With the kind of lifestyle that we have these days, it’s very important to stay fit and healthy. For this, we have to ensure a balance of healthy diet and exercise. Exercising outdoors can be a great idea to keep yourself motivated to stay healthy. You can enjoy your leisure time by planning an early morning walk, cycling or horse riding. There are several benefits of exercising outdoors, but to get the most of it, you should be wary of your safety too. We have laid down some guidelines to make your outdoor adventure safe.

  • Identification: keep your identity card with contact details for emergency. Always keep your phone with you and be equipped with GPS so that you don’t get lost while travelling to an unknown place. Having some cash handy with you is also a good idea.
  • Plan your route ahead: plan accordingly if you are going out with a list of all the places you will be visiting. Know about the weather as well as the outdoor conditions. Choose the streets and the paths that are well-lit if you are planning for a run in the late evening.
  • Stay alert: Don’t use your phone or listen to music while you are walking on the road. It’s always better to keep the volume down so that you can still hear bike horns and warnings from walkers and hikers coming up behind you. Even, if you are walking on the path, it’s important to stay alert. Stick to places, which are well-lit in case you are walking or exercising alone.
  • Appropriate gear: Equip yourself with the right gear to stay safe outdoors. Choose clothes which are lightweight and have a good visibility as it’s always better to be seen. If you are heading out at night keep yourself equipped with flashlights. To get a proper footing on different terrains, look for sturdy and comfortable shoes. If you are riding on a bike, choose reflectors, a body vest and a helmet.
  • Stay hydrated: exercising under the sun can lead to dehydration. Hence, to prevent heat stroke, it’s necessary to drink a lot of water and even wear a sun-hat. Early morning and evening is a good time to choose as the sun is comparatively less intense than in the afternoon. Keep a bottle with you all the time you are working out.
  • Keep some company: it’s always better to have some company when you are going outdoors. Not only it will keep you entertained, but ensure your safety too, especially when you are travelling to a place which you don’t know much about. If you are exercising in the late evening and early morning, it’s good to go in groups or pair.
  • Plan accordingly: make sure that you inform someone, whether you are going for a small run, walk, bike ride or horse ride. In case, there is any mishappenings, you will at least have someone to look for you. You can also sign up for an emergency program in case of an accident while heading for the mountains. Getting an injury is the worst case scenario, but, having someone to help you is definitely a relief.

Exercising outdoors can be fun and healthy only if you are following all the safety guidelines. Staying safe is paramount and you surely should not compromise on it. Keep all the above things in mind and make the best out of your outdoor trip.