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Exercising outdoors comes with various advantages. For starters, you’re more exposed to sunlight, which increases your vitamin D production. Vitamin D is linked to improved mood, bone health, boosted immune system, and inflammation reduction. Likewise, you can get all the benefits of working out without spending money at the fitness facility or gym. You can also push your mind and body to try new and exciting activities. It’s no wonder that Americans are embracing outdoor exercises lately. Despite these, it’s important to stay safe to reap the full benefits. That said, here are some helpful strategies to achieve this.
1. Take your phone along
A 2017 survey revealed that people who exercised outdoors took their phones for various reasons. Indeed, taking your phone along can be beneficial in many ways. For instance, you can easily call for help when you’re in a threatening situation or an accident. Moreover, you can leverage your device as backup maps or GPS to familiarize yourself with the area and reduce the risk of getting lost. If you can’t call for help, your phone can act as a tracker for your loved ones to locate you. Therefore, you want to take your phone along when you enjoy your outdoor workouts.
Experts advise against holding your phone, as it can cause inconvenience. Moreover, you can easily drop it, leading to a cracked screen or a damaged phone. It also creates unnoticeable imbalances in your body, making you prone to injuries. Instead, it’s prudent to get belts that allow you to store your phone to keep it safe while balancing your body weight distribution and preventing injuries. Likewise, investing in running shorts, sports bras with pockets, and running vests will also prove helpful, so keep this in mind.
2. Wear your reflective gear
According to the New York Times, pedestrian accident deaths keep increasing due to reckless driving. The GHSA also indicated that approximately 6721 pedestrian deaths occurred in 2020. These disturbing statistics reiterate the need to be safe when outdoors. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in protective gear if you’re an avid lover of outdoor exercises. These outfits are particularly beneficial for exercising at night with limited light sources. Indeed, it can be difficult for drivers or bike riders to spot you wearing dull attire in the dark. Therefore, reflecting clothing will help them spot you and avoid running their car into you.
That said, you can invest in reflective running jackets, arm, and headbands, running shoes, etc. Various brands now incorporate reflective materials in their workout attire, so feel free to buy them. Headlamps are also an effective way to announce your presence to motorists, so keep this in mind. If you sustain accident injuries from negligent motorists after wearing your reflective gear, leveraging personal injury lawyer services will help you get the needed compensation.
3. Don’t ignore the weather
It’s important to consider the weather when going for your outdoor workouts to promote safety. For instance, exercising in hot weather conditions without the necessary precautions can be dangerous for your health. For starters, you risk developing muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and increased rate, among others. You can trigger heat cramps, exercise-associated collapse, and heatstroke in severe cases. Likewise, working out in the cold weather can trigger frostbite and hypothermia. Therefore, take note when you experience fatigue, slurred speech, intense shivering, and coordination loss.
Fortunately, you can stay safe and achieve your fitness goals in extreme weather conditions. You can begin by following weather forecasts to determine if it’s safe to venture outdoors without harming your health. Experts also advise that you stick to light workout activities if you’re used to exercising indoors or in cooler temperatures. Staying hydrated wearing sunscreen and lightweight workout clothing will prove helpful, so keep this in mind. It’s also prudent to dress up in layers when exercising in cold weather to trap heat and keep you warm. You also want to invest in mittens, thermal socks, headbands, and hats to protect your hands, feet, ears, and head.
4. Don’t get carried away by the music
A Runner’s World survey indicated that 75% of Americans prefer to run or jug while listening to music. What’s more, sports psychologist Andy Lane explained that music could increase motivation and improve performance. Despite these benefits, you shouldn’t forget that you are outdoors and need to be aware of your surroundings. With loud music blasting in your ears, you may not recognize and avoid hazardous situations before it’s too late. Therefore, it’s safer to leave your headphones at home. However, you can reduce your music’s volume to be more aware if exercising without music isn’t an option.
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