Regular exercise is associated with many health benefits, yet any change in activity may increase the risk of injury. Take this health test before you start working out.

Completion of this questionnaire is a first step when planning to increase the amount of physical activity in your life. Please read each question carefully and answer every question honestly:

1. Has a physician ever said you have a heart condition and you should only do physical activity recommended by a physician?
2. When you do physical activity, do you feel pain in your chest?
3. When you were not doing physical activity, have you had chest pain in the past month?
4. Do you ever lose consciousness or do you lose your balance because of dizziness?
5. Do you have a joint or bone problem that may be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
6. Is a physician currently prescribing medications for your blood pressure or heart condition?
7. Are you pregnant?
8. Do you have insulin dependent diabetes?
9. Are you 69 years of age or older?
10. Do you know of any other reason you should not exercise or increase your physical activity?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, talk with your doctor BEFORE you become more physically active. Tell your doctor of your intent to exercise and to which questions you answered yes. If you answered no to all questions, you can be reasonably positive that you can safely increase your physical activity gradually. If your health changes so you then answer yes to any of the above questions, seek guidance from a physician.