TODAY shares ways to spring into fitness safely featuring on-air guidance from Karen M. Sutton, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS.

Dr. Sutton explained how to prepare the body for new exercise routines in the warmer months. She recommended focusing on core strength to provide stability and endurance and to support the rest of the joints in the body.

She advised trying cardio to help shed winter weight, doing planks to work smaller core muscles, and cross training to avoid overuse of one area.

Dr. Sutton said the next step is getting equipment out and ready to go. For example, getting the bicycle out and tuned up or having running shoes refitted.

She also underscored the importance of sleep. “Through lots of research and literature, we have shown the best part of recovery is sleeping. If you get enough sleep you can recover from intense activities,” she added.

Dr. Sutton recommended finding a fitness group and trying something new to avoid burnout and stay motivated.

Watch the full segment at Today.com. The segment also aired during the 9am news hour on March 23.