Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor
Find any physician affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital.

Awards & Accolades

Best Doctors 2011

Best Doctors 2011

New York Magazine

Read more
Best Doctors 2010

Best Doctors 2010

New York Magazine

Read more
America's Best Hospitals 2009-10

America’s Best Hospitals 2009-10

U.S. News and World Report

Read more

Stay in Touch

There are many ways you can keep up on the latest health tips, news and events from Lenox Hill Hospital.

Read our E-Magazine Read our E-Magazine
 
Receive our E-Newsletters Receive our E-Newsletters
 
Become our Fan on Facebook Become our Fan
 
Follow us on Twitter Follow Us
Bookmark and Share

Online Health Library


Step 3: Before you begin
Next Page

Exercise can help just about anyone feel and look better. However, some people should be cautious about beginning an exercise program. A doctor can help assess your risks and plan a program that is safe for you.

If you do not currently exercise, speak to your doctor before you begin, especially if any of the situations described below apply to you.

See a doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Any serious medical condition like diabetes, asthma, emphysema, cancer, or a history of blood clots in your legs or lungs.
  • Pain or pressure in the chest, neck, shoulder, or arm during or right after activities such as walking.
  • Bone or joint problems, including arthritis or osteoporosis (especially arthritis that has flared up so that one or more of your joints is red, swollen, or painful).
  • A heart condition, angina (chest pain), high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Also, see a doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • Over age 40 or 45, and have not been active.
  • Feel very breathless after mild activity.
  • Tend to get dizzy, lose consciousness, or are subject to falls.
  • Have experienced a feeling of your heart racing, skipping, or fluttering.
  • Have had recent surgery, particularly to the eye or hip.
  • Have an active infection or fever.
  • Are experiencing any other unusual symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss
  • You smoke.

Ok, so you know exercise is good for you and you've talked about it with your doctor. It's time to get started! Read on...

 

Next Page

Review Date: 6/18/2009
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com