Top News

New Delhi. To keep oneself fit, the trend of gym and exercise has increased rapidly. Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation in the body, improve digestion and mental health and reduce the risk of many serious diseases. At least 150 minutes of physical activity a week is generally recommended for adults.

However, if you have not been exercising for a long time and are suddenly going to start heavy workouts, it is important to understand the current condition of the body. Especially people with pre-existing weakness, fatigue, any disease or cardiovascular risk should not start high-intensity exercise without advice.

Be careful if you feel tired and dizzy as soon as you start the gym.

Many people may feel extreme fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps or a rapid heartbeat a few days after starting a workout. This should not always be ignored as normal.

If you have not been active for a long time, are old, have any pre-existing illness or have constant weakness and fatigue, then it is better to start exercising after consulting a doctor.

CBC can detect anemia

Complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test. This provides information about many important things including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Low hemoglobin can cause problems like weakness, early fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. In such a situation, it can be difficult to do heavy workouts. People who are already suffering from constant fatigue, weakness, jaundice or shortness of breath should start gym only after consulting the doctor.

Understand heart risk from lipid profile

It is also important to understand the cardiovascular risks before suddenly starting heavy exercise. Through lipid profile, information about the level of triglycerides along with bad and good cholesterol is available.

This screening may be especially important for people who are overweight, smoke, or have a family history of heart disease at an early age. If cholesterol or triglycerides are found to be increased in the report, a doctor should be consulted.

Sodium-potassium deficiency can also become a problem

Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles. In case of frequent muscle cramps, weakness or excessive sweating, the doctor may recommend checking of electrolytes.

Having their levels too low or too high can both cause problems. Therefore, if needed, it can be useful to get the electrolyte balance checked before starting the gym.

Iron, B12 and Vitamin D may also be necessary

If there is persistent fatigue, weakness, tingling in hands and feet or problems to muscles and bones, then iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D can be tested as per doctor's advice.

Deficiency of these nutrients can affect the body's recovery after exercise and increase muscle- problems.

It is not necessary for every person to get all the tests done

All these blood tests should not be considered mandatory for every healthy person before starting the gym. Your doctor can decide which tests are necessary based on your age, medical history, symptoms, fitness level, and workout intensity.

If symptoms like chest pain, fainting, abnormal shortness of breath or very fast/irregular heartbeat occur, stop exercising and seek medical advice immediately. The goal should be to increase fitness in the gym, but not to take risks by ignoring the body's signals.