Fitness; Questions to Ask

NWHRC Health Center - Fitness, June 12, 2007

Review the following 'Questions To Ask' 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 exercise test with electrocardiography (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 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 or dizziness or bone or 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 exercising

Can you recommend a hospital-based fitness program?

References

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"Fitness Fundamentals: Guidelines for Personal Exercise Programs." 2007. http://www.fitness.gov. Accessed October 2007.

"U.S. Physical Activities Statistics." The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated May 2007. http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov. Accessed October 2007.

Jakicic JM, et al. "Effect of Exercise Duration and Intensity on Weight Loss in Overweight, Sedentary Women" JAMA. 2003;290: 1323-1330. http://jama.ama-assn.org. Accessed September 2003.

"What are some tips for being more active?" National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated Feb. 2003. http://www.cdc.gov. Accessed August 2003.

Yoke M. "A Guide to Personal Fitness Training." Sherman Oaks. Calif: Aerobics and Fitness Association of America; 1997. http://www.afaa.com. Accessed August 2003.

Jordan P. "Fitness: Theory and Practice." Sherman Oaks. Calif: Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and Stoughton. Mass: Reebok University Press; 2nd ed. 1995. http://www.afaa.com. Accessed August 2003.

"Healthy eating tips." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov. Updated April 2003. Accessed Aug. 2003.

"Physical activity and good nutrition." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov. Reviewed May 2003. Accessed August 2003.

"Exercise: Feeling fit for life." National Institute on Aging. http://www.niapublications.org. 2000. Accessed August 2003.

Cahill S. "Exercise." National Institute on Aging. http://www.niapublications.org. June 2001. Accessed Aug. 2003.

"Physical Activity: AHA scientific position." American Heart Association. 2007. http://www.americanheart.org. Accessed February 2007.

"Chapter 4: Physical Activity." Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.health.gov. Accessed February 2007.

"Target Heart Rates." American Heart Association. 2007. Accessed February 2007.

"Strength Training: Get stronger, leaner, and healthier." The Mayo Clinic. July 2006. http://www.mayoclinic.com. Accessed February 2007.

"Aerobics & Your Feet" American Podiatric Medical Association 2007. http://www.apma.org. Accessed February 2007.

"ACE Yoga Study." The American Council on Exercise. 2007. http://www.acefitness.org. Accessed February 2007.

"Strength Training 101." The American Council on Exercise. 2007. http://www.acefitness.org. Accessed February 2007.

"Pilates Primer" The American Council on Exercise. 2007. http://www.acefitness.org. Accessed February 2007.

"Types of Exercise." American Diabetes Association. 2007. http://www.diabetes.org. Accessed February 2007.

"Getting Started." American Diabetes Association. 2007. http://www.diabetes.org. Accessed February 2007.

"Physical Activity Among Adults: United States, 2000 and 2005." The National Center for Health Statistics. 2007. http://www.cdc.gov. Accessed February 2007.

"Physical inactivity and your heart." American Heart Association. 2007. www.americanheart.org. Accessed February 2007.

"Flexible benefits." The American Council on Exercise. 2007. http://www.acefitness.org. Accessed February 2007.

"Exercise During Pregnancy." Harvard University Health Services. 2003. http://huhs.harvard.edu. Accessed February 2007.

"Risk Factors." The University of Virginia Health System. 2007. http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu. Accessed February 2007.

Keywords: fitness, heart rate, exercising, exercise program