Is exercise safe?
by Edmond Cleeman, MD
Physically inactive people sometimes worry if it’s safe to exercise. The good news is that scientific studies have repeatedly demonstrated that exercise is overwhelmingly safe and reduces the risk of death and heart disease. Occasionally, people will develop muscle soreness one or two days after they exercise, which is common, and called delayed-onset-muscle-soreness (not a very original name).
If you never exercise
For those who have never exercised before, don’t start with high exertion activity like shoveling snow or running. These high intensity activities can put too much strain on the heart and cardiovascular system in a person not used to being active. Therefore, if you're just starting, take it easy with light intensity activity like walking and slowly build up. At your
What if you have a medical condition?
If you have a medical condition or disability you should consult with your physician prior to starting an exercise routine. If you have an orthopedic issue that is holding you back from starting, a great option is working with a certified fitness professional who can help guide you from physical inactivity to being active by modifying your exercise to account for these conditions. Even people with arthritis can find exercises that avoid or minimize discomfort.
The content contained herein is not designed to, and does not, provide medical advice. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment but is for general informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition or treatment options. Please contact a healthcare professional prior to exercising. Never rely on information in this article, video, YouTube channel or website in place of seeking medical advice and treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you may have read or seen. If you think you may have a medical emergency you should seek immediate medical treatment. Do NOT use this video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or call 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment or the treatment of others based on anything you have seen or read in this video.
