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Tuesday, 08 September 2009 19:23 |
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“Check With Your Doctor Before Starting Any Exercise Program”
“Consult Your Physician Before Beginning This or Any Exercise Program”
You've probably heard or read this disclaimer before. It could have been on an infomercial for an exercise program or equipment, or on a fitness website. Is there some assumption that you have a health problem?
My opinion is that it is way too general of a statement and if people (especially here in the USA) are listening to that particular piece of advice, too many people have been given one more excuse to put off starting an exercise program. The organization that I am certified through has guidelines on who I should make get a letter from their doctor saying it is okay to start exercising. I'm not going to going to give the specifics, but some I do not agree with. One that does not make sense is the age factor. To me it would seem silly if I met with someone already physically active and in good shape and health, and told them they needed to check with their doctor before I could start working with them. Only because of their age. I can even use myself for this example. I have no intention of ceasing my workouts anytime soon. But in 2 years from now if I was to hire a trainer the guidelines would be for the trainer to recommend that I get a physicians clearance before we started on a program.
Common sense needs to override this particular fitness guideline. What doctor is going to tell someone in good health not to start an exercise program? Obviously if you have health issues like heart or blood vessel problems you should being seeing a doctor regularly. And chances are the doctor has probably recommended that you start exercising and watch your diet. If you haven't taken his or her advice yet ask them what precautions you need to take when exercising, and get started. If you are already in good health you should not postpone starting your workout based on a blanket disclaimer.
I started working out at the age of 12. If I had asked my mother to take me to the doctor to ask if I could start exercising I may not have started until I was 13!
The population has enough health problems that can be prevented, alleviated or eradicated through exercise and proper nutrition. The last thing anyone needs is another hurdle to starting a fitness program.“Use Common Sense When Starting An Exercise Program” is what I say.
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