Common Sense Caution

Two things happened this morning which inspired me to write this post; recent Central Park muggings and a person I admire and adore asked me whether or not they should get a helmet when they buy a bike. Getting out and exercising is a wonderful thing but safety should always come first:


1. I don't care who you are, don't exercise in the dark alone. You can fall or get mugged. It is just not worth it. This is sexist of me but I would still say exercise extreme caution if you are a female exercising in the dark with a female friend. I feel less threatened when I am exercising with a male partner in the dark. Regardless, be super aware and do it in a well lit area.
Additionally-if you are really itching to get a workout in, pay a fee and get a day pass at a gym.


2.  If you are alone and exercising during the day, try to stay in areas with people around. Even while riding my bike, I have been harassed by men in cars, so it is best to stay in areas where people can see you and help you if you are in trouble. And if you are ever harassed, ignore whomever is harassing, take a mental note of license plate number and get to area of safety as soon as possible.


3. Listen to your gut. You may feel foolish and can't rationalize why you feel a certain way that you do but don't rationalize, trust it and do it what it says. Once I was on a long run up riverside park, I got to area that was west of Harlem and it was EMPTY. I decided to turn around even though I wanted my run to be longer. I just got a weird feeling about being all alone in the park. I have no idea if that was the right or wrong decision but I am still here.


4.  Turn down your iPod or MP3. If you can't hear yourself breathe, it is too loud. This means you probably can't hear anyone else breathe.


5. Always wear a helmet-when roller blading or cycling. I don't care how stupid you feel. I don't care that it will mess up your hair do. If you are riding your bike without a helmet, you are an idiot.


6.  If you fall while rollerblading or riding your bike, please do not put your arms out in front of you to break the fall. You will break your wrist and or collarbone. Instead, bend your arms right in front of you and hold them close to your chest. Practice falling on the bed.


7.  There is never a reason to NOT have your cell phone or ID with you. Stuff it in your sports bra.


8. If you are going for a workout, tell someone.


9. If your work out could be longer than an hour, stuff a powerbar or gel and money into your sports bra. Fill that baby up! The reality is you may be gone longer than you initially thought and it can be helpful to have fuel on you.


10.  Invest in getting road ID.


11. If you have a medical condition, such as asthma (i am talking to myself here) or allergy, have your tools for survival with you. You never know when you are going to get stung by a bee or when an asthma attack will strike.


Be safe, be brave and be strong!