Hillary is a 63-year-old woman who comes to a community recreation center to begin exercising.
She is very interested in a beginning yoga class but would also like to try some of the cardio equipment. She meets with an exercise physiologist for an orientation session that also includes a preparticipation health screening using the ACSM algorithm.
In the conversation with Hillary it is determined that she has no signs or symptoms of chronic disease.
However, she did have a minor heart attack two years ago. Despite a recommendation to start exercising regularly after her heart attack, she delayed making that commitment until now Hillary had an appointment with her physician last week and she was again cleared for and advised to start exercising This gave her the motivation to start an exercise program.
As a result of this discussion with Hillary what should be recommended to her before starting the program?
Should she get medical clearance before beginning? Why or why not?
Should she perform moderate or vigorous exercise? Why?
Should she get medical clearance before progressing to higher intensities? Why or why not?