Before starting an exercise program...

Before starting an exercise program, a sensible first step is to check with your doctor first.

Personal trainers typically refer to this as obtaining medical clearance from your doctor, or obtaining a physician release for exercise.

This is an important first step because only your doctor can determine your current health status and how safe it is for you to start exercising.

If you do have health issues, your doctor can also tell you what kind of exercises are okay for you to participate in, or perhaps more importantly, which types of exercises you should definitely not perform.

These are typically called 'contraindicated' exercises.

Starting an exercise program is safe for many people. However, there are instances when you should check with your doctor first.

Here's how to tell...

When do I Check with my Doctor?

The Public Health Agency of Canada says becoming more active is very safe for most people.

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada, offer a brief questionnaire for individuals between the ages of 15 and 69.

It consists of 7 questions that can immediately tell you whether or not you should check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

If you are over 69 years old, you should definitely ask your doctor first.

Other sources state it would be more prudent to confirm with your doctor if you are male over 40 or female over 50 years old.

Before starting an exercise program: The PAR-Q and You

Everyone should take a moment to answer the brief questionnaire. It’s a sensible first step. It's simple. And it's fast.

Par-Q -Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

However if you want to download the file to save or view later, then right click on the link provided and choose "Save Target As" or "Save File As".

Then select where you want to save the file on your hard drive. Once you have saved the file, locate where you saved it, and double click to open.

In order to print, open the downloaded file, and select the "Print" option from the menu.

I encourage you to fill out the questionnaire. It's only 7 questions.

Be as honest as you can and do not hesitate to contact your doctor-- your safety, your health and well-being depends on it.

Believe me, it’s good advice.

Here then, are the newly revised (2007) ACSM / AHA physical activity recommendations in greater detail...

Go directly to your next topic: Physical Activity Recommendations

Jump from Before Starting An Exercise Program back to How Much Exercise Is Enough Section