We’ve all heard of “street smarts,” but have you heard of “sweat smarts?” Do you have a plan in place for staying safe while you sweat? These are our tips to help you stay safe and vigilant by prioritizing your own personal safety, while still living your best and healthiest wellness-filled life.
S – Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Staying aware of your environment is always important and especially when you are alone or in new places. You don’t need to panic but pay attention. Scan your surroundings and look for unusual behaviors. Stay alert by avoiding distractions like constant texting or having your music too loud. You should be able to hear, see and trust your instincts. If you notice something, change your route and seek help.
T- Take the road most traveled
Sorry, but if you are going on a solo walk, run, ride or just with your dog or one friend, you gotta be “sweat smart!” Choose the bike path, well-lit streets, and populated areas! Isolated paths may seem appealing and peaceful, but they are dangerous! In the event of any kind of accident you want to be in an area where there might be a witness or help.
A – Advertise with your Family and/or Trusted Friends
If you are heading out to sweat it out, make sure someone you know and trust, knows! Tell a friend or family member, even by text, exactly where you are going, when you are leaving and for about how long. This leaves a paper trail. You may also consider sharing your location with trusted family or friends. Then they can see you got to your location, etc. Especially in our area where cell service isn’t dependable, “let someone know before you go!” Update your emergency contacts and have them readily available in your phone. Most phones have features that when locked, it can let someone call an emergency contact. In case of an emergency, knowing who to call and having their numbers saved can save precious time, and help those around you to help you.
Y – YouTube
Consider checking out some quality YouTube videos on self-defense, basic first aid, what types of tools you may want to carry such as pepper spray, a whistle, a personal alarm. There are so many videos, reviews and tutorials for all types of “sweat smarts.” Check out videos on
reflective gear for morning runners vs. evening walkers, and you’ll see there is so much to learn about personal safety!
W – What Are You Wearing?
When you go outside to enjoy some wellness, what do you wear? Are you flashing jewelry? Are your pockets bulging with stuff? Are you drawing attention to yourself? Consider trying to be as minimalistic as possible. Jewelry is dangerous in itself. Imagine you bend down to fix your pedal; your necklace gets caught and you fall, and the bike is on you. Or, you are hiking and grab a branch, it goes under your ring and when it pulls out you have a sizable wound? All these things are caused by accessories. Consider a crossbody bag for essentials like your phone (yes, you are bringing the phone! and ID while keeping them close to your body.)
E – Embrace Variety
In the event someone was observing you or learning your routine, would it be down to a science? Do you walk the same exact route? Do you leave at the same exact time? Do you walk your dog at the same time every day? Sadly, people with poor intentions often observe individuals’ routines before committing crimes. To minimize predictability, vary your walking routes and workout times regularly. This unpredictability makes it harder for potential offenders to target you. We know this is hard! If only 7 am works, ok! Take different routes. Maybe drive some to a new location sometimes or take different roads to your gym. It’s not only good for safety but also for your workouts!
L – Lock It Up
Locking things is a very successful first line of defense. Lock your cars, bikes, and homes! Even enjoying an indoor workout at home, lock yourself inside, why not? If the music is pumping and you are focused on your workouts, you might not hear a door open over your fan or air conditioner. Speaking of air conditioning units, these should be secured properly while avoiding ground-level windows where they can be easily accessed from outside.
L – Local Knowledge
Learn your local EMS numbers and when traveling, look up local numbers. Yes, 911 is great but, having quick access to local police, fire department, and medical services numbers specific to the area where you’ll be can be helpful.
Following the S.T.A.Y. W.E.L.L. acronym is a great start to investing in how you can significantly enhance your street and sweat smarts this summer. By adding these tips into your wellness routines, remaining vigilant about your surroundings and belongings, you can enjoy a safer overall lifestyle, especially while staying active and engaged in wellness pursuits.