fitness experts, the number one complaint is the zombie effect. Coming into a workout with no want to be there is just as bad as not showing up. Own your health and when you are hitting the weights or spinning away into the sunset, show some effort.

4. Texas Sun, Drink a Ton

Muggy Clouds, Blazing Sun or somewhere in between. Texas heat takes no prisoners and DFW gets the brunt of the warmer weather each year. Heading into a shaded studio? Hydrate. Going for a quick jog or long run? Hydrate. Walking the dog with your favorite fitness tracker on? Hydrate. Did I mention hydrate?

There are a billion ways to get active in DFW and I certainly didn’t get around to mentioning them all. The moral of the story is making sure that you are aware of what you can do to increase your fitness potential this Spring and into Summer, using some of my favorite tools and tips.