Ready to Get Strong?
Regular
physical activity is fun and healthy, and increasingly more people are
starting to become more active. Being more active is very safe for most
people. However, some people should check with their doctor before they
start becoming much more physically active. Experts advise that people
with chronic diseases, such as a heart condition, arthritis, diabetes, or
high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor about what types and
amounts of physical activity are appropriate.
If you have symptoms that could be due to a chronic disease you should
have these symptoms evaluated, whether you are active or inactive. If you
plan to start a new activity program, take the opportunity to get these
symptoms evaluated. Symptoms of particular importance to evaluate include
chest pain (especially chest pain that is brought on by exertion), loss of
balance (especially loss of balance leading to a fall), dizziness, and
passing out (loss of consciousness).
The physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) will help you determine if you should check with your doctor before you start. If you
are aged 69 years or older and are not used to being active, check
with your doctor. Common sense is your best guide when you answer these
questions. Please read the questions carefully and answer each one
honestly.
The PAR –Q & You Questionnaire
* (PDF-208K)
from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
Reprinted from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, Inc., copyright © 1994, SCEP.
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* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
Page last updated: May 22, 2007
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion