Practicing physical activity is recommended at all ages, as it increases stamina, prevents illnesses and improves quality of life, however, there are some situations in which physical activity should be carried out with caution or even not indicated. .
People with cardiovascular problems or who have undergone surgical procedures, for example, should not exercise without authorization from their doctor, as there may be complications during exercise that could lead to death, for example.
Therefore, before starting to practice physical activities, it is necessary to carry out a series of tests to find out if there are any cardiovascular, motor or joint changes that could prevent or limit the performance of exercises.
When to avoid exercising
Some situations in which physical activity is not recommended or must be carried out with caution are:
1. Heart diseases
People who have heart disease, which are diseases related to the heart, such as hypertension and heart failure, for example, should practice physical activity only with the authorization of a cardiologist and accompanied by a physical education professional.
This is because due to the effort made during exercise, even if not very intense, there may be an increase in heart rate, which can result in a heart attack or stroke, for example.
Although physical activity is recommended in these cases with the aim of improving the person’s quality of life and reducing the symptoms of the disease, it is important that the cardiologist advises on the best type of exercise, frequency and intensity that should be performed to avoid complications.
2. Children and the elderly
Practicing physical activity in childhood is highly recommended, as in addition to allowing better cardiorespiratory development, it allows the child to interact with other children, especially when practicing team sports. The contraindication of physical activity in childhood concerns exercises that involve lifting weights or high intensity, as they can interfere with their development. Therefore, it is recommended that children practice more aerobic physical activities, such as dancing, football or judo, for example.
In the case of the elderly, the practice of physical activities must be closely monitored by a trained professional, as it is common for older people to have limited movement, which makes certain exercises contraindicated. See which are the best exercises for seniors.
3. Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by changes in blood circulation, decreased blood clotting capacity and high blood pressure. When this situation is not treated and controlled, there may be premature birth and consequences for the baby, for example.
Therefore, pregnant women who have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia can practice physical activity as long as they are approved by the obstetrician and monitored by a physical education professional to avoid complications during pregnancy. Know how to recognize the symptoms of pre-eclampsia.
4. After marathons
After marathons or intense competitions, it is important to rest to replenish the energy and muscle mass lost during exercise, otherwise there will be a greater chance of injuries. Therefore, it is recommended that you rest 3 to 4 days after running a marathon, for example, so that physical activity can be resumed.
5. Cold and flu
Although exercise promotes increased immunity, practicing intense physical activity when you have the flu, for example, is not recommended. This is because intense exercise can further aggravate symptoms and delay improvement.
Therefore, when you have the flu or a cold, the best thing to do is rest and return to activities gradually when the symptoms are no longer present.
6. After surgeries
Carrying out physical activities after surgery should only happen after authorization from the doctor and, preferably, under the supervision of a trained professional. This is because after surgical procedures, the body goes through an adaptation process, which can make the person feel unwell during physical activity.
Therefore, after surgery, it is recommended to wait until complete recovery so that exercises can be performed with progressive intensity.
