Before beginning any exercise program, individuals should get a complete physical examination and discuss any fitness plans with a physician. A physician will be able to help formulate a fitness program based on your age and health status or, at the least, recommend a suitable fitness trainer. The physician may also order an exercise stress test, which can help determine a safe level of exercise for a patient's individual needs.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and other healthcare professionals, certain are especially urged to seek medical advice before beginning an exercise program. This include people who:

• Have reached or passed middle age
  
  
• Are significantly overweight or obese
  
  
• Have a family history of heart disease
  
  
• Desire to begin a fairly strenuous exercise program despite having been inactive for quite some time
  
  
• Are taking medication for high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, stroke or diabetes
  
  
• Have any joint problems (e.g., arthritis), bone problems (e.g., osteoporosis), muscle problems or other conditions (e.g., unstable heart failure) that may be worsened or complicated by exercise
  
  
• Have noticed new symptoms in the past month (e.g., chest pain)
  
  
• Are pregnant
  
  
• Have been ordered by a physician to only engage in medically supervised exercise programs
  
  
• Exerience severe shortness of breath, fainting (syncope), or pain in the chest, arm, shoulder or left side of the neck following mild exercise