"Consult a physician before using this equipment." 

Have you seen this statement before?  If the exercise equipment was manufactured in the last 30 years or so, this statement or a similar disclaimer is likely placed somewhere in small print.   I see it (well, ignore it) just about every day when I step onto my elliptical.  Gyms, exercise videos, and weight-loss reality shows for example all typically have similar disclaimers such as "consult a physician before starting any exercise program." 

Even though we tend to ignore them, they're there!

Have you seen the one that reads: "stop exercising if you feel pain, faint, dizziness or shortness of breath"?  This one may leave you thinking "you forgot sweat."  Take it from someone who has gone from a sedentary to active lifestyle. I felt all of those things (still do on days when I do strength training for my legs)!  I didn’t exercise to extreme pain, I never passed out, and I didn't feel severe pain, but certainly I felt all of those symptoms to some extent!

I’m sure many of you do what I did when I started exercising. I completely disregarded the warnings and started working out because I was tired of being overweight and unfit.  I didn’t want to overcome yet another obstacle by waiting to talk to my doctor.  (Doctors are notorious for being bad patients, by the way.)
Let’s get serious for a few moments and examine these disclaimers. Let's determine whether you actually need to consult with a physician before embarking on your exercise plan. 

I feel slightly conflicted: I ignored the ubiquitous warnings to consult my doctor before I started working out 140 pounds ago, but I'm encouraging you as SparkPeople members to take an extra step to visit a physician before engaging in an exercise program. I know that when the inspiration to change strikes you need to take advantage of it, but as a doctor I know it's better to be safe than sorry (and SparkPeople agrees--and includes such a warning in the site's terms and conditions).

Thankfully, most people who choose to disregard these disclaimers do not suffer any consequences.  But, some people will find out that they have a heart condition during exercise, injure themselves, or exacerbate their existing medical conditions. They may not even realize that they are putting their health at risk by trying to do what they believe is the right thing. The rest of you will be relieved to know that you can start exercising without pulling out your wallet for a co-pay (and not sitting in the waiting room at the height of flu season). 

So how do you know which group you're in? Should you see your doctor or not?

SparkPeople uses the PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire), which is used by doctors, trainers and health clubs the world over, to determine whether someone needs to take extra precautions when starting an exercise program. The questions below are based on that and can help rule out any underlying health concerns that could worsen with exercise. Answer yes or no to the following questions.

1. When you do physical activity, do you feel chest pain?
    
2. Have you felt chest pain in the last month when not exercising or being active?
    
3. Do you have balance problems (due to dizziness)?
    
4. Do you ever pass out (lose consciousness)?
    
5. Do you have problems with your bones or joints that could be worsened if you were active?
    
6. Do you take prescription medication for your blood pressure or a heart condition?
    
7. Have you been diagnosed with a heart condition?
    
8. Have you been told that you should only do specific, physician-approved activities?
    
9. Do you have any other problems that should prevent you from being active? (Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 1 or 2 diabetes, being overweight, being sedentary, current or recent musculoskeletal injury are all examples.)
    
10. Are you 69 or older?

Did you answer yes to even one of these questions? If so, then please contact your physician before starting an exercise program. (Note: These questions are intended for people under the age of 69, according to the American Council on Exercise. If you are 69 or older, you MUST consult with a physician before starting an exercise plan.)  

While we're on the subject of exercise... what are the "official" exercise recommendations anyways?  For healthy adults ages 18-65, the American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise once per week.  These exercise recommendations can be met through sessions that are 30-60 minutes 5 days a week or 20-60 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise 3 days a week. If you're trying to maintain a healthy weight (or lose weight), you might need more exercise.

Exercise in the context of weight loss and maintenance is a frequent topic especially here at SparkPeople.  The calorie-burning benefits of exercise are certainly important, but don't forget that exercise is important for heart health and to disease prevention.  But, it’s OK if you’re doing it to get into your skinny jeans, too!

What is the bottom line?
You need to assess your risk of causing yourself harm before starting an exercise program. Obviously, hearing warnings or seeing the fine print right before you start exercising isn’t the most convenient time to think about whether or not you should be exercising. 

Take a couple of minutes right now to assess your risk.  If you find that you are possibly at increased risk, then make an appointment with a physician.  You are better safe than sorry. 

Don’t use the above risk factors as an excuse not get checked out and to abandon your plan to start an exercise program.  In most cases, you can get cleared for exercise with modifications.  Even patients who have had heart bypasses can be cleared to do some form of exercise in many cases.  

Hopefully, the next time you hear the disclaimer you can say, "Check! I know I’m all clear!" 

If you're new to exercising, these resources might be helpful:

• 8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Gym
• Think You're Too Heavy to Exercise? - Part 1
• Common Fitness Blunders - Part 1
• Are You Wearing the Right Sports Bra?
• Are Your Fitness Goals Realistic?
• Fitness and Exercise
• SparkPeople's Fitness Starter Kit!

Keep sparking everyone!

Did you consult a doctor before you started exercising?

Dr. Birdie Varnedore, M.D., is happy to offer her expertise to the SparkPeople community; however, she cannot offer specific medical advice to dailySpark readers. Please do not share confidential medical information here. If you have a personal question or a concern about your health, please contact your health-care provider.