Health Check

We have covered many items in preparing to begin a new exercise program, but there are still a few questions to consider before the actual training begins. These questions and their answers will determine whether or not we need to see our doctor before beginning. For some, this is a vital step that cannot be skipped because there can be negative lasting effects. We want this experience to be extremely positive.


• How rigorous is the plan you want to engage in?

Our mind may want us to believe we can tackle this new fitness program like we would when we were in high school. The older we get, the more unrealistic that becomes. A low-to-moderate rate of activity is recommended in order to get started. This will allow you to get a feel for how well your body responds to having a new regimen introduced to it.

• How long has it been since I participated in an exercise program?

If we have not been very active for a few years it may be wise to get a check-up in advance of starting the program. Whether we want to admit it or not, our bodies deteriorate with time and often our mind will lead us to believe we can attempt things we were able to do easily when we were younger. Don’t fall for those thoughts. It is wise to get a second opinion regarding our limitations.

• Are there age or health matters I need to consider?

As we get older, unless we have remained reasonably fit, it is not likely we can exert ourselves in the same manner we could when we were young. It is important to honestly consider if seeing a doctor would be wise if we are of a certain age or if there are cardiovascular factors that may put us at risk. We can look in the mirror and see ourselves, but we only see a small part of the picture. The unseen parts of our body are usually the ones we neglect over time and without proper care and information we put ourselves at risk.

After we answer the questions above, we need to reply to another set of questions by answering either yes or no.

1. Has someone in the medical community told you that you have heart condition and you should only perform physical activities approved by your doctor?

2. While performing a physical activity, do you notice any chest pain or discomfort? Do you notice any chest pain or discomfort at other times? Does your heart beat rapidly, sporadically, or slowly, at any time while you are inactive?

3. Do you ever lose conscientiousness? Do you become dizzy or lose your balance easily?

4. How likely are you to do further damage to an injuring, either past or present? Is it painful for you to stand, walk, or run?

5. Does it take an unusual amount of time for wounds or cuts to your feet to heal?

6. Are you taking heart or blood pressure medication?

7. Have you had significant, unexplained loss of weight in recent months?

8. Is there any reason whatsoever you can think of that should keep you from performing physical activity?

If ‘no’ was your answer to each of the above questions, it can be reasonably assumed that you may move forward with your fitness program, at least in a moderate fashion. ‘Yes’ answers on the other hand need to be taken seriously. In the same manner that we right out our fitness goals before beginning the program, we should write down why we have answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions presented above. Answering ‘yes’ does not mean you cannot proceed with your program, it may just mean you need to get clearance and guidance from your physician.

No matter how you answered, men who are beyond 40 years of age and women beyond 50 may still want to consult their health care professional and go over the questions with them. If you are planning on starting your fitness program by yourself or with a partner, consider again whether or not you need to use a personal trainer. You may not, but if you do decide to use a personal trainer make certain he or she is ACE-certified. You can consult with a health club in your area with a respectable reputation to find ACE-certified trainers. Another place to find ACE-certified trainers is the ACE website. Their internet address is acefitness.org.

Any time you start a new fitness program it is important to begin gradually and intelligently. Health matters may come up even after being in your new program for awhile and you would need to contact your doctor. But, if you have taken the above measures before beginning you cut the risk of health issues as you move forward.

Your health and fitness going into a new program is not something to take lightly. You may have some health issues when you start. However, if you take the steps of answering the questions above, consulting your doctor, if necessary, and hiring a trainer, if you feel you need to, you can rest assured you have done what you can to get off to a good start on your way to fitness and health.

No matter your current health status, there are ways and means by which you can achieve fitness. It could mean you have to take precautions before you actually begin. It is so much better in the long run if you plan by being honest with yourself about your current state of health. If you follow through with advance preparation you can control or even eliminate health problems that may exist for you today.