Check with doc before new exercise program

Q: I get fitness magazines in the mail and read about all types of exercise programs on the Internet. At the end of many articles it says to see a physician before starting an exercise program. What would my doctor look for in order to determine if I can start an exercise program?

A: Exercise stresses the body’s muscles, joints and internal organs. Making sure your body is ready and able to endure these stresses is the main reason to see your physician before beginning any exercise program.

In most cases, your physician would be excited to know that you are exercising and taking care of your body. Your physician would need to determine whether there are any risk factors — potential or current medical conditions — that might need to be taken into consideration before you begin your exercise program.

Risk factors can include age (men over 40 and women over 50), a current or past medical history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis or pulmonary conditions such as asthma. Other conditions involving the kidney, liver and thyroid in addition to your cardiovascular history also are considered. Past surgeries, joint replacements, broken bones, fusions and other conditions that seem to have lingered for a while all should be reviewed before starting an exercise program.

Not only should your medical history be reviewed by your physician before you begin to exercise, but also other life factors such as pregnancy (current and post), your current fitness status and even if you smoke. All of these factors play a role in the type of exercise program that will be best for you.

The main reason the articles you have read suggest you see a physician before exercising is to keep you safe. Due to the nature of how the exercise program was designed, it may or may not be what is right for YOU. The program displayed in the magazine or online may require you to be at a certain fitness level, strength level or have a cardiovascular base for the program to be effective AND safe.

Routinely seeing your physician should be a part of your overall fitness plan. Keeping your physician in the loop about your activity status can help not only in your medical care but also in your overall health and wellness plan.