The warmer weather means many of us will be heading outdoors, to train and shake off those excess winter kilos.<\/p>\n
Whether you are doing it purely for personal health reasons or if you are setting your sights on that next marathon, it is important to make personal safety part of your training regime.<\/p>
\u201cStaying safe while exercising outdoors is easy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope that by following this step-by-step guide you will be able to focus all your attention on your training,\u201d said Fidelity ADT\u2019s national marketing and communications manager Charnel Hattingh.<\/p>
\u2022 Carry some ID – Carry some form of identification on you, so that any bystanders will know who you are and who to contact in case of an emergency.\u00a0 Most exercise gear has small pockets for this very reason.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Safety in numbers \u2013 Hattingh strongly discourages running or cycling alone. Rather join a group of people who can look out for your safety and also offer encouragement along the way when muscle pain or cramps set in.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Tell someone \u2013 Another good idea is to ensure someone you trust knows that you are headed out for a run or cycle, has an idea of the route you plan to take and when you expect you will return. In this way, they can quickly raise the alarm if you do not return as planned.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Seven Arrow Security offers women safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n SAPS urge community to follow these safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2022 Be visible – Wear reflective clothing to make sure you are visible to other road users. Run against traffic and cycle with traffic. This makes you even more visible to others. If you can, make use of pavements or any designated cycle tracks.<\/p>\n \u2022 Vary your routine \u2013 Changing up your route and training time makes it difficult for any would-be criminal to anticipate your movements. The change in scenery can also make the physical exertion more bearable.<\/p>\n \u2022 Charge your phone battery \u2013 Make sure your cellphone battery is fully charged so that you are able to call for help in case of an emergency. It is also important to save the correct emergency contact numbers on your phone, so that you can quickly contact the police, your security company or your neighbourhood watch when you need them.<\/p>\n \u2022 Mobile tracking \u2013 Find out from your security company if they offer a mobile tracking app which can be downloaded on your cellphone.\u00a0 This is an effective way of alerting emergency service providers when you need them while also giving them your accurate location, especially if you are running or hiking along a mountain path or in a forest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n