Staying Safe while Exercising

By Jane Farrell

Here, the experts from Go4Life, a division of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), are some good ways to stay safe while you’re getting fit – or fitter:

You’ve made a plan to be more active, and you’re ready to go outside and get started. But before you do, make sure that you can exercise safely in your neighborhood. These tips that can help you stay safe as you get moving.

Think ahead about safety.

Take an ID and cell phone with you, but stay alert by not talking on the phone as you walk.

Let others know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.

Stick to well-lit places with other people around.

Take a flashlight and be sure you have reflective material on your jacket or walking shoes if you walk in the early morning or evening.

Put lights on the front and back of your bike. (For more on biking safely, click here)

Walk safely in rural areas.

Be sure drivers can see you.

Always walk facing oncoming traffic.

Look for a smooth, stable surface alongside the road.

If the road has guardrails, see if there’s a good walking space behind the barrier.

If you don’t feel safe exercising outdoors, be active inside.

Find local stores or malls large enough for you to walk around.

Walk up and down your stairs a few times in a row. Be sure the stairwell is well lit and has railings for safety.

At home, do the strength, balance, and flexibility exercises in Exercise and Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging. Click here to learn more.

Work out with an exercise DVD such as the free Go4Life DVD. Click here to learn how to order.

For more information about senior fitness, click here to visit the Go4Life website.

Reprinted courtesy of the National Institute on Aging.