Is It Safe To Start An Exercise Program?

I think the real question is "How safe is it for you not to exercise?" Did you know that obesity has just replaced smoking as the number one cause of health related problems? That's incredible! Sorry to say, but that means we are a bunch of fat, inactive people! Back in the day when people milked cows and planted their own food for exercise, you would never hear of something like this. Think about that the next time you can't exercise because of a hard day at the office! O.k. before I tear off too far into a rant lets look at some of the real concerns you should tend to before you start an exercise program.

? Before you exercise, go see your doctor-Get a check up. Make sure you get a blood pressure test and a blood test. Have your heart condition checked and make sure all the other stuff is done and o.k. Some people mistakenly hold back serious effort in the gym for too long because they are afraid something may be wrong with them. If you get a check up and receive a clean bill of health, that's one more excuse gone!

? Before you exercise, note your pains and past injuries- Your trainer will need this to know how to design your exercise program. If you are going to do it on your own, you will be able to do some research as to which exercises are the safest and most beneficial for you and what you should avoid.

? Before you exercise, note your medications - A large part of exercise and fitness these days involves sports supplements. It's a good thing to know if any medications you're on will interact adversely with these supplements. I.E. Blood pressure meds mixed with ephedrine, caffeine and exercise is not a good idea!

? Before you exercise, do the PAR-Q (physical activity readiness questionnaire). It covers most questions that should be addressed before starting an exercise program. Most gyms stock these forms for liability reasons and it shouldn't be hard to get a hold of one.

Last point; if you are just starting out and have a lot of questions about exercise and your fitness, invest in a personal trainer. It is the most sure fire way to make sure that you are doing all your exercises correctly and that you will be truly safe when you start your exercise program.

Ray Burton is a personal trainer and owner of the exercise fitness site He has trained for Golds Gym, World Health Club and the Canadian Military. Ray enjoys helping people live better lives through his Fat To Fit email course and his ebook "Fat To Fit"

---

Exercise - Anxiety & Panic

Yes, all I'm afraid this does play a part in... Read More

See How Trampolines Can Be Part Of Any Exercise Program

When the trampoline was invented by a young boy intrigued... Read More

Arthritis Exercise ? One Way to Relieve Pain & Stiffness in Your Joints (part 1)

Exercise can be very beneficial for arthritis sufferers, often relieving... Read More

Exercise & Motivation, Part 2: Overcoming Inertia & Getting Started

In the first article in this series (http://tinyurl.com/8ztbo), we gave... Read More

Elements of Exercise

Warm upWarming up before exercising has physiological and psychological benefits.... Read More

Use an Exercise Training Diary to Keep Your Workouts on Track

A road map is a very handy tool when you're... Read More

An Introduction to Tennis

Is tennis good for you?Absolutely - tennis is a gentle... Read More

Weight Training: The Real Weight Loss Exercise

So you want to lose weight? Chances are, you'll spend... Read More

How to Pick a Good Personal Trainer

One of the major benefits of the YourBestBodyNOW Program and... Read More

After WLS: Walking for Wellness

Step for step, mile for mile, walking is the best... Read More

What the Philosophy of Tai Chi Can Do For You

Taoist PhilosophyTo understand the purpose of the form it is... Read More

10 Best Workout Tips

Top Trainers share their secrets to getting slim, toned and... Read More

Dangerous Shoulder Exercises

Have you ever suffered from shoulder discomfort after working out?... Read More

A Fitness Mothers Time

So you've been a mother for a while. Good for... Read More

4 Steps To More Effective Aerobic, Streching, and Weight Training Exercise

We all know that well-balanced diets include the different nutrients... Read More

Exercises You Probably Dont Do But Should!

This is going to be kinda short and sweet. .... Read More

How to Get The Most From Your Home Workouts

A recent study found that home workouts may do even... Read More

Sports Specific Exercise

The Greek physician Galen (AD 129 ? 210) is generally... Read More

The Great Forgotten Exercise -- Parallel Bar Dips

When it comes to building lower pectorals, triceps and frontal... Read More

Should You Train Before Bedtime?

A Japanese study found that if you exercise at night... Read More

The Right Exercise Intensity

We've all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate... Read More

How to Get Better Exercise Results By Improving Hydration

Water and ExerciseYour body excretes water in a number of... Read More

Why You Should Learn Tai Chi

Learning Tai ChiTai Chi combines movement, meditation and breathing, to... Read More

Get Fit From Home-Part 2

Using The StairsNot everybody has stairs in their home, but... Read More

Some Great Ideas on Staying Fit

Physical exercise is something that you need to do on... Read More

Flattening Your Stomach in Four Easy Steps

You look at it every day and wish it would... Read More

Burn that Fat - The Most Efficient and Effective Exercise Yet Devised by Man!

Rebounding: Health and Fitness BenefitsAs quoted by NASA, rebounding is... Read More

Exercising With Kids -- Tips For Parents

Making exercise a priority is a challenge for everyone. And... Read More

The Importance Of An Active Lifestyle

Over the past 15 years or so, we have been... Read More

Tone Up While at Work

I know better than anybody that sitting at a desk... Read More

Physical Activity Versus Exercise: Is there a Difference?

Quite often a client will come into the gym discouraged... Read More

10 Workout Mistakes Cheaters Make

"When I'm lifting free weights, I tend to go pretty... Read More

Strength Training FAQs

Do you need some beginner's strength training 'how to' information?... Read More