Cara Kempf is a certified personal trainer with the Fitness Zone in Carmel and a group fitness instructor with NIFS in downtown Indianapolis. She can be contacted at fitnessblog@theindychannel.com.

The last couple of days have just reminded me what great weather is creeping closer and closer. People are flocking to be outside after a few cold months, and I'm sure you are one of them! Who isn't in an energized, fantastic mood on a warm, sunny day? So use that mood to get outside and exercise -- take advantage of these gorgeous days, because I'm sure April will be full of rainy ones! Here are some fun fitness ideas for outside:

Rollerblading -- Feel like a kid again and get some great exercise in your in-line skates. Even just a leisurely half hour in them will probably burn around 150-200 calories (depending on your fitness level).

Walking/jogging the dog -- Again, if you walk pretty fast, in a half hour you'll probably burn about 150-200 calories. If you jog, that will increase significantly. If you don't have a dog, but you do have a baby young enough for a stroller, you're in luck because that works just as well, if not better!

Biking -- Take a spin on your bike and burn loads of calories. Try to hit some hills to increase the intensity!

Jumping on a trampoline -- Do your kids have one of those great big trampolines? This is great exercise for your cardio system, as well as your legs! Even a small one will do -- just take it outside!

Boot camp -- Go for a jog or a brisk walk outside, and every 10 minutes or so, stop and do lunges, push-ups, triceps dips, squats, or calf raises. One set of exercises to the max, and then get back to your running/walking. You'll burn lots of calories in only a half hour with this boot-camp-style workout!

Have fun in the sun and stay motivated!