Winter Walking: Safety Tips and Health Benefits
There’s nothing like winter walking when the air is brisk and cold. You can get your fitness in with some cozy thermal gear to keep warm. When you’re an avid walker, you enjoy walking year-round, not just when the weather is accommodating. However, when the winter weather hits, you may want to ensure safety measures are in place to keep on walking.
Look for Plowed Paths or Designated Walkways
This might be an extra-cold, snowy winter, so it’s best to be prepared and safe. Look for cleared paths. There have been many accidents on uncleared, snow-covered roads. Stay on plowed sidewalks and use crosswalks to get to the other side. After a snowfall, some places may look unfamiliar, so prepare in advance by mapping out a safe, clear route for your hiking or jogging destinations.
Watch Your Footing
Take this literally because it’s important what you wear on your feet. So, when you’re getting your winter gear out of storage, make sure to take out your snow boots. The thick-soled, tall boots, with or without fur, are a must-have for extra icy conditions. Water-resistant shoes are best to keep your toes nice and warm. Winter walking may not be as fun if your footwear isn’t suitable. To have great fitness workouts in the winter, whether walking, running, or cycling, stay safe by wearing the right footwear.
Make Short, Slow Steps
Take a cue from the penguins: point your feet outward, keep them flat, and keep your arms balanced at your sides. Then take short, slow steps. It may feel silly at first because you’ll feel like you’re shuffling, but keep going steadily along. It’s a proven way to keep you upright on slippery, winter walking surfaces.
Look Out For Black Ice
Black ice isn’t easy to identify because it blends in so well with dark surfaces. What looks like a smooth parking lot may be covered with black ice that’s almost invisible. You may have to use context clues to identify black ice. It makes surfaces incredibly slippery, and you don’t want to fall prey to its hazards. Areas like sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots are havens for black ice. When an area is darker than most areas, it’s best to avoid it by walking around it.
Use Handrails
It’s important to hold on to something to keep from falling while getting your fitness in this winter. Handrails that are prominent every day may be covered in sleet or ice. Hold onto handrails to stay balanced as you’re going up or down stairs. This is also important when you’re walking inside because indoor stairs may have melted ice that can be hazardous. So make it a point to hold on to something.
What to Do If You Fall
You may have taken all the necessary precautions to avoid falling, but sometimes, it still happens. If you start slipping, cover your head quickly and roll to one side to prevent a back injury. Also, you’ll avoid falling on your front and damaging vital organs. Relax your body by keeping it loose as you bend your arms and legs to stay as injury-free as possible. Also, getting quality sleep and managing stress with deep breathing and mindful meditation techniques are helpful.
Health Benefits
You don’t have to let winter deny you the health benefits of walking. It’s considered the ultimate exercise because it helps lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular walking boosts your energy and improves your mood. In the wintertime, start slowly and gradually build up if you’re not on icy ground to avoid injury.
Conclusion
Winter comes once a year, and each year brings mostly the same challenges. Be prepared by looking out for black ice, wearing the right footwear, finding clear paths, taking short steps, using handrails, and watching your step. Prioritize your health and fitness, and enjoy your winter walking safely.
