Planning to join gym? Take these 10 tests before, recommend experts

HYDERABAD: Planning to join the gym or start running? The increasing number of physically healthy individuals collapsing while exercising, during marathons or while running is leading to anxiety among those already exercising or considering starting running.

However, the health-related benefits of exercise have been proven beyond doubt, and everyone should engage in exercises (a combination of aerobic and strength training) on a regular basis to reduce the risk of serious diseases and increase longevity, according to Dr Sudhir Kumar, a senior neurologist from Hyderabad.

The rare incidents of heart attacks or cardiac arrest in people (noted during running or other exercise) are often related to pre-existing heart diseases and risk factors (which were previously undiagnosed). Therefore, it is crucial to conduct preventive health checks and schedule them annually, said Dr Sudhir Kumar.

Dr. Sudhir Kumar recommends conducting 10 important tests before starting a fitness journey, gym membership, or workouts, and once a year, or as per physician's advice.

Here are the 10 most important tests recommended before starting your fitness journey

Blood pressure: Can be easily checked at home by a BP machine. Try to keep it below 130/80 mmHg,

Blood sugar (Fasting): Should be below 100 mg/dL,

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C): Up to 5.6% is considered normal,

Lipid profile: Keep HDL>50, LDL<100, Triglycerides<150, and total cholesterol <200. Triglyceride/HDL ratio of 1 or lesser is considered very healthy.

High TG: HDL, especially >3, indicates significant risk of heart attack and stroke

ECG: Useful in detecting abnormal heart rhythms,

Echocardiogram: Very useful in detecting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a very common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes

Homocysteine: A level >15 may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke,

Vitamin D: deficiency is common, can increase the risk of stress fracture, shin splints, etc,

Vitamin B12: deficiency is common especially in vegetarians,

Haemoglobin: Low haemoglobin (anaemia) can reduce the performance during exercise.

(Disclaimer: The list and opinions here are general in nature and by no means exhaustive. Consult your physician and fitness trainer for a more specific advice on an individual basis).

With inputs from Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals