Keeping Fit Safely
Before you head off to the park for a run or down to the gym, it’s worth giving a thought to how you can do it safely. Fortunately the risks of becoming a victim of violence and aggression are low but they do exist, so it pays to take extra care. Reduce any risks by taking the following precautions.
Walking, Running or Jogging
- Consider joining a running club or jog with friends. Not only will you feel safer but you can motivate each other as well!
- If you do decide to go out alone, plan your route carefully and whenever possible let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
- Avoid using the same route or going at the same time every day.
- Whenever possible, stick to well-lit, busy areas where you can be clearly seen and where you can clearly see other people. Never be tempted to take a risky short cut e.g. through a quiet section of the park or down a deserted alleyway, just because you’re tired or running a bit late.
- If you are running on the streets, ensure you run towards oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.
- Avoid wearing headphones or chatting on your mobile phone when you are out, as they prevent you from hearing danger approaching from behind. You need to stay alert to your surroundings at all times because the sooner you become aware of potential danger, the easier it is to avoid it.
- Another thing to think about is what to wear. We all have the right to dress as we wish but be aware that some clothing might attract unwanted attention.
- Think about carrying a personal alarm with you, which can be used to disorientate and shock an attacker.
- Carrying a mobile phone is also a good idea in case of emergencies but keep it concealed and only use it when you have to.
- Aim to look confident and in control and avoid pushing yourself to your physical limit.
- If you get too tired, you will be unable to defend yourself or run away from danger if necessary.
- Be aware that you may give other people a fright so try to avoid coming up behind some-one suddenly.
- Always act on your instincts – if something looks or feels wrong it probably is, so don’t wait for your fears to be confirmed, get away from the situation as quickly as possible.
At the Gym
- When choosing a gym, consider the safety aspects. For example, is it easy to get to on public transport? Do you need to go through any quiet, poorly-lit areas to get to it? Do you have to walk far to public transport? Is the car park well-lit?
- Consider joining with a friend so you can travel there and back together
- Gyms are normally very sociable places where you can meet new people, which is great. However if someone becomes too friendly and is making you uncomfortable, then think about changing your class to another time or day and let the management know of your concerns about this person.
- Think about how you are going to get there and back, especially if it will be dark when you leave the gym.
- If someone you hardly know from the gym approaches you as you are leaving and starts chatting, trust your instincts. If they are making you feel uneasy or if your route home means walking with them through any deserted areas then is might be safer to say you’ve forgotten something and go back to the gym until they’ve left.
- If you are travelling by public transport, are there others who you know from the gym that you can travel with?
- If you are driving there, try to park as close to the exit to the gym as possible and in a well-lit spot.
- Avoid being the last to leave.
