Finally, spring has sprung! If you’re like me, you look forward to spring all year long when the sun is out, trees are blossoming, and you can spend time outside without wearing a 30 pound winter jacket. Long runs on the trail, outside movies, street festivals, dining outside, is this starting to sound familiar? Though we all may be daydreaming about all the fun spring brings, we must of course remember: safety first.
Now, spring is the perfect time to get off the couch, get off that treadmill, and get outside. Let’s talk for a minute about the beauty of exercising outside. Fresh air, changing scenery, and peace of mind are all reasons to run, walk, bike, or hike outside. Before you get too excited and lace up those sneakers and head out the door, there are some things you should keep in mind before you start your workout.
- Stick with trails you know so you can find your way back.
- Avoid exercising alone or in unpopulated areas. If something happens, the other person will be able to get help.
- Carry a noise maker like a whistle in case you need to draw attention to yourself.
- Avoid exercising at night. If you do prefer to work out at night, bring a friend or stay in well-lighted areas like an outside track.
- Stay in tune with your surroundings. It may seem impossible to work out without your iPod or MP3 player, but having headphones on prevents you from hearing any potential threats.
- Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right about a person or place, leave immediately.
Spring also means that it’s time for outside events. Whether you live in the city or a rural area, outside events like festivals, concerts, movies, or just lazy days at the park (and hopefully some crime prevention events) are most likely happening in your community. To keep the fun going without any trouble, follow these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable time:
- Carry only the money you will need with you on that particular day.
- Make sure your purse is closed or zipped up.
- Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket where people can easily snatch it.
- If out at night, bring some friends along to avoid being alone in the dark.
- Be aware of your surroundings; know what’s going on around you.
So get out there, have fun, and stay safe! For more information on how to keep yourself safe while you’re out enjoying the beautiful weather, click here.
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