For many people, starting an exercise program is quite safe. However, depending on your age and heart health, you may need to see your doctor before starting a vigorous exercise program. Vigorous exercise is any activity that raises both your heart and breathing rates and that you can do for about 20 minutes before getting too tired. Some examples are:
These tips from American Council on Exercise can help you decide if you need a doctor's okay before starting an exercise program.
Men over 45 and women over 55 should see a doctor before starting a vigorous exercise program. You should also see a doctor first if you have 2 or more coronary artery disease risk factors, like:
If you answer "yes" to any one of these questions, talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
If you answered "no" to all of these questions and you have no cardiovascular risk factors, a moderate physical activity program should be safe for you. But again, if you are a man over 45 or a woman over 55 and want to do more vigorous exercise, you should check with your doctor before getting started.
American Council on Exercise
http://www.acefitness.org
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
http://www.fitness.gov
Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology
http://www.csep.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
Before you start an exercise program. American Council on Exercise website. Available at: https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6648/before-you-start-an-exercise-program. Accessed November 30, 2020.
Coronary artery disease (CAD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116156/Coronary-artery-disease-CAD. Accessed November 30, 2020.
Last reviewed November 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Last Updated: 11/30/20
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.