In Depth

• Medical Evaluation • Evaluating Your Physical   Condition • Finding Time to Exercise • Maintaining Your Motivation • Working Out at Home • Hiring a Personal Trainer • How to Select a Health Club

Before beginning or increasing physical activity, you should take some precautions to ensure a healthy start. To avoid soreness and injury, start out slowly and gradually build up to the desired amount to give your body time to adjust. Most healthy individuals can safely start a light to moderate exercise program without much concern.

However, if you have such chronic health problems as heart disease, diabetes, asthma or obesity, you should first consult your doctor before increasing your level of physical activity. Also, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that healthy women over 50, and men over 40, who wish to start a vigorous exercise program should check with their doctor to make sure they do not have risk factors for heart disease or any other health problems.

Women under 50 and men younger than 40, should also see a physician if they have two or more risk factors for heart disease--such as elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes or obesity. And at any age, you should check with your physician first if you have cardiovascular, lung or joint-muscular disorders (or symptoms which suggest such disorders).

Last updated June 10, 1997

1996-1999 The Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions.