Visiting Your Doctor Prior To Starting An Exercise Program

For many people, a shift to a healthier diet and the adoption of an exercise program is generally the start to a better life. However, these actions can have the very opposite effect. If an individual is overweight, hasn’t worked out in a while, is older or has pre-existing conditions, then exercise can cause great harm.  It may not be wise to work out before speaking with one’s doctor in these cases. In fact, it could mean the difference between life and death.

 

It is very important for certain individuals to visit their doctors in order to determine if they are healthy enough to begin an aggressive training program.  In some cases, if an individual is going to start any type of exercise at all, they may need to visit their doctor. This is especially true if they have medical issues.

 

Generally, when persons are older or have some type of cardiovascular problems, it can be extremely dangerous to be active without first getting an ok.  The American Council on Exercise has provided some guidelines as to when a person should obtain the approval of a physician before they start an exercise program. They suggest that men over the age of 40 and women older than 50 shoould ask their doctor for a physical examination before they began to exercise.  They may even need to go further and ask that their doctor suggest or build a program for them. This will greatly increase the likelihood that it is safe. For individuals that are planning on engaging in any exercises that are more than moderate challenging, this is an absolute must.

 

Persons who have had some type of coronary artery disease or who are at risk for it also need to get a doctors okay.  If there is a history of heart attack, an individual smokes, they have elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes or high blood pressure, they should also request a medical exam. Individuals that have never exercised before or who have not in while need to also get permission.

 

For many people, exercising is not a problem.  This is largely the case when individuals are young and healthy. However, as people get older, there are greater risks to their health and issues that they may not be aware of which can cause serious problems if they begin a vigorous exercise program without the ok of their doctors.  Not only might they suffer from skeletal or muscular injuries, but they also run the risk of having a heart attack or dying. Therefore, it is very important that a person takes this seriously and makes an appointment with their doctor to have a physical examination.

 

Once they are cleared for exercise then are free to begin a program that is appropriate for their health and fitness level. Until that time, they should hold off or take things really slow.  Walking is a good option.

 

Individuals who are most at risk for some type of exercise related death or illness are those that are 40 years or older, persons who have not exercised for a long period of time, individuals with any type of heart condition or disease and individuals with diabetes.  It’s much smarter to play it safe because in cases of death or even heart attack there may not be any second chances.

 

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