Questions to Ask About Fitness
Review the following questions you should ask yourself about fitness so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.
- What are the best types of exercises for me? How should I tailor my exercise program to my particular fitness needs?
- Do I need to undergo an electrocardiography test (exercise stress test) prior to beginning an exercise program?
- What is my resting heart rate? What should my heart rate be while I'm exercising?
- What signals should I watch out for while I'm exercising?
- At what duration, frequency and intensity should I begin my exercise program? What should I be able to work up to?
- What if I experience chest pain, faintness, dizziness or bone/joint pain while exercising?
- If weight training is recommended, what weight should I start out with?
- How might my medications affect my exercise program, especially exercise intensity and heart rate response?
- Should I change my diet in any way after I start an exercise program?
- Can you recommend a hospital-based fitness program?