Kenneth Gardner - FITNESS CLUB

One of my articles which examined some health risk factors before starting an exercise programme sparked concern in some circles. More people should be aware that screening is important before starting an exercise programme especially if the exerciser is over 40 years old or leads a sedentary life.

Medical clearance is a standard requirement for participation in some aspects of a physical exercise programme. This is necessary because there are people who have undiagnosed health problems.

The problems may not be detected until people are subjected to a battery of physical activities. One of the most serious undiagnosed health problem is heart disease and this could be fatal.

People who do not have any known symptoms or disease can start an exercise programme as long as it commences at low intensity and progresses gradually. The exerciser should take note of any irregular reactions to the physical activities. Low-intensity activities can be assessed by a 'physical activity readiness questionnaire'.

Questionnaire

This questionnaire can effectively identify the need for further medical investigation. The questionnaire would also identify those who could benefit from participation in low-intensity exercise.

Rigorous health appraisal

People getting involved in high-intensity activities will require a more rigorous health risk appraisal such as the health status questionnaire. This will help us to make a definitive assessment of one's limitations and activity restriction. It also helps us to determine if medical evaluation or diagnostic exercise testing is necessary.

Cardiovascular and/or other metabolic diseases need to be acknowledged and the relevant medical clearance initiated before commencing any exercise programme. If the exerciser has one of these diseases, he or she should be supervised by trained personnel to ensure the desirable results. Orthopaedic problems should also be identified as they could deteriorate when subjected to physical activity.

One's lifestyle will also influence the exercise programme. The programme should be compatible with the individual's lifestyle. Unrealistic goals, inappropriate expectations and a disregard for genuine lifestyle challenges can interfere with the quest to maximise the benefits of physical exercise.

Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.