Train safely: our health note

Everything on The HIT Method is general information about exercise. It is not medical advice, it is not a personal training plan, and it cannot account for your health history. Please read this note before trying the sessions described on the site.

Talk to a doctor first if

• you have, or think you may have, a heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or a lung condition such as asthma or COPD;
• you have ever had chest pain, fainting or unexplained breathlessness during exercise;
• you take medication that affects heart rate or blood pressure;
• you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are returning to exercise after a long break, illness, surgery or injury;
• you are new to exercise and have health concerns, or you are unsure whether vigorous exercise is safe for you.

Stop a session straight away if you notice

• chest pain, pressure or tightness, or pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw;
• dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion or feeling faint;
• breathlessness far beyond what the effort should cause, or a racing or irregular heartbeat;
• sharp joint pain, or pain that changes how you move.

Chest pain or fainting during or after exercise needs urgent medical attention. Call your local emergency number.

Sensible defaults

• Build a base of regular, moderate activity before adding hard intervals.
• Always warm up and cool down, and use the easier option when in doubt.
• Take extra care in heat, at altitude and when you are tired, unwell or under-slept.
• Numbers in our articles (interval lengths, rounds, heart rate estimates) are starting points. Your body’s signals come first.

Responsibility

You are responsible for deciding whether an exercise is right for you. The HIT Method and its editors accept no liability for injury or loss arising from use of the information on this site. For anything specific to your health, speak to a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified professional.