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Begin your physical activity journey

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Are you ready to begin your physical activity journey?

Regular physical activity is fun and healthy and being more active is very safe for most people. However, some should check with their doctor before they start becoming more physically active. Before becoming much more physically active than you are now, start by answering the questions below.

  • If you are between the ages of 15 and 69 years, these questions will tell you if you should check with your doctor before you start.
  • If you are older than 69 years, and you’re not used to being very active, check with your doctor first.

If you answer YES to one or more questions, talk to your doctor before becoming much more active. If you answer NO to all of these questions, you can start becoming much more physically active right away.

Please read the questions below carefully and answer each one honestly: 

1. Have you participated in exercise (planned, structured physical activity) for at least 30 minutes, at a moderate intensity, on at least 3 days per week, for at least 3 months?

2. Do you have known cardiovascular or heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease?

3. Have you experienced any of the following signs and symptoms, at rest or during activity; including pain, discomfort in the chest, neck, jaw, arms; shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion, or even at night; dizziness; swelling in your ankles, rapid or irregular heart beat; pain in your legs with exertion; unexplained or unusual fatigue on exertion, or a known heart murmur?

Q1 Q2 Q3 Physical activity recommendations
No No No Light to moderate physical activity is recommended. You may gradually progress from light & moderate physical activity to vigorous activity.
No Yes No Consulting your health care provider is recommended. Light to moderate physical activity is recommended. You may gradually progress physical activity as tolerated.
No No Yes Consulting your health care provider is recommended. Light to moderate physical activity is recommended. You may gradually progress physical activity as tolerated.
Yes No No Continue moderate physical to vigorous physical activity.
Yes Yes No Consulting your health care provider for moderate physical activity is not necessary, however, consulting your health care provider (within the past 12 months) is recommended before engaging in vigorous physical activity. Continue with moderate physical activity and progress to vigorous physical activity as tolerated.
Yes No Yes Discontinue exercise and consult your health care provider. Resume exercise once you have obtained medical clearance. Progress as tolerated. >