Keeping Fit IS Keeping Safe: Practical Self-Defense Tips for Health Buffs
Although plenty of high-tech devices and exercise gadgets have appeared on the market, gadget-free routines such as jogging and walking are still considered as the best cardiovascular workouts around. They not only burn fat very efficiently and effectively, they also build muscle and increase metabolism. Plus, they don’t cost a cent. But keeping fit these days is not just a matter of improving your health – it is also about being safe. In fact, knowing a few simple and practical self-defense techniques could make sure that you keep fit and still be out of harm’s way.
Keeping safe while keeping fit
According to the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a charity that focuses on personal safety, it’s important that safety precautions are taken if you intend to keep fit. In a news release that appeared on December 5, 2008 at the Westmorland Gazette, the Trust offered advice specifically for joggers and health buffs who either want to start a health fitness plan or continue their fitness routine. This is to increase awareness regarding the risks and dangers to joggers and health buffs who prefer to exercise outdoors.
Healthy self-defense tips
Know your route. When walking or jogging, try to keep to a route that is familiar to you. Don’t try new paths, roads or walkways and by no means should you go running through a short cut – especially not if you don’t have a companion. If you’re unfamiliar with the path, you’re less likely to be confident and probably won’t know where to go in case of an emergency.
Tell someone where you’re going
Before you leave the house, always inform someone of your route, what time you’re leaving, what time you expect to come back and with whom you’ll be running.
Stay with other joggers. If you’re with a crowd or a companion, you’re less likely to be attacked. Go with a buddy or ask to join a group. If you can’t find a running or walking buddy, best stick to areas where there are other people around. If you find yourself running in a deserted location, turn around and get out of the area immediately.
Use only lighted pathways. Never exercise in areas where there are no lamp posts or lights. That way you can clearly see other people with you. In case you need help, you’ll be easily seen and located.
Consider bringing a self-defense tool. A mobile phone, an alarm, a stun gun or a can of pepper spray could be a lifesaver. If you’re running without a companion or exercising at dawn or at night, carry any one of these tools with you. They can help prevent or discourage an attack, disarm your attacker and give you the opportunity to escape or call someone for help.
image credit to sxc.hu
Tags: health buffs, self defense exercise, self-defense tips