To get started on an exercise program, please follow the American College Of Sports Medicine* guidelines below.

"Most persons, except for those with known serious disease, can begin a moderate and gently progressive exercise program, such as walking, without a medical evaluation or exercise test."

Apparently, healthy individuals - you have no symptoms of disease and are apparently healthy with no more than one major coronary risk factor (see chart below).

Individuals at higher risk - you have symptoms suggestive of possible cardiopulmonary or metabolic disease and/or two or more coronary risk factors (see chart below).

Individuals with disease - you have known cardiac, pulmonary, or metabolic disease. A thorough medical evaluation is recommended before starting an exercise program for all individuals in this category.

Major Coronary Risk Factors.**

+ Persons with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) who are over 30 years of age, or have had IDDM for more than 15 years, and persons with non-insulin dependent mellitus (NIDDM) who are over 35 years of age are classified as patients with disease and therefore need medical evaluation before beginning an exercise program.
 

*The American College Of Sports Medicine is the foremost authority on exercise and is recognized internationally. They set the guidelines on exercise and exercise prescription.
**Guidelines For Exercise Testing and Prescription, seventh edition,
Leas & Febiger

Before starting any exercise program or making any changes to your current program, check with your physician first. All of the information on this web site is the exclusive property of Health Pro Plus, Ltd. (HP2)

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