10,000 Steps a Day, Part 6: Safety and Considerations

Courtesy of Pixabay.com

With any activity, whether you're exercising around the house, at the gym, outside, or on the playing field, safety is number one.  Progressing too fast, overtraining, and not practicing good form during exercise will more often lead to  injury than a healthier, fitter, stronger, faster body.

Safety

• If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, stop exercising and seek medical attention immediately.
• Avoid increasing steps by more than 500 per day.  That's about a quarter mile.
• If you push too hard, you may suffer an injury that could sideline you for months.  Avoid it.
• Stay well-hydrated when exercising.  Bring water with you.
• Follow all facility and traffic rules.
• If walking outside, consult the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• If you are going to walk alone, make sure you tell a family member or friend your route and how long you plan to be gone.
• Bring pepper spray or other forms of protection.
• Walk in a safe area.
• Be aware of your surroundings, changes in walking surfaces, and people and animals around you,
• Bring your phone and maybe even a whistle to call for help if needed.
• If walking in your neighborhood or around town, wear bright/reflective clothing so you are more easily seen by motorists.

Considerations

• It takes several months for a new habit to become routine.  Don't get discouraged.  If you have an off day, get back out there the next day and try again.
• Wear your pedometer on your pant waistband above the hip, so it can monitor leg movement more accurately.
• There are many pedometers on the market.  Price and functions vary.  Some are basic, only tracking steps, while others track calories, distance, aerobic steps, regular steps and more.  Choose one that is easy to use, has good customer and industry ratings, and provides the functions that you prefer.  

I hope you enjoyed this blog series and found it helpful.  As always, I welcome feedback.  Please let me know what you think of this series.  If you have an idea of another fitness/nutrition-related series you'd like to see covered here, let me know.  I'll definitely consider it.  Take care.  Happy walking!