The 5 Important Fitness Questions to Ask Your Doctor

The 5 Important Fitness Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Getting fit and staying fit require ongoing effort. This includes scheduling annual medical exams with your primary care physician. Your doctor can determine your current health and make important recommendations.

Consider these five questions to ask during your routine exams that can help you keep your health and fitness on-track.

Am I the proper weight for my height?

Most doctors require patients to weigh-in at the beginning of the exam. Ask if your weight has gone up or down since the last visit. Verify that you are the proper weight for your height. If you are underweight or overweight, ask your doctor how you can gain or lose weight. Find out if you can get referrals to health care professionals such as nutritionists and physical trainers. Some types of medical insurance policies cover all or part of these costs. Contact your insurance provider to find out more.

 

What types of exercise do you recommend?

Age, physical conditions, and other factors might have an impact on the types of exercise you should be doing. Talk to your doctor about the types of exercise that would work best for you. Consider setting up a home gym so you can fit this exercise into your day. A lateral elliptical, such as the Octane LateralX Elliptical, can give you a total body workout on one machine.

Should I be taking any vitamin supplements or changing my nutritional habits?

Often doctors order blood tests to verify the overall health of the patient during a regular exam. Find out if you have any vitamin deficiencies or other issues of concern. Ask about taking vitamin supplements and updating your nutritional approach to get the nutrients you need. Proper nutrition goes hand-in-hand with regular exercise.

How is my cardiovascular health?

During a medical exam, the doctor takes your blood pressure and listens to your heart. Verify your blood pressure reading and find out if there are any reasons to be concerned. Daily exercise and limiting your salt and sugar intake can help you get your numbers in the proper target zone. Discuss heart healthy habits with your doctor so you can protect this important organ to keep it pumping for years to come.

 

Do I have any physical limitations?

Finally, verify whether you have any physical limitations. For example, people with arthritis might need to do exercise that is easy on their joints. If you have difficulty moving, let your doctor know. Sometimes physical therapy is recommended to help people get moving again. Make sure to understand the nature of your physical limitations and work with your health care team to establish an exercise routine that will help rather than hurt you. Remember to stay within your limits to avoid injuries or health complications.

An annual physical exam is a golden opportunity to reassess your health and fitness. Your doctor is a valuable resource for information related to nutrition, health, and overall well-being. Use this time wisely to stay in the best possible shape for an improved quality of life.