Am I Healthy Enough to Exercise?
If you are considering incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine, then you may be wondering if you are prepared for it. For those asking if they are healthy enough for exercise, you’re not alone. According to a report by the National Institutes of Health, it has been estimated that approximately 60 million Americans have multiple morbidities, a number that is expected to increase year-over-year. In fact, most of the clients I have worked with have medically-complex backgrounds. Of course you should always consult with your doctor prior to engaging in an exercise routine, but the answer is likely, “Yes, but…” Here are a few factors that I assess to determine if an individual is healthy enough for exercise.
Physician’s Approval
One of the very first questions I ask during pre-training screening is, “Does your physician know you are participating in this exercise program?” There is no other professional who will have a more in-depth understanding of your medical background and the considerations you must be aware of when exercising. Once you have consulted with your doctor, you will likely leave their office with several recommendations on your approach to exercise. This is where my Medical Exercise Specialist certification comes in handy. I am trained and certified to work directly with medical professionals, to take a collaborative and informed approach to exercise and overall health. This ensures that there are fewer opportunities for miscommunication, increased visibility for all concerned parties, and a wholistic approach.
Identifying & Assessing Health Considerations
Whether it is working directly with a physician or with a potential client, I take a thorough look at someone’s medical history, medications, current diseases and conditions, etc. This initial assessment of health considerations immediately informs the recommended direction, intensity, frequency, and structure of the exercise program. Commonly, this will eliminate certain types of exercise.
For instance, if a client is pregnant, it is important to keep in mind that some exercises and stretches are better avoided. Due to increased laxity of joints, you can easily overstretch and get injured. But this does not mean that this individual is not healthy enough for exercise. Exercise is not only safe, but recommended during pregnancy due to the many benefits for both the mother and the baby. Regular exercise improves circulation and helps prevent pregnancy-related edema (swelling caused by excess fluid); it improves your mood and reduces your chances of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine).
Many times, the diseases, conditions, and considerations that restrict certain exercises, can benefit from the proper types of exercise. Another example of this is diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disease and it responds very well to exercise therapy, since regular physical activity promotes a healthy metabolism. Becoming physically active, keeping your blood sugar under control and having a balanced diet makes a tremendous difference.
When is Someone Not Healthy Enough For Exercise?
Although it is rare, there are some cases where an individual is not healthy enough for exercise.
If you are unsure if you are healthy enough for exercise, even after talking with your physician, contact me.
