It's that time of year again. When the weather gets warmer and people start their exercise routines back up. Our Casey Bortnick has more on how to do this safely.

It seems to happen every year.

"Right after Christmas, I see it all the time," said Mark Powell.

Hundreds hit the gym January 1st. Few keep coming.

"People come in and they work out for two weeks and then they kind of fade away," Powell said.

Aith the seasons slowly changing...

"As soon as the weather gets warmer, we'll be back outside," said Ajai Nemani.

...Some are trying make up for lost time.

"Leg exercises. Cardio vascular training, which I had given up for a while, but I'm getting back into that," Nemani said.

Jumping back into that favorite outdoor activity can be dangerous.

"They try to do too much, too soon. They get too enthusiastic they overdo it and get hurt," said Dr. David Carrier, an orthopedic surgeon.

Doctors say muscle strains and joint pain are common this time of year because after an inactive winter, people are trying to get back in shape too quickly.

"The best thing is to get in shape and stay in shape. If you can't do that again when you get motivated to it is gradually build up to it," said Dr. Carrier.

Not only does Dr. Carrier recommend you ease your way into it, he also says you should mix up your routine to avoid overuse injuries. Working with a trainer can help develop a safe but challenging workout program. Precautions some say will pay off.

"Absolutely decrease injury and increase fun," Nemanis said.

Even a short time of being inactive can set you back.

"Unless you maintain your fitness, it goes way pretty quick. Especially at this age," Nemani said.

That's why some say you have to be self motivated.

"Set goals for yourself. Whether you're running or you're lifting weights. That you want to move up to the next level," Powell said.