Personal trainers should want to know what medications you take and that you are cleared to exercise. Answer their questions.

As certified professionals trainers should confirm you are cleared for exercise. They also need to understand your medications. This may seem intrusive, really it is for your safety. Trainers need to know what precautions to take. Doctors do not always communicate physical activity restrictions well.

I once had a student whose blood pressure was very high. She had just started meds, but was not yet regulated. Because she wasn’t feeling 100% she whispered in my ear before class that if she was not doing an exercise it was because she was a little dizzy because of the new meds. I asked some questions and it was a chair yoga class. I knew we would not do anything that would put her at risk so I told her it would be ok. I also did not let her do her favorite pose at the end of class, legs up the wall. I explained that once she was regulated it was ok. However, that pose can cause changes to blood pressure, so for safety we would omit it that day and she could return to it after her doctor cleared her for class. She was annoyed but agreed. She also phoned her doctor immediately upon returning to her condo, I taught at her building.

Two days later, she stopped by class and said her doctor thanked me for the restrictions and for having her call. The doctor had no idea she was doing pilates and yoga 2 days per week and swimming on every other day. She was restricted from all exercise until her blood pressure was controlled and she was not having dizzy spells. She was able to return after about a month once she was doing well. I hear many stories like this where exercise is not part of the discussion and the patient has an issue because they returned too quickly or over did, not knowing that they shouldn’t.

Whenever there is any change to your physical condition or your medications change it is a good idea to let your trainer know. They may have exercise ideas that can be beneficial or be able to modify in ways that keep you from an injury. They should be a trusted part of the team.

Have you had a time where you got great guidance about exercise restrictions or maybe a not so great time?

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