Yes, winter is knocking at the door. The daylight hours are getting shorter, and, in some regions, the weather is getting colder and wetter.
For those who still like their outdoor exercise sessions, here are a few simple tips to stay safe while you work on your summer body.
“It doesn’t matter if you just concentrate on basic fitness or if you have any long-term training goals in place, you can work out with ease if you remember a few basic personal safety tips,” says Charnel Hattingh, the group head of communications and marketing at Fidelity Services Group.
Many people still exercise outdoors despite the change in the season, but Hattingh says, sadly, this also means opportunistic criminal elements are also out and about.
“Perhaps one of the best bits of advice we could give is to never train outdoors on your own, especially not if it is dark. Make sure you use familiar routes and that other people around so you are never alone,” says Hattingh.
She shares her top tips for any winter outdoor training enthusiast:
• Always tell someone where you are going, and state when you will be back.
• Try to vary your route so your routine does not become obvious to criminals.
• If you carry valuables, conceal them. It is not advisable to head off without a cellphone.
• Carry your ID, medical information, and emergency contact information.
• Stay alert by not talking on your phone. Leave the headphones at home so that you can hear anyone approaching from behind.
• Wear brightly coloured clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see someone suspicious on your route, take a detour to avoid them.
• Don’t be distracted by strangers asking for help or directions. Even the most innocent of couples in a car could be armed robbers.
• Be aware of being followed home. If you think someone is following you, call your private security company to report it and ask them to meet you at your gate.
“Take heed of crime trends in your area shared on WhatsApp groups, and always report any incidents or suspicious persons to the police or your security company. Good luck with your training efforts.”
