If you are diagnosed with a medical problem, you will probably still be allowed to exercise, but you might have some limitations or precautions. If you have any questions, make sure you ask your doctor specifically about the type of activity you are interested in, how often you will be doing it, at what level of competition, and for how long each exercise session will last. Some doctors are more knowledgeable than others with regard to exercise activity and risk factors; you might want to see a primary care sports medicine specialist (one who is a family practitioner, internist, or pediatrician). Some common medical problems and their associated limitations to exercise are outlined in the following chart.
