Safety Tips for Walking During the Winter Season
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise that you can do. It’s low-impact and you’ll utilize all of the muslces in your body. It’s a way to burn calories, get your digestive system moving, and it’s a great way to get oxygen deep down into your lungs.
I enjoy walking outdoors year round. During the winter season I take a lot more safety precautions than I do at other times of the year. In the northeast our temperatures can be frigid cold and you have to worry about slips and falls on slick surfaces.
Safety Tips for Walking During the Winter Season
1. Dress in layers. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the current temperatures. If you get too hot while walking, you can remove a layer. If you start getting cold, put it back on. Make sure you cover your head (so you can retain body heat), along with wearing mittens or gloves.
2. Proper Footwear. Depending on conditions you want to wear the proper footwear! That could be a pair of warm boots, ice cleats (on the bottom of your boots) if slippery outside, insulated socks, etc. Don’t wear shoes that offer you no traction on wet surfaces.
3. The Buddy System. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is…you should always walk with a buddy! If you slip and fall, have a medical emergency, or just to help thwart-off a predator, it’s safer to walk with a friend.
4. Walking Alone. If you have to walk alone please tell someone when you’re leaving and when you expect to be back. It’s a good idea to let them know where you’ll be and the route that you’ll be taking. Check in with that person once you return. Let them know if you don’t check in upon return that you may need help and to alert the authorities.
5. Take Alongs. You should take along your cellphone, a little bit of emergency cash, your ID, a bottle of water, 1-2 snack bars, your keys, etc. I also recommend investing in a personal safety alarm or pepper spray. You never know when you might need them! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
6. The Weather. You never want to go out and walk on the coldest day of the year, on icy surfaces, or through a foot of snow. Only walk on good weather days.
7. Extras. During the winter season you still need to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen on your face and sunglasses over your eyes.
Just because it’s winter that doesn’t mean you need to lock yourself inside. Get outside for a little walk for the exercise and fresh air. Set up a routine and try to walk 2-3 times a week, year-round with a friend or two.
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