ADVICE if you answered YES:

Physical activity is likely to be beneficial. If you have been treated for heart disease but have not completed a cardiac rehabilitation program within the past 6 months, consult a doctor – a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program is strongly recommended. If you are resuming physical activity after more than 6 months of inactivity, begin slowly with light- to moderate-intensity physical activity. If you have pain/discomfort/pressure in your chest and it is new for you, talk to a doctor. Describe the symptom and what activities bring it on.

ADVICE if you answered YES:

Physical activity is likely to be beneficial if you have been diagnosed and treated for high blood pressure (BP). If you are unsure of your resting BP, consult a health care provider or a Qualified Exercise Professional (QEP) to have it measured. If you are taking BP medication and your BP is under good control, regular physical activity is recommended as it may help to lower your BP. Your doctor should be aware of your physical activity level so your medication needs can be monitored. If your BP is 160/90 or higher, you should receive medical clearance and consult a QEP about safe and appropriate physical activity.

ADVICE if you answered YES:

There are several possible reasons for feeling this way and many are not worrisome. Before becoming more active, consult a health care provider to identify reasons and minimize risk. Until then, refrain from increasing the intensity of your physical activity.

ADVICE if you answered YES:

If you have asthma and this is relieved with medication, light to moderate physical activity is safe. If your shortness of breath is not relieved with medication, consult a doctor.

ADVICE if you answered YES:

Before becoming more active, consult a doctor to identify reasons and minimize risk. Once you are medically cleared, consult a Qualified Exercise Professional (QEP) about types of physical activity suitable for your condition.

ADVICE if you answered YES:

A concussion is an injury to the brain that requires time to recover. Increasing physical activity while still experiencing symptoms may worsen your symptoms, lengthen your recovery, and increase your risk for another concussion. A health care provider will let you know when you can start becoming more physically active, and a Qualified Exercise Professional (QEP) can help get you started.

ADVICE if you answered YES:

If this swelling or pain is new, consult a health care provider. Otherwise, keep joints healthy and reduce pain by moving your joints slowly and gently through the entire pain-free range of motion. If you have hip, knee or ankle pain, choose low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling. As the pain subsides, gradually resume your normal physical activities starting at a level lower than before the flare-up. Consult a Qualified Exercise Professional (QEP) in follow-up to help you become more active and prevent or minimize future pain.

ADVICE if you answered YES:

Listen to the advice of your health care provider. A Qualified Exercise Professional (QEP) will ask you about any considerations and provide specific advice for physical activity that is safe and that takes your lifestyle and health care provider’s advice into account.

ADVICE if you answered YES:

Some people may worry if they have a medical or physical condition that physical activity might be unsafe. In fact, regular physical activity can help to manage and improve many conditions. Physical activity can also reduce the risk of complications. A Qualified Exercise Professional (QEP) can help with specific advice for physical activity that is safe and that takes your medical history and lifestyle into account.

PART 2

ASSESS YOUR CURRENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions to assess how active you are now.

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. For children and youth, at least 60 minutes daily is recommended. Strengthening muscles and bones at least two times per week for adults, and three times per week for children and youth, is also recommended (see csep.ca/guidelines).

GENERAL ADVICE FOR BECOMING MORE ACTIVE

Increase your physical activity gradually so that you have a positive experience. Build physical activities that you enjoy into your day (e.g., take a walk with a friend, ride your bike to school or work) and reduce your sedentary behaviour (e.g., prolonged sitting).

If you want to do vigorous-intensity physical activity (i.e., physical activity at an intensity that makes it hard to carry on a conversation), and you do not meet minimum physical activity recommendations noted above, consult a Qualified Exercise Professional (QEP) beforehand. This can help ensure that your physical activity is safe and suitable for your circumstances.

Physical activity is also an important part of a healthy pregnancy.

Delay becoming more active if you are not feeling well because of a temporary illness.