Should I see a doctor before I start exercising?

If you’ve been inactive for a long time, or are new to exercise, it’s important to assess your health risk before you begin exercising.

Here are 7 questions to consider:

1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition or high blood pressure?

2. Do you feel pain in your chest while resting, during your daily activities of living, or when you do physical activity?

3. Do you lose balance because of dizziness or have you lost consciousness in the last 12 months?

4. Have you ever been diagnosed with another chronic medical condition (other than heart disease or high blood pressure)?

5. Are you currently taking prescribed medications for a chronic medical condition?

6. Do you currently have (or have had in the past 12 months) a bone, joint, or soft tissue (muscle, ligament, or tendon) problem that could be made worst by becoming more physically active?

7. Has your doctor ever said that you should only do medically supervised physical activity?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should seek further advice from your doctor or a qualified exercise professional before you begin.