The benefits of regular aerobic and resistance exercise cannot be overstated. Regular exercise will make you healthier, stronger, and leaner. But… Physical exertion, especially after an extended period of physical inactivity, does have risks. Read on to learn more about exercise risk factors.
These risks are typically associated with underlying heart problems. It’s essential to evaluate your health especially your heart health prior to beginning or resuming exercise. The following evaluations are simple questionnaires with 7 YES/NO questions designed to determine your readiness for exercise.
These evaluations will guide you as to whether or not you should see a doctor before beginning or resuming exercise. If you do not know some of the numbers in the questionnaires, it is probably time to see your doctor anyway.
Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
It is extremely important to determine whether or not you need to see a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. The following Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire consists of 7 questions designed to determine if you definitely need to see a doctor.
Question |
YES |
NO |
| 1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition AND that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor? |
☐ |
☐ |
| 2. Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity? |
☐ |
☐ |
| 3. In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity? |
☐ |
☐ |
| 4. Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness? |
☐ |
☐ |
| 5. Do you have a bone or joint problem (i.e., back, knee, or hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity? |
☐ |
☐ |
| 6. Are you currently on prescription drugs for your blood pressure or heart condition? |
☐ |
☐ |
| 7. Do you know of any other reasons why you should not do physical activity |
☐ |
☐ |
If you answered, “YES,” to one or more of the above questions, consult your doctor before engaging in any physical activity. Tell your doctor to which questions you answered, “YES”. After a medical evaluation, seek advice from your doctor on what types of activity are suitable for your current physical condition.
EMG Exercise Homepage: Exercise for Men
