Questions
Questions for your doctor
This site does not offer online consultations: only a doctor who has examined you can match activity to your health. Instead, we have gathered questions that are useful to bring to an appointment. They will help you calmly discuss which activities suit you and what to watch for in the first few weeks.
Asking your doctor about movement is not a formality. A couple of minutes of conversation helps you exercise with more confidence and fewer worries.
How this section works: the questions are grouped by situation. Take the ones that apply to you and add your own if needed.
Before you start
Is there any reason for me to limit my activity?
Your doctor will consider your blood pressure, heart, joints and other factors and tell you whether you need any tests before you start.
Which activity is best for me to start with?
For some people walking is easiest, for others swimming or exercise in water. The answer depends on your health and habits.
How can I tell that I am moving at the right pace?
Ask which sensations are normal and which mean it is time to ease off.
Do my medicines affect how well I tolerate exercise?
Some medicines change your heart rate, blood pressure or how you feel when you move, so it is worth asking in advance.
With a long-term condition or during pregnancy
What kinds of movement suit me with my diagnosis?
With heart, lung, joint or metabolic conditions, your doctor can advise you on what to choose and what to avoid for now.
Can I stay active during pregnancy?
The doctor or midwife looking after you can explain which activities are appropriate at your stage and which sensations mean you should stop.
What should I do during a flare-up?
Activity is usually reduced or put off on such days. Ask when and how you can return to it.
About worrying sensations
Which symptoms mean I should stop exercising straight away?
Chest pain or pressure, sudden severe breathlessness and dizziness are general warning signs. Your doctor may add signs that matter specifically for you.
Is muscle soreness after exercise normal?
Mild aching the next day is common. Severe or sharp pain, swelling and joint pain are reasons to see a professional.
When should I come back for a follow-up?
Agree when to discuss how your activity is going, and which changes should not wait for a scheduled appointment.
Read also
- Prevention
A practical article on fitting walking, stairs and short breaks into an ordinary working day.
- Approaches
The three pillars of activity: aerobic exercise, strength and balance exercises, and the habit of sitting less.
- Sources
Which guidelines this reference is based on, what we deliberately avoid and where its limits lie.
Sources
- WHO: guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour (2020)
- Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Minzdrav): healthy lifestyle materials
This text is based on the guidelines in force at the time of publication. International and national advice on physical activity is updated from time to time, and the right level of activity for you is best discussed with a doctor.