It's the New Year, and time for resolutions: this often means pledges to improve physical, financial, mental, and emotional fitness. For some people, physical fitness goals mean starting new diet and exercise plans. I recently began working out with an exercise video that had an injury disclaimer, similar to the one in the image below. "Not all exercises are suitable for everyone," it reads, "and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. To reduce this risk of injury, please consult your doctor before beginning this, or any other, physical fitness program."
In fact, when I read the disclaimer in the front of Michaels's 30-Day Shred, I found myself wondering if anyone has ever actually talked to their doctor before starting a workout.
Imagine it: you don't exercise regularly, but you've committed to getting in shape. You've gotten off the couch, geared up in workout clothes and gym shoes, and filled up your water bottle. You drive to the gym, get on the tread climber, and there, in front of you, is a disclaimer warning you to consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen. At that point, does anyone actually climb off the machine, call the doctor, then wait a few days/weeks until the appointment to discern whether it's ok to climb?
This raises a two-fold question for me: does anyone actually heed the warning to consult a doctor before beginning a new exercise program, and if not, what is the purpose of these warnings? I'd be interested in learning more about people's perceptions of these warnings.
