Guides · Planning · 9 November 2026 · Thomas Schüller
Health questions before starting to train
When a medical check before starting training makes sense and which warning signs end a session immediately.
Exercise is good for almost everyone, and most people can start without an examination. In 2015 the American College of Sports Medicine simplified its recommendations: what matters is current activity, known cardiovascular, metabolic or renal disease, symptoms and the planned intensity.
When to check?
Anyone who has hardly been active and has such a disease or symptoms should seek medical advice before starting. Anyone who notices symptoms such as chest pain, unusual breathlessness, dizziness or palpitations stops training and has this checked before continuing.
Start slowly
Newcomers begin at light to moderate intensity and increase over weeks. The World Health Organization stresses that even a little activity is better than none.
With the safety tool
The tool asks the health questions before starting, records well-being per week and names warning signs. It makes no diagnosis and does not replace a medical examination.
Key point: Most people can start right away; with known disease, symptoms or warning signs get medical advice first.
References
- Riebe, D. et al. (2015): Updating ACSM's recommendations for exercise preparticipation health screening. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 47(11), 2473-2479.
- Bull, F. C. et al. (2020): World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine 54(24), 1451-1462.