Health Tips : Getting Started With a Workout Program
Do I need to see my doctor before I start an exercise program?
In order to start your workout program safely and effectively, answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge, and follow the directions at the end of this section.
If you’re unsure of any answer, it’s recommended that you see a physician to accurately determine the safety of beginning an fitness program.
If have been told by a physician that you have any cardiovascular illness, pulmonary illness, or metabolic illness like diabetes, obtain permission from your physician before starting or changing your workout program.
1. Are you a man over 45 years old?
2. Are you a female over the age of 55? Or, are you less than 55 years old and past menopause, but not taking estrogen?
3. Has any male member of your family died of a heart attack before age 55? Or, has any female member of your family died of a heart attack before age 65?
4. Do you use cigarettes or tobacco products?
5. Has a physician ever told you have 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 have high cholesterol? Or, do you know when your sum 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 is advised that you see a doctor before pursuing a vigorous exercise program. Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), 5th Edition, 1995.