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If you like exercising outdoors, you need to be highly conscious of safety. Learning how to minimize risk depending on the environment and chosen activity enables you to exercise with greater enjoyment, confidence and peace of mind.

Here are some simple tips:

• Before heading out, take a moment to let someone know where you are going and the approximate time you plan to return. They must be familiar with the route you plan to take, in case they need to find you.

• Although few people do so, you should carry an identification card with you, especially if you exercise alone.

At the very least, this should include your name and emergency contact numbers, as well as any pertinent medical information.

Many products are specifically designed for this purpose, including bracelets, necklaces with tags and easily detachable sticky patches that adhere to clothing.

• If you have a medical condition that might be aggravated by physical activity, a medical ID tag can help doctors, paramedics and others assist you properly in emergency situations.

• Carry a personal alarm, whistle or any similar safety device that enables you to call attention to yourself, if the need arises.

• Trust your instincts. Keep your eyes and ears open. Be aware of your surroundings. Have a safety plan in mind for situations wherein you might feel uncomfortable, such as when passing a stranger or when exercising in unfamiliar areas.

• Many people listen to music while exercising to stay happy and motivated. But wearing headphones is distracting and leaves you less aware of the noises around you. For instance, you might not be able to hear someone trying to approach you from behind.

• During high heat and humidity, most people exercise late at night or very early in the morning. For safety, take your dog with you or exercise with a friend or family member. Ask your neighbors if they are interested in organizing a group walk or run.

If you need to exercise when it is dark outside, even if you are not alone, consider finding an indoor track or exercise facility located in a well-lit area. Also, check to see which gyms are open during early morning or late evening hours.

• If you have a cellular phone, take it with you. If you don’t own one, familiarize yourself with the location of telephones along your route.

• Be sure that you can clearly see oncoming traffic. At traffic lights and crossings, don’t make the mistake of assuming that drivers can see you.

Make eye contact so that you feel safer crossing the street in front of a car, or better yet, wait until traffic clears. Pay close attention to signals at intersections and watch out for cars coming out of parking lots, side streets and driveways.

• Make yourself more visible by wearing reflective clothing. One such product is the New Balance 360 Degree running jacket, which is designed to be highly reflective. It is also wind- and water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor conditions.

The jacket uses 3M Scotchlite taping on its mesh-lined back vent and sleeves, ensuring that the wearer is visible to traffic, be it in the morning or evening.

The jacket also packs into a front zipper pocket and is equipped with a music device-friendly internal chest pocket and an ICE — in case of emergency — tag.

• Leave valuables such as your wallet, watch or jewelry at home.

Not only will you attract thieves, but you are also more likely to lose these items while exercising outdoors.

• Don’t fumble for keys as you enter your house or car after exercising. Have your keys ready beforehand so you can move to safety quickly in case you are pursued by an attacker. 


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