Do I need to talk to my healthcare provider before I start exercising?
You should talk to your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program if you:
- have heart disease, have had a stroke, or are at high-risk for either
- are middle-aged (45 to 50) or older and currently inactive
- have diabetes or are at high risk for it
- are taking blood pressure medication
- are obese (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or more)
- are pregnant
- have a medical condition or disability that may affect your ability to exercise (e.g., knee problems, arthritis)
Your healthcare provider can help you choose suitable activities. You may be sent for an exercise stress test to determine the amount and type of exercise that is right for you.
What are the risks of exercise?
The main risks of exercise are pulled muscles and sprains. The risk of injury is higher for more vigorous activities, especially competitive sports.53 If you are obese (body mass index of 30 or higher, or about 30 pounds overweight for a woman of average height [5'4”]), you are more prone to injury.
Walking is a low-risk activity even for women age 70 and older.54 And unlike running or jogging, your risk of injury does not increase the more you walk.55 To avoid injury with any type of activity:
- start out slowly and gradually build up to a level that is comfortable for you
- stop if you feel pain
- stretch before and after each workout
- wear appropriate clothing including footwear and safety gear (e.g., a bicycle helmet)
What are the chances of having a heart attack or dying when exercising?
The chances of having a heart attack or dying suddenly during exercise are very low.56, 57 An analysis from the Nurses' Health Study found that the risk of suddenly dying was 1 per 36.5 million hours of moderate-to-vigorous activity.58 The risks are highest for people who are not active on a regular basis and are virtually nonexistent for regular exercisers. To minimize risk, anyone with heart disease or people who do not exercise regularly should begin slowly and progress gradually to meet recommended levels (30 minutes moderate intensity activity most days of the week). Experts discourage people with heart disease from participating in competitive sports that are very demanding.59 Remember, go at your own pace—what is moderate exercise for one person may be vigorous exercise for you, depending on your age and fitness level.
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