Do you have existing problems that may prevent you from starting and staying physically active?
You may have existing health conditions that will prevent you from starting and maintaining a physical activity routine. Here are some of them.
- Being over 50 and not currently physically active
- Feel dizzy after slight activity
- Feel out of breath after a slight activity
- Have an existing heart problem
- Have muscular, bone or joint problems like arthritis
- Pass out when you get dizzy
- Feel pain or pressure in the left shoulder, left arm or left side of the neck
- currently on medication for high blood pressure
- currently pregnant
- have a health problem that is not listed here
Let us know if you have any of these problems by completing this form.
You will need to discuss this with your doctor before you start a physical activity routine if you have any of these problems.
Ways to avoid injuries while staying physically active.
Injuries hinder a regular physical activity routine. Here are ways to avoid them.
- Work with a healthcare provider to determine your fitness for exercise.
- Wear the right shoes and clothes. Certain shoes and clothes are made for walking, running, jumping etc. Use the correct type for each activity. Consider the weather when you are dressing up.
- Be gentle with yourself and start small. You are likely to get hurt if you work out too hard. Listen to your body and slow down or stop when you feel tired, dizzy, or sick.
- Make slow and steady progress with time. You can start walking for 30 minutes and then gently increase it to 35 and 40 minutes.
- Drink water before, during, and after exercise. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Avoid straining a particular part of the body for a long time.
- Warm-up and cool down. Take at least 5 minutes for each.
- Choose a safe environment with no bumps or objects that you can trip on.
