H.I.T. Self Defense

With winter behind us and the weather more inviting, I thought I would address personal safety for those of you who exercise outdoors. I think it’s great to get out there and exercise in the fresh air, but it’s easy to get lost in your workout and sidetracked by your surroundings. In fact, these distractions are exactly what an attacker is counting on, and may make you an attractive target.

Be Aware -Whether you’re walking or running, constant awareness is your #1 defense against an attack. To decrease your chances of looking like a victim, it’s a good idea to routinely turn your head and check your surroundings and the people around you. In the HIT DVD, I talk about the reactionary gap. This is the space between you and a potential attacker. The greater this distance, the more time you have to “react” and get yourself to safety. With this in mind, steer clear of trees, bushes or any other large obstacles where a predator may be hiding. The farther you are away from these potential hiding places, the more reactionary time you give yourself.

Ladies, I know the music can motivate you, but it can also distract you. Earphones restrict your hearing; and you may never hear the approaching car or a predator’s encroaching footsteps. Again, predators are looking for victims who are not paying attention. Lose the earphones and make sure you are acutely aware of your surroundings.

HIT Tips -In a perfect world I’d like to see you exercising outdoors with a partner or a group of people. But this isn’t a perfect world and I understand that sometimes it’s hard enough to fit in a workout at all, let alone arrange it with a friend or with co-workers. If you are venturing out alone, please keep these HIT tips in mind.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you’ll be back.

• Vary your routine. Predators may be watching, so don’t take the same route each time.

• Avoid isolated areas.

• Pay attention and be aware of your surroundings.

• Be suspicious of strangers. An attacker may engage a potential victim by starting a conversation.

• Consider carrying pepper spray.

Personal Safety Devices - I am an advocate of carrying pepper spray and/or a personal safety alarm. Anything that may buy you more time to get to safety is a good thing. However, if you are going to carry these devices you should know how to use them and have them out while you are exercising. Also, do a little research and make sure the product is user friendly and that you understand its capabilities and its limitations. Personal safety devices are good tools but you should not rely on them, solely, for your personal protection.

Be prepared - Your biggest disadvantage when you step outdoors to exercise is the mentality that “it can’t happen to me”. Being aware and being prepared could save your life. If it helps to make a game of it, play the “what if” game - what if that guy over there approaches me, what if there is someone behind that tree, what if… I also challenge you to take a look at other women exercising outdoors and assess whether they look like a victim, or a Hero in Training.

I hope this helps.

Be safe.
Visit the Site/Get the DVD: www.hitselfdefense.com