Health Tips : Beginning a Workout Program

By Winston Salem in : Fitness Tips // Jun 10 2010

Do I need to see my doctor before I start an exercise program?

In order to start your fitness program safely and effectively, answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge, and follow the directions at the end of this section.

When you are unsure of any answer, it’s advised that you see a physician to accurately determine the safety of starting an fitness program.

When have been told by a doctor that you’ve any cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or metabolic disease like diabetes, obtain permission from your doctor before beginning or changing your fitness program.

1. Are you a male over 45 years old?

2. Are you a woman over the age of 55? Or, are you less than 55 years old and past menopause, but not taking estrogen?

3. Has any male family member died of a heart attack before age 55? Or, has any female family member died of a heart attack before age 65?

4. Do you use cigarettes or tobacco products?

5. Has a physician ever told you’ve high blood pressure? Or, has your blood pressure been measured more than once at greater than 140 over 90? Or, do you take high blood pressure medicine?

6. Has your physician ever told you that you’ve high cholesterol? Or, do you know if your total cholesterol is greater than 200? Or, is your HDL cholesterol less than 35?

7. Do you consider yourself physically inactive at work and during your leisure time?

When you replied “yes” to more than one of these questions it’s advised that you see a doctor before pursuing a vigorous fitness program. Recommendations for Exercise Testing and Prescription, American College of Sports Medicine, 5th Edition, 1995.