Spring is a time for new beginnings. The smell of newly grown flowers will soon fill the air and the vacant branches on trees will be covered with fresh leaves.

Along with the flowers and leaves comes a new attitude toward getting some fresh air and a little exercise. The excuse of “It’s too cold outside” will have to be put back in our pockets until next winter, and the four-month hibernation period will have to come to an end.

Where have those days gone where going outside wasn’t a chore for most college students?

I remember the days of being a 10-year-old kid waking up on weekends, or when stepping off the school bus after school and wanting to get outside as soon as possible for some outdoor activities.

Today, trying to get some exercise just seems like too much work. I am victim to the increased laziness that comes with the college territory. After long days of classes and work, all I want to do is sit around and rest for a while.

Weekends are no different. When I finally do get the free time to go toward fitness, I spend most of the day watching sports on television using the logic that it counts if I watch someone else do something.

That lazy attitude has gotten me nothing but an extra 10 pounds and a shortness of breath when going up more than two flights of stairs.

If you have the same problem that I have, we need to develop a new attitude.

Going outside used to be fun, and it’s time that lazy people like myself get out and spring into spring.

Here are the guidelines and tips into to getting back to form and setting a new beginning of your own.

Rule No. 1: Unless you live entirely away from campus, walk to class instead of driving or taking the bus. Every little bit helps and walking to class can actually be a relaxing way to start your day.

Rule No. 2: Don’t make the weekends full of sitting around and filling yourself with too much beer. An hour of outdoor activities on a Saturday or Sunday is sometimes the best opportunity for a little exercise. There is also no need for sleeping in past noon.

Rule No. 3: No more excuses! If you are not an athletic person or don’t like sports, find something else to do. Take a walk with a friend, hop on your bike and take a ride or snap on some Rollerblades and take a tour of campus.

I am pleased to see that some people are already going out and following these rules. So I give all of you who still have the desire and energy for some fresh air a pat on the back.

It’s time for the rest of us to follow their example and get that breath back and drop all that extra weight from the winter months of hibernation.