Need medical clearance to work out?

Jolie, BSN · Oct 12, 2005

I just went to a fitness center recently because I need to start working out again (I'm 5 feet tall and 225 lb.) and the extra weight is causing heel, back and joint pain. On their form they state that all members must certify that they are healthy or get medical clearance from their doctor. Well, I just had a workplace physical. While the doctor cleared me to work, I was assessed as being obese (no kidding!) and elevated blood pressure (it was borderline). He also had concerns about the possibility of nonpitting edema in my ankles (he said it could be adipose tissue, though) and said bloodwork would be needed to determine that. Problem is, I live an hour away from his office and currently don't have health insurance because I let it lapse when our facility was bought out by another company. (I have COBRA but can't afford it, so I'm looking into either getting insurance with my new employer or getting my own insurance).
Can the workplace physical count as medical clearance since I was cleared to work? (I'm a nursing assistant.) I'm required to have clearance if two or more risk factors are involved. Obesity and high blood pressure were on the list.
Sigh...:stone

Just another example of a business trying to cover their butt legally. They don't want you to be able to recover damages from them if you should become ill or injured as a result of exercising in their facility, so they insist on medical clearance as a way of passing the buck onto your physician.

I don't know why your employee physical wouldn't suffice as clearance, as you do physically demanding work as a CNA. If the fitness center requires a written release from the physician, call his office and ask them to mail a note to you.

Happy exercising!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2005

Is there a form or something the doctor has to sign for the exercise facility? If so, try sending it to the office of the doctor who did your physical with a sticky or note stapled to it asking if he would sign it so you can procede with an exercise plan. I'd also include an stamped envelope addressed to you so it will be easy for him to mail it back. The other thing you could do is have a physical done by an urgent care center. They have kids and people who don't have regular physicians coming in for physical exams for clearances to do different types of activities all the time. You can call ahead and find out how much it is going to cost.

boulergirl, CNA · Oct 13, 2005

Thank you both. Speaking of urgent care centers, there's a place called Quick Care in Gainesville, so maybe they can give me clearance. (They're also much closer than the doctor's office.) My sister, who lives within walking distance, has also offered me the use of her treadmill and weights if I can't afford to go the gym (the membership IS expensive). Just for now, I may use her equipment, because I need to exercise regardless.

The form the facility gave me requires me to list a personal physician, as well as the date of my last Personal Fitness Test and some other test.