Safety First While Working Out Alone

By Donna Stark

Has your sedentary lifestyle finally caught up with you? Have you started to notice that you just aren't feeling as well as you used to? The lack of physical activity in your daily routine can certainly wreak havoc on your health but that doesn't mean you can't change course! It's never too late to get back to your fitness routine but you have to do so safely! Especially if you find yourself working out alone. Take a look at the following tips on how you can work out, feel good, and stay safe.  

Warm Up and Cool Down Properly

Taking a few minutes to stretch and warm up before you start to exercise and a few minutes to do the same after you are done can reduce the risk of injuries. Warming your body up with stretches and light movements will increase blood flow to your muscles and improve your athletic performance. And when your workout is over, cooling down with gentle stretches can help regulate your blood flow and heart rate.

Listen to Your Body

Your body loves to communicate when it doesn't feel right, so pay attention to what it has to say, and don't be so distracted or involved that you miss these signals. If you are feeling faint, sore, or shaky, take a break or slow down to assess what is going on, and if you are feeling pain, stop immediately! Pushing through discomfort can have serious consequences if you aren't careful.

Bring Plenty of Water

At any time, dehydration can lead to serious medical issues, but during your workout, it can specifically lead to muscle fatigue, confusion, cramps, loss of coordination, and an inability to regulate body temperature. Make sure you are always drinking water throughout the day and when you plan to exercise, bring some extra with you.

Know Your Limits

It is vital to your overall safety that you acknowledge and accept the level of fitness you are at. You certainly don't want to put yourself in an unsafe position simply because you were trying to push the limits. For example, be realistic with how far you can hike, how much weight you can lift, and how strong you are in open water. Remember, you're alone so there is no one around to try to impress.

Safe Solo Workouts

It's great that you want to change the direction that your health is taking but don't forget about being safe while doing so! Working out alone does have its risks, but with the tips above, you can improve the way you feel while staying as safe as possible in the process!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Roswell, Ga.