This Week's Fitness Tip

Well, as much as I wanted to do a daily fitness tip, it's a challenge to come up with a topic and write a tip each day (time limitations).  So, I've decided to do one weekly. Now, i'm not sure why writing it in Word document, and then copy/paste into here is so difficult, so bare with the bold text.

Exercise Outdoors.  For many of us, exercising outdoors is a form therapy.  It allows us to be close to nature, without the stress of people around us.  Plus, being out doors is free.  But, being out doors has it’s own safety issues from roaming dogs to cars and everything in between.

 

If you choose to exercise out doors, here are a few ideas to keep you safe:

 

Wear a medical bracelet that identifies you as a weight-loss patient.  This is to protect you in the event you are unable to speak and paramedics are called in.  There are many places on the Internet where you can purchase a medical alert bracelet (check out Ebay, www.laurenshope.com or others).  I personally wear two bracelets when I am out doors.  Simply because one I wear everyday and the other is specific to out door exercise – it is water resistant and bright pink cammo print.  It includes more information than my regular medical alert bracelet (such as who to contact in the event of an emergency)

 

 

·         Dress for the weather.  If it is hot and humid when you go out, make sure that you are dressed for that.  There is nothing worse than feeling ill because you are over, or under, dressed.

 

·         If you plan to exercise at night, make sure to bring a flashlight and wear reflective clothing.  This will let you be seen by cars.  Also, make sure that before you head out, someone knows the route you will be taking and when you expect to return. 

 

·         Bring along a buddy.  Not only is working out with a buddy fun, but it can be helpful in an emergency situation.  Plus, it’s a great way to get “caught up” and to de-stress.

 

·         Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency.

 

·         Exercise in an area that is familiar to you, but have a few places that you like to go and rotate them.  This way, anyone watching you will not be able to establish a pattern for you.

 

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Talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Do not exercise if you have any physical problems that might influence your ability to become more active. Stop exercising and call your doctor if you feel dizzy, nauseated, short of breath, or if you feel pain in your chest. If you are more than 40 pounds overweight, you should not work out at a high intensity level without professional supervision. The above information is my personal opinions and is based on my own personal research in this area.  © 2008, Jill Krekel, Certified Personal Trainer. All rights reserved