Do a quick safety check before you ramp up

For almost everyone, the benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks. Still, a quick check before you become more active is smart. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology's Get Active Questionnaire is a free, short form designed for all ages.

It asks whether, in the past six months, you've had:

• Heart disease or stroke, or chest pain, discomfort or pressure during daily activities or exercise
• High blood pressure
• Dizziness or light-headedness during activity, or fainting
• Shortness of breath at rest
• A concussion

It also asks whether you currently have pain or swelling that limits your activity, whether a health care provider has told you to avoid or modify certain activities, and about other conditions such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis or asthma.

If you answer yes to any question, or you're unsure, it points you to advice on next steps, which may include talking to a health care provider or qualified exercise professional.

Try this today: Download the questionnaire from CSEP and fill it out. If anything comes up, bring it to your next appointment.

Safety note: Hold off on becoming more active while you're unwell with a temporary illness, like a cold or flu.

Sources

• CSEP Get Active Questionnaire (opens in a new tab)