Exercise Precautions

Chris J. Dunn, MS, RCEP

Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist

 

 

 

 

Signs & Symptoms of Overexertion

 

If the following symptoms occur, contact a physician before continuing exercise. Although any symptom should be clarified, these are particularly important:

 

Discomfort in the upper body including the chest, arm, neck, or jaw, during exercise. The discomfort may be of any intensity and may be present as an aching, burning, tightness, or sensation of fullness.

 

Faintness accompanying the exercise. Sometimes brief light-headedness may follow unusually vigorous exercise or a limited cool-down period. This condition does not usually indicate heart disease and may be managed by exercising at a lower intensity with a gradual cool-down at the end of the session. If a "fainting spell" or feeling of faintness occurs during exercise, discontinue the activity until after evaluation by a physician.

 

Discomfort in bones and joints either during or after exercise. There may be slight muscle soreness when beginning exercise, but if back or joint pain develops, discontinue exercise until after evaluation by a physician.

 

 

Sick Day Guidelines

 

Exercise only when feeling well.

Wait until symptoms and signs of a cold or the flu (including fever) have been absent 2 days or more before resuming activity

 

 

Exercise & Meals

 

Do not exercise vigorously soon after eating. Wait at least 2 hours. Eating increases the blood flow requirements of the intestinal tract. During vigorous exercise, the demand of the muscles for blood may exceed the ability of the circulation to supply both the bowel and the muscles, depriving organs of blood, resulting in cramps, nausea, or faintness.

 

 

Exercising Outside

 

Adjust exercise to the weather.  Exercise should be adjusted to environmental conditions. Special precautions are necessary when exercising in hot weather. It is difficult to define when it is too hot to exercise since air temperature is greatly influenced by humidity and air movement (wind), which are not easy to measure. The following guidelines are recommended for a noncompetitive workout: if air temperature is over 70°F, slow the pace, be alert for signs of heat injury, and drink adequate fluids to maintain hydration. A good rule to follow is to exercise at the usual workout pace (rating of perceived exertion, 12 to 16), which may be a slower pace or lower work intensity because of environmental conditions.

Acclimatization to moderate levels of heat is gradual, requiring 12 to 14 days. Accommodation to extreme heat never occurs. Signs of heat injury may be varied at the onset; hence, any symptom should be regarded as evidence of heat overload. The following indications of heat stress are particularly likely to occur: headache, dizziness, faintness, nausea, coolness, cramps, and palpitations. If any of these symptoms are present, stop exercising immediately and go to a cooler environment. If the air temperature is over 80°F, exercise in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Air-conditioned shopping malls are popular for walking. Exercise is tolerated better if humidity is low and a breeze is present. Exercise in the heat causes excessive fluid loss, so adequate fluid intake is important before, during, and after each session.

 

General Guidelines