Before You Begin

Your doctor should play a primary role in guiding your physical well-being. Be sure to check and follow your doctor's advice.

The American Heart Association recommends that you consult a health professional before beginning an exercise program if you have:

• Heart trouble or have had a heart attack;
• Frequent pains in the left chest, mid-chest area, left neck, shoulder or arm during or immediately after exercise, after meals, or when out in the cold;
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• Bone or joint problems such as arthritis;
• An immediate family member who has had a heart attack before age 50; or,
• A medical condition not mentioned here that might require special attention.

Or if you are:

• Over age 60 and not accustomed to vigorous exercise; or,
• Taking any prescription medicines.

Know the Signs of Overexertion

The signs of overexertion are:

• Dizziness
• Extreme shortness of breath or labored breathing
• Sore, painful muscles
• An excise hear rate (pulse) higher than recommended for you and that does not slow down after you stop exercising
• Irregular or fluttering heart beat
• Nausea
• Chest pains
• Feeling very hot
• Low abdominal pain
• Extremely heavy perspiration
• Blue lips or fingers
• Lack of coordination

Sweating and breathing a little harder than normal are not unusual or necessarily harmful reaction to exercise. Building up to your goals gradually and warming up and cooling down will minimize any adverse reactions.

The reactions listed above indicate overexertion. Be aware of these symptoms in yourself and anyone else you exercise with. If you have any of them slow down. If symptoms persist, stop exercising and rest. If you feel dizzy or nausea, lower your head or lie down. If the symptoms don't go away, get immediate medical attention.