Staying Safe While Exercising Outdoors

If your workout is feeling a bit cramped in your apartment, it's time to take it outside.

Outdoor exercise is a fun way to stay fit while enjoying the weather. It can also be easier to stick with a workout routine outdoors because fresh air can perk you up and provide you with an ever changing routine. 

Here are a few things to consider when exercising outdoors. 

Proper Clothing

There are many benefits to outdoor exercise, but without the proper safety measures, you might cause more harm than good. Before heading outdoors, check the weather. For hot or humid weather, wear light coloured, moisture wicking clothing. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect your scalp from the sun. Watch for heat warnings and don't overexert yourself in the heat. When it's cool or rainy, dress in layers that can be removed as you heat up. Remember to bring water with you and stay hydrated.

Good Shoes

The proper running shoe will make or break your workout. Trail runners are best for uneven ground, dirt, or grass. If you're walking or running on concrete trails, add padding to your shoes with gel inserts. This will provide extra cushioning with each step helping reduce impact on your joints.

Make Yourself Seen

No matter what time of day you exercise outdoors, keep yourself visible by wearing reflective clothing and staying on pedestrian walkways and paths. Obey road signs when crossing the road and always watch for oncoming traffic, even if you have the right-of-way. Keep your cell phone and ID with you in case of emergency, and if you listen to music, lower the volume so you can still hear your surroundings. 

Take Appropriate Precautions

With the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll want to add extra safety precautions to your outdoor workout. Keeping a safe distance from others while outdoors is just as important, if not more, than while you're indoors. Although it's not always necessary to wear a face mask outdoors, it is necessary to stay 6 feet or more from other people. Avoid touching public surfaces, but if you must, wash your hands afterwards.

Our Toronto and Mississauga apartments are close to many parks and nature trails for outdoor exercise. While use of outdoor exercise equipment is prohibited, basketball courts, BMX tracks, and skate parks are open.