With summer fast approaching, there's more pressure than ever to look and feel our best, whether that's because we're pulling on billowy sundresses for work, hitting the beach with friends, or chasing kids around the park.

To learn specific moves that target problem areas or that might give you the energy you need to survive another family hiking adventure, make an appointment with one of our personal trainers. Otherwise, follow these spring training guidelines.

Start slow. If you exercise 3-4 times per week, you're less likely to get injured than if you work out only on the weekend and do nothing all week.

Monitor Your Level of Exertion. A personal trainer can help you determine how much energy you need to exert to reap fitness benefits. No need to overexert yourself! Also, if you've been hibernating all winter it could take as long as 6 weeks to re-establish a good fitness base.

Make a plan and stick to it. By writing down what you're doing each day, you can track your progress. Even if the scale doesn't budge, knowing that you're losing inches will help you stick with your workout plan. You can also track whether you're sleeping better or have more energy.

Train With Others at Your Level. Make sure you're always training with others who are at or near your fitness level. Training with your super-fit friends can make you overdo it (and get injured). The less fit will hold you back.

Have Fun. It's finally nice out which means you can enjoy being outdoors. Ditch the treadmill and run at Meadowbrook Park or hop off the stationary bike and explore downtown Champaign or Urbana with your main squeeze.

April marks National Occupational Therapy Month. This month is about recognizing the health profession that helps the lives of individuals affected by illness or injury.

What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession that enables people of all ages to "live life to its fullest" by helping them promote health, preventor live better withinjury, illness, or disability. OTs help their patients live satisfying lives by making sure they reach the top levels of function, through purposeful activities.

The Mettler Center is able to provide OT to those who have had an interruption of use of their arm or hand, through surgery, injury, stroke, overuse, or pain.

To schedule an appointment with Sheila King, our OT and certified hand therapist (CHT), call the Mettler Center.