Exercise Consultations

What Are Exercise Consultations?

Exercise Consults are individualized appointments with an exercise physiologist. The exercise physiologist will develop an exercise program that is designed to improve mobility and fitness based on your specific health condition. The exercise physiologists use national guidelines from American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Heart Association (AHA) as a basis for their prescribed exercise program. Medical clearance from a physician is required before you can meet with the exercise physiologist.

What Takes Place During an Exercise Consultation?

During an exercise consultation, the exercise physiologist will take a brief medical history with an emphasis placed on cardiovascular and orthopedic history. A detailed exercise history with preferences and current activities will be discussed. A review of your recent diagnostic testing will be examined and may be used to guide recommendations for your exercise program. Together you and the exercise physiologist will discuss short-term and long-term goals to provide the most appropriate exercise program. All exercise components, guidelines, and techniques are explained and demonstrated if needed, for a comprehensive cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility program.

After meeting with the exercise physiologist, you are given options to continue with the Preventive Cardiology team. You may join the phase III maintenance program, or may wish to return for scheduled follow-up appointments for continual modification of your exercise plan. If you feel comfortable with the exercise program, follow-up appointments may not be necessary.

What Kinds of Patients Can Benefit from an Exercise Consultation?

Exercise Consultations are offered for individuals with:

Tips for Exercise Success - Adapted from the American Heart Association

  • Choose activities that are fun, not exhausting. Add variety. Develop a repertoire of several activities that you can enjoy. That way, exercise will never seem boring or routine.
  • Wear comfortable, properly fitted footwear and comfortable, loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the weather and the activity.
  • Find a convenient time and place to do activities. Try to make it a habit, but be flexible. If you miss an exercise opportunity, work activity into your day another way.
  • Use music or television to keep you entertained.
  • Surround yourself with supportive people. Decide what kind of support you need. Do you want them to remind you to exercise? Ask about your progress? Participate with you regularly or occasionally? Allow you time to exercise by yourself? Go with you to a special event, such as a 5K walk/run? Be understanding when you get up early to exercise? Spend time with the children while you exercise? Try not to ask you to change your exercise routine?
  • Share your activity time with others. Make a date with a family member, friend or co-worker. Be an active role model for your children.
  • Don't overdo it. Do low- to moderate-level activities, especially at first. You can slowly increase the duration and intensity of your activities as you become more fit. Over time, work up to exercising on most days of the week for 30-60 minutes.
  • Keep a record of your activities. Reward yourself at special milestones. Nothing motivates like success!

Make an Appointment

For more information or to schedule an appointment for an exercise consultation at Preventive Cardiology, please call 734-647-7321. A referral to exercise consult at DF cardiology is needed.