Four Exercise Questions to Ask Your Doctor

By Jane Farrell

Are you considering adding exercise to your daily routine or significantly increasing your level of activity?  If so, the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH, has some specific recommendations for you. Before beginning, be sure to talk with your doctor about the exercises and physical activities that are best for you. During your appointment, the NIA says you can ask:

What types of exercise would work for me? Your medical history and current activity level will help your doctor recommend exercises that are doable and safe. Your doctor can also help you come up with a plan to gradually increase the intensity or duration of your physical activity. This information might be part of an exercise prescription, which indicates how you should exercise and for how long. You can “fill” this prescription by yourself or coordinate with a personal trainer or exercise medicine specialist.

Are there any exercises or activities I should avoid? Your doctor can make recommendations based on your health history, keeping in mind any recent surgeries or ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. This would be a great time to check with your doctor about any unexplained symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as chest pain or pressure, joint pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Your doctor may recommend postponing exercise until the problem is diagnosed and treated.

How does my health condition affect my ability to exercise? Some health conditions can affect your exercise routine. For example, people with arthritis may need to avoid some types of activity, especially when joints are swollen or inflamed. Those with diabetes may need to adjust their daily schedule, meal plan, or medications when planning their activities. Your doctor can talk with you about any adjustments you need to make to ensure that you get the most out of your new exercise routine.

Is my preventive care up to date? Your doctor can tell you if there are any tests you might need. For example, women over age 65 should be checked regularly for osteoporosis.