Stay Safe Exercising Outdoors This Winter
When the clocks go back and the evenings draw in, it can be tempting to stay indoors. But, with a few safety tweaks, you can keep up your outdoor routines and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and movement.
A little preparation goes a long way towards staying safe and confident after dark.
Here are our top tips on how to stay safe, and keep on staying active in winter months
1. Be Seen and Stay Alert
Shorter daylight hours mean visibility matters. Choose bright or reflective clothing, and if you’re out after dusk, add a light or reflective band. Clip-on LEDs are handy for shoes, jackets and even dog leads.
Keep the volume low if you’re wearing headphones - you’ll want to hear approaching traffic, cyclists or other pedestrians. And when walking or running on roads without pavements, stay on the side facing oncoming traffic so you can see and be seen.
Reflective gear is great for walkers and cyclsts alike
2. Safe Dog Walking After Dark
Dogs may see better in low light than we do, but darkness can still startle them. A few simple steps can help keep both you and your dog safe:
Use a lead — even well-trained dogs may react to shadows or unusual sounds.
Add reflective or LED gear — glowing collars, leads, or harnesses make your dog visible to vehicles and cyclists.
Wrap up warm — small breeds and older dogs often benefit from a coat in cold weather.
Stick to familiar routes — well-lit paths or parks you know make walks calmer and safer.
Glow-in-the-dark toys — perfect for a quick game of fetch without losing your dog’s favourite ball in the dark.
Buddy up — walk with a friend or join a local dog walking group for added safety.
For longer walks, stick to daylight hours when possible.
TOP LOCAL TIP: Local favourites include North Denes Beach, St George’s Park, and Winterton dunes.
Light up dog collars will help your dog be seen and stay safe
3. Cycling Safely in the Dark
Cycling after dark can be safe and enjoyable with a few extra precautions:
Choose appropriate lights - front white lights, rear red lights, and spares in case batteries die or mist rolls in. Adjustable lights for different conditions are ideal.
Reflective accessories - moving ankle straps, gloves or bands help drivers see you better than static hi-vis alone.
Road positioning - ride slightly further from the kerb at junctions or bends to give drivers time to see you.
Be aware of others - pedestrians, dogs, and wildlife may be harder to spot; anticipate their movements.
Adapt to weather - early evening sun, fog, or mist can reduce visibility.
Bike maintenance - Keep your bike well maintained and regularly check lights, brakes, and tyres to stay safe and confident..
TOP LOCAL TIP: Check out GYSLT award recipients Shrublands Community Trust who offer weekly bike check ups- on Wednesdays 10am - 12pm (at time of writing) for details visit https://www.facebook.com/ShrubsCycleHub/ or the Shrublands Website here >
Head to Shrublands Community Trust for bike maintenance
4. Outdoor Gyms and Winter Workouts
Using outdoor gyms in winter can be safe and rewarding if you follow some simple tips:
Layer your clothing - technical fabrics and thin layers allow you to stay warm without overheating. Include thermals as base layers and shower-proof coats for wet weather.
Cover extremities - hats, gloves, scarves and headtorches help you stay visible and warm.
Hydrate - you may sweat less in winter, but hydration is just as important.
Stretch thoroughly - cold muscles are tighter, so spend extra time warming up and cooling down.
Wipe down equipment - winter damp can make surfaces slippery; keep a towel handy.
Breathe properly - nasal breathing or a light scarf/bandanna helps warm the air and protect your airways.
TOP LOCAL TIP: Popular outdoor gyms in Great Yarmouth include Hopton Playing field and Mill lane recreation ground.
Spend extra time stretching in winter
5. Know When Not to Go Out
Some conditions are best avoided altogether to protect your safety and wellbeing, regardless of the activity:
Ice - slipping and falling can lead to injuries.
Extreme cold - frostbite and hypothermia risk increases.
Heavy rain or storms - slippery surfaces and reduced visibility make activities dangerous.
Aggravating health conditions - cold can affect asthma, heart conditions or Raynaud’s disease, for example.
When conditions are risky, it’s okay to take a rest day or swap outdoor activity for indoor options. Your safety always comes first.
TOP LOCAL TIP: For indoor exercise, including gym, courts, swimming and more, try the Marina Centre in Great Yarmouth
Walk together to stay safe in the dark
6. Safety in Numbers
Exercising with others adds motivation and safety. Joining a local walking or running group means companionship, support and structured routes:
Walk East Norfolk – social walks around East Norfolk. walkeastnorfolk.co.uk
NORSUF Walk, Jog or Run – free, inclusive sessions. RunTogether
Walk and Talk EA – men’s mental health walks in Gorleston. walkandtalkea.co.uk
Even walking with a neighbour or friend for 15–20 minutes after work keeps you moving safely.
Keep in contact if going on a longer ride
7. Small Steps Make a Big Difference
Short evening walks, post-work jogs, or a cycle along the seafront can lift your mood, improve fitness, and keep you connected to nature, even in winter. Wrap up, stay visible, and enjoy being outdoors with confidence.
TOP LOCAL TIP: For more winter activity ideas in Great Yarmouth, check out our indoor sports guide:
👉Stay Active This Winter: Indoor Sports in Great Yarmouth
Apply for a Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust grant
If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team, or maybe run a leisure or fitness activity, and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications now. Take a look at our Grant Application page. And, check what's running near you via our regular blogs, Facebook or Instagram.
