WORKOUT PROGRAMS
Before you start with a work-out regimen, you must have medical clearance from your family physician or your employer. It is not recommended to start a program without this clearance or a par-Q questionnare filled out. You can get these questionnares from a gym, doctors office or online. Here is an example of a PAR-Q that you can copy, fill out, and either email back to the FFF or inform your doctor.
PAR-Q
If you are planning to become much more physically active than you are now, start by answering the questions below. If you are between the ages of 15 and 69, the PAR-Q will tell you if you should check with your doctor before you start. If you are over 69 years of age, and you are not used to being very active, check with your doctor.
Common sense is your best guide when you answer these questions. Please read the questions carefully and answer each one honestly.
Physical Activity Readiness Questionaire (PAR-Q)
Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition AND that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?* Yes/No
Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?* Yes/No
In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?* Yes/No
Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?* Yes/No
Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?* Yes/No
Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition?* Yes/No
Do you know of ANY OTHER REASON why you should not do physical activity?* Yes/No
If you answered YES to one or more questions:
Talk to your doctor by phone or in person BEFORE you start becomming much more physically active or BEFORE you have a fitness appraisal. Tell your doctor about the PAR-Q and which questions you answered YES. * You may be able to do any activity you want -- as long as you start slowly and build up gradually. Or, you may need to restrict your activities to those which are safe for you. Talk with your doctor about the kinds of activites you wish to participate in and follow his/her advice. * Find out which community programs are safe and helpful for you.
If you answered NO to all questions:
If you answered NO honestly to ALL PAR-Q questions, you can be reasonably sure that you can: * Start becoming much more physically active -- begin slowly and build up gradually. This is the safest and easiest way to go. * Take part in a fitness appraisal -- this is an excellent way to determine your basic fitness so that you can plan the best way for you to live actively. Note: * indicates required information.