The physicians at Matthews Internal Medicine usually recommend getting a physical every year or at least every two years as a part of a larger preventative care program, but there are some times that you should adjust that schedule and come in for a physical exam right away. One such time is before starting a new type of exercise program. A new kind of exercise could stress out your body in unknown and surprising ways, but a physical exam can help us predict if anything could go wrong and even help you form a more effective workout plan. Here’s why it’s a good idea to get a physical before you start up a new kind of exercise.
We Can Spot Conditions That Could Pose a Problem
If you’ve never had a condition that could cause a problem during intense workout sessions, you may think that proceeding with a new type of workout won’t be a problem. As you get older, however, new underlying health problems could begin to pop up and these issues could conflict with your new workout plan. A physical can catch conditions like high blood pressure, signs of ailments like heart disease, or the onset of illnesses like arthritis. Any of these health conditions could affect how you have to approach your workouts.
If you already have a medical condition that requires attention or you’re significantly overweight, then you definitely need to see us before starting your workout plan. We’ll make sure that you’re healthy enough to proceed.
You Will Better Know Your Limits
Because of this, getting a physical exam before you start a new type of workout can let you better know your limits. If there’s something that you cannot or should not do, you’ll know going in and you can adjust your workout plan accordingly. This doesn’t just keep you safer and healthier. This also makes your workouts more effective and can help you avoid an early setback due to injury. It takes a while to form a habit like exercising regularly. Getting sidelined just a few days or weeks into your new workout plan could mean that you don’t ever get back to it.
We’ll Help You Set Goals
Because we know what conditions you have and what is healthy for you, we can help you set fitness goals that you can reach. We can see how much weight is healthy to lose in a given time period, for example. We can help you define those fitness goals and eventually obtain them.
We Can Help You Get the Most Out of Your Workouts
On that same note, we can help you get the most out of your workouts by helping you with your diet as well. Diet is just as important as your physical exercise plans, if not more so, so having extra guidance in that department can’t hurt. Weight management is one of our specialties after all.
For All of Your Medical Needs in Charlotte, NC
So before you make a major change to your exercise regimen, contact Matthews Internal Medicine at (704) 750-2329 and set up an appointment. We’ll make sure that you’re ready to make the most of your weight loss efforts and stay safe while doing so.