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1. If you spit into the wind and it blows back into your face, stay indoors for the day or face the world tomorrow looking like a rabid Alfalfa. Instead, enjoy The Great Indoors! Take a short journey to your local skating rink - or ice rink, where the temperature is at least controlled and there are people to pick you up when you fall and that tongue gets stuck. 2. Weather permitting, realize your own limitations and then, recognize those limitations. If you've been inactive these last few weeks or months, you'll need to take it slow in the beginning. Traction isn't pretty. Make your first outing short and limited. Slowly build from there. To accelerate your capabilities, try a couple of short outings in one day with the time spaced between the activities (if possible). For example, go bowling early in the day, then take a half-mile walk or hike that evening. It's really stupid to have an outrageous beginning goal of say....walking 5 miles three times per week. Can you walk 15 miles per week? Sure you can! But to do such, you must slowly build. By the way, if you're planning on seriously doing this, we highly advise a protective bug grate for the mouth as well as splatter-resistant sunshades for the eyes. Some really enjoyable outdoor activities that aren't too taxing include: flying a kite, a walk around your local park or beach, fossil hunting, fly fishing, canoeing in a mild body of water, raking leaves, miniature golf, and a visit to the zoo. 3. Again - with weather permitting, before you strike out it is wise to take along the following before attempting outdoor activity: lip balm, gloves, sunshades with UV protection, head covering dependant upon the activity you are ensuing, water-proofed footwear, a canteen of water, a nutritious snack, and sunscreen. And if you're going out into the Wild Blue Yonder, you'll need to add a compass, a good topo map, a flashlight, a small first aid kit, a buddy, coins for vending machines and pay phones, and a personal cell phone (keep in mind that your signal may not be active in low areas or when you're out of tower range). Of course, there are several more items that might be applicable to the situation, such as an umbrella if the skies look hazy - so this is a working list. 4. If you come across wildlife, keep your distance! Keep in mind that wild animals don't diet and you're going to look pretty appealing to a hungry bear or tarantula. 5. Steer clear of half-frozen ponds. 6. If your fitness adventure entails a walk through the woods, keep in mind that winter is a naked man. Small limbs make excellent face whackers, so carefully tread those well-beaten trails. 7. Don't be a cliffhanger. Keep away from those pointy cliffs and edges, especially those concealed in snow and ice. It's definitely one time in life where you don't want to 'slip up' or....off. 8. During your activity, ask yourself how you are feeling. (It's totally okay to talk to yourself in this type scenario.) If you are dizzy, cold, trembling, nauseated, or blue - get indoors immediately! 9. Make sure that your equipment is in good working order. There's nothing more embarrassing than having an inferior piece of equipment spiral into your cranky mother-in-law's face. 10. Prepare yourself to experience fun! Bird migration, haunting winter scenes, mountains capped in snow are just the tip of the iceberg of adventure that you can enjoy while getting fit in the Outdoor World of Mother Nature.
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