Exercising outdoors is certainly cheaper than going to a gym, but what about outdoor fitness at night? You may not have time to workout in the day, but exercising in the dark seems a little more risky to your wellbeing than it’s worth. Luckily, we’ve got some top safety tips from health and fitness writer Leanne Beattie, so you can work on your wellness when the sun goes down.
1. Plan Ahead for Safety: You need to undertake a bit of planning in order to stay safe at night, so here are a few things to consider before heading outside:
- ‘Plan your route and tell someone where you will be,’ Beattie instructs. ‘Let your friends or family members know when to expect you back and make sure they know your exercise route.’
- Beattie recommends carrying a ‘phone at all times. It’s also a good idea to locate all public telephones along your route in case your phone is lost or stolen along the way.’
- ‘Carry identification,’ says Beattie. ‘Bring a driver’s license or some sort of ID tag. At the very least, make sure you name, phone number and emergency medical information is printed inside of your shoe or on a card in your pocket.’
- ‘Don’t wear jewellery or carry money,’ Beattie notes. ‘This can help reduce your risk of being targeted for a robbery.’
- Beattie advises, ‘Dress to be seen. Wear reflective materials and bright colours so drivers can see you easily. Although most running shoes now have reflective materials built into them, you can increase your visibility by wearing specially designed running pants, shorts, jackets or even a reflective vest. Carry a flashlight or a flashing device to make you even more noticeable on dark streets.’
2. While You’re Out: While planning ahead is important, safety doesn’t stop when you’re out on the road – you need to bear the following in mind:
- ‘Don’t exercise alone,’ Beattie warns. ‘There is safety in numbers, so exercise with someone else—even your dog—whenever possible.’
- Beattie cautions, ‘Stay alert. You are the most vulnerable to potential attack when you’re lost in your thoughts and not paying complete attention to your surroundings. Look ahead, to the sides, and turn to watch behind you every once in a while. Be aware of any suspicious people on your route.’
- ‘Don’t wear headphones,’ Beattie suggests. ‘Music restricts your hearing and distracts you from what’s happening in your environment. Wearing headphones can therefore prevent you from hearing an oncoming car or potential attacker. Listen to your surroundings and learn which sounds are normal and which signify potential danger.’
- Beattie points out, ‘Be aware of your environment. Know which businesses are open and where you can go for help in case of an emergency.’
- Beattie outlines, ‘Change your route periodically. The less predictable you are, the less likely it is that someone else can learn your habits or follow you. Avoid unpopulated areas, poorly lit or deserted streets and overgrown trails. Stick with busier streets that are well-lit.’
- ‘Exercise against traffic so you can see oncoming cars,’ says Beattie. ‘Stay clear of parked cars and bushes along the side of the road.’
- ‘Obey your gut feelings and trust your intuition,’ Beattie urges. ‘If you are uneasy about a person or a location along your route, trust your feelings and avoid what is making you anxious.’
- Beattie comments, ‘If you think you’re being followed, change direction immediately and head for the safety of an open store or a lighted home. Use caution if anyone in a vehicle stops and asks you for directions. Remain at least an arm’s length away if you choose to answer.’