Last time we talked about checking your vital signs before embarking on a workout, we even went ahead to mention those absolutely necessary. Let’s look at those that should be relatively considered, based on an individual’s specific circumstances.
Blood sugar levels:
For older adults, people with low energy levels, and people diagnosed with diabetes, checking your blood sugar levels before an intensive workout is recommended. Exercise affects glucose levels, and starting with too high or too low levels can be dangerous.
Normal fasting blood sugar ranges from 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L), while post-meal levels should stay below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).
If levels are below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), eat a small snack to prevent hypoglycemia.
Avoid exercise if above 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) with ketones.
Monitoring ensures safety, optimizes performance and prevents complications during workouts.
Hypoglycemia can affect the brain and other vital organs within minutes, leading to death
Oxygen Saturation:
Checking your oxygen saturation (SpO₂) before an intensive workout is crucial to ensure your body has enough oxygen to meet increased demands. Low oxygen levels can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and reduced performance, increasing the risk of injury. People with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD should be especially cautious.
Normal SpO₂ levels range from 95% to 100%. Values below 90% indicate hypoxia and require medical attention. Monitoring SpO₂ helps optimize endurance, prevent complications, and ensure a safe workout. Using a pulse oximeter can provide quick, accurate readings, helping you make informed decisions about your exercise intensity.
Remember, it’s important to get approval from your doctor before you start exercising and you should be exercising under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Fitsplurge Cares!
Remember to sign up for our newsletter for more informative articles like this.
