Before resuming exercise after a long period of inactivity, or if you have a medical history, it is essential to undergo a health check-up (blood pressure, heart auscultation, or even an electrocardiogram) to rule out any silent cardiovascular or joint risks and to adapt your training safely.

noli's read

The recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) confirm the utility of an assessment consultation before returning to intense sports, especially after a long period of inactivity or in the presence of a medical history. Measuring blood pressure and carefully listening to the heart rhythm are clinical observation practices validated by these institutions to ensure a safe return to physical activity. Nevertheless, the necessity of a systematic electrocardiogram (ECG) for everyone remains debated at the international level. While the ESC tends to include it, the American Heart Association (AHA) opposes making it mandatory for healthy individuals without apparent symptoms, due to the risk of false positives. Furthermore, for a return to light to moderate activity, public health consensus emphasizes that a comprehensive check-up is not essential and could unnecessarily discourage sedentary individuals from getting moving again. Finally, the blood work mentioned by the creator is an interesting option for a general overview of one's vitality (such as blood sugar or lipids), but it must be personalized according to each individual's profile and is not mandatory for everyone.

the sources

1. 1Corrado D, Pelliccia A, Bjørnstad HH, et al. (ESC) 2005
2. 2Maron BJ, Friedman RA, Kligfield P, et al. (AHA/ACC) 2014