Guidelines to Who Should Begin a Fitness Program

For most people, physical activity, including strength training and endurance exercises or stretching, should not pose any problem or hazard. There are some individuals, however, who for various reasons should not engage in strenuous physical activity. Therefore, The Diet Guru recommends that people consult their physician or health care professional before participating in any exercise program.

This recommendation especially applies to those over the age of 35 or under age 18, anyone with pre-existing orthopedic or other medical conditions, and women who are pregnant or nursing.

Any exercise information, advice or recommendations obtained through The Diet Guru Web site is not intended to replace any guidelines, restrictions or instructions given by your doctor.

The following Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) is intended to help identify those individuals for whom physical activity might be inappropriate. Answer the following 7 questions as accurately as you can.

1.YES___NO___Has your doctor ever said you have heart trouble?

2.YES___NO___Do you frequently suffer from pains in your chest?

3.YES___NO___Do you often feel faint or have spells of severe dizziness?

4.YES___NO___Has a doctor ever said your blood pressure is too high?

5.YES___NO___Has a doctor ever told you that you have a bone or joint problem such as arthritis that has been aggravated by exercise, or might be made worse with exercise?

6.YES___NO___Is there a good physical reason not mentioned here why you should not follow an activity program even if you wanted to?

7.YES___NO___Are you over age 35 and not accustomed to vigorous exercise?

If you answered "YES" to any of the above questions, you should seek medical advice concerning any physical activity. Any type of work-out program would be deemed inappropriate for you until you receive professional guidance.

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