Way out of shape...heart check 1st ?

[No_Foolin'?]

Perhaps being a bit of hypochondriac (sp?), but I've been EXTREMELY sendentary over the past few years. I rarely exert myself to the point of breaking a sweat.

So things are changing right now, and I'm gonna have the chance to start working out on a regular basis, which I really enjoy doing and have done in the past.

But I'm a bit worried about starting out on an exercise program without perhaps checking with a doctor first. I've had a pretty stressful couple of years, and haven't eaten extremely well either.

I'm 36, male, and probably 20 pounds overweight.

Not asking for medical advice...I'm very likely going to see a doctor before I begin working out again.

Just wondering if anybody has an informed opinion about this.

Thanks. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[theblackkeys]

go see a doctor. Nothing wrong with that.

If you're a normal 20 lb overweight human being, you should be able to handle moderate aerobic exercise. Maybe you need to see someone to get over your fears? In the meantime, why not make be productive and capitalize on your recent motivation by doing some light cardio.

[Martina]

Seeing a doctor is a good idea. I know some fitness centers offer free assessment when you join/obtain membership with them.

I would start light so you won't exhaust yourself. For myself I also do some sort of self-reward to keep the motivation going. I wouldn't go based on the amount of weight lost because it's putting too much stress at the beginning, I would go based on how many times a week you work out.

[LocustHorde]

Yes, see a doctor, it's always better to be safe than sorry. And you might as well get a full physical while you're at it to check for good prostate health, lipid profile, BP, and signs of testicle cancer

[No_Foolin'?]

Thanks fellers. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]