Are you fit to get fit?

See your doctor for advice before starting any programme of vigorous exercise if you:

• Have a heart problem
• Have high or low blood pressure
• Have joint problems
• Take painkillers or any other drugs regularly
• Have back problems
• Are very overweight or very underweight
• Are over 40
• Are prone to headaches, fainting or dizziness
• Have a resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats a minute. You can check this simply by placing two fingers on the inside of your wrist, counting the number of beats over a 15-second period (begin the counting with 0 rather than 1 – go "0, 1, 2, 3, etc."), and multiplying by four
• Have any other medical condition which could interfere with your taking part in an exercise programme
• Have not done any exercise for 10 years

Whatever your medical history, take any exercise programme slowly. If you experience chest pain, dizziness or feel faint at any time while you're exercising, stop immediately and consult a doctor. During exercise you should feel no more than a burning sensation in your muscles, not a sharp pain. If something hurts, stop doing it.