Where You Walk
• Start your walk into the wind: so you will finish with it at your back.• Sheltered routes: Select routes sheltered from the wind where possible.
• Preventing slips: Select routes that are cleared of snow or ice or do not have standing puddles or mud slicks.
• Beware of cars: Use caution when walking on roads, cars may have more difficulty in seeing you in rain or snow and maneuvering around you.
• Use a running track: Check the local tracks to see if they may be a good outdoor or indoor alternative to the sidewalks or streets in poor weather.
• Seek shelter: Plan for refuges along the way - is there a store, park restroom, or other place you can duck into to warm up during your walk if needed?
• Walk the mall: Consider mall walking as a cold-weather alternative.
• Treadmill: Consider treadmill walking as an alternative.
Prevent Slipping and Sliding
• Walking poles: Give yourself extra stability and reduce the chances of slipping by using walking poles. Using a pair of fitness walking poles or trekking poles will also help you burn more calories and warm up faster.
• Traction: Don't wear slick soled shoes if there will be wet or snowy pavement. For icy conditions, see Stabilicers, YakTrax or Ice Walker/Jogger slip-on cleats.
