With spring on the horizon, you may feel the need to get out of your house and spend more time enjoying the fresh, warm air. And consider this: it is also a great excuse to kick off an outdoor exercising regimen.
It could be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood. Or you might take up jogging, hiking, or biking. Maybe you decide to head to the water with a kayak, go more extreme with rock-climbing, or join an outdoor tennis team. Whatever you choose to do when it comes to outdoor physical activity, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that that activity is as safe as possible.
Wear Terrain and Weather Appropriate Clothing and Shoes
The right clothing and shoes can help to keep you comfortable and injury-free. Good shoes are especially vital for a variety of terrain and activities. They protect your feet and legs and provide stability.
With clothing, think layers. Consider a light jacket or overshirt to prevent getting chilled on a cool morning. And if your route is hot and sunny, bring a hat to protect your face from the sun.
Bring Water and a Snack
Working up a sweat is great. But you don’t want to wait too long to replenish the fluids you’ve lost. Bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated, both while you’re exercising and immediately afterward.
Exercise also burns calories. This can be a good thing, but not when your blood sugar suddenly drops. In that case, stay prepared with a bag of trail mix or a granola bar.
Use Sunscreen
The right clothing can help to block some of the harmful UV rays that beat down on you. But for any parts of your skin that are left exposed, sunscreen can prevent any burning that could occur.
For real protection, experts recommend a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Depending on how strenuous you get with exercising, you can find a variety of sunscreens intended to keep protecting even when you sweat.
Take Your Phone
It’s not likely. But if you do happen to injure yourself somehow or feel threatened by someone or something when out exercising, your cell phone could be just the lifeline you need. With a quick call, you can summon assistance.
Of course, this is true only in locations with adequate cell reception. That’s why you should also…
Make Sure Someone Knows Where You Will Be
Before you head out for some exercise (or really, anywhere you might go by yourself), tell someone that you’re doing so. Better yet, make sure that same person knows the route you will take or at least your general location.
That way, if something does happen to you while you’re out, that person will know where to look for you first. This is especially vital when you’re exercising in a place with poor to no cell reception.
Keep Any Music Turned Down Low
Music can be a great energizer. It can help you to get going and set your pace. It can help you stay focused and in the moment. However, it could also leave you vulnerable to threats you can’t hear.
You can still have your music (or podcast or audio book). But just try to keep the volume at a level where you can still hear what’s going on around you.
Invite Others Along
There is safety in numbers. After all, any predators–animal or human–are less likely to approach a pair or group. But having your significant other or best friend come along also has so many other benefits.
It can be a great social activity, chatting with others and catching up while taking a quick stroll. And it can also be a great motivator. Setting up a regular time and place to exercise with others can help you stay accountable and keep you on track to stick with your new outdoor exercising regimen.
For more health and safety tips, be sure to read the PeopleFinders Blog.
Photo credit: dotshock – www.shutterstock.com
