Recent increases in cardiac arrest cases among young, seemingly healthy fitness enthusiasts have raised concerns about the lack of mandatory health screenings before intense exercise. Medical experts warn that undiagnosed heart conditions combined with high-intensity workouts and unregulated supplement use are significant risk factors. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, fueling renewed calls for improved pre-exercise health assessments.
Dr. Praneeth S, a cardiologist at Vasuvi Hospital in Bangalore, emphasized that pre-activity health checks are more than a formality. “They help trainers evaluate an individual’s health status, medical history, and potential risks, ensuring exercise is both safe and effective,” he explained.
The Importance of Pre-Exercise Screening
Pre-exercise screening involves medical evaluations prior to engaging in vigorous physical activity. These assessments examine overall health, particularly heart function, blood pressure, and any underlying conditions that may increase risk or affect performance.
Dr. Praneeth recommends comprehensive screening of major organs, including the heart, kidneys, brain, blood vessels, and muscles. He stressed the critical importance of heart health, noting that cardiac events can be life-threatening. “Undiagnosed heart disease, hypertension, and other conditions significantly raise the risk of heart attacks during strenuous activity,” he said.
“People of all ages and genders, especially young adults, are at risk of heart disease,” Dr. Praneeth added. He warned that high-intensity exercise, especially when unaccustomed, causes sudden spikes in heart rate and blood pressure, which places strain on the cardiovascular system. This strain may lead to blood clots, aortic dissection, or damage to the heart muscle.
To mitigate these risks, he advises undergoing a full medical evaluation before beginning intense training. Early detection of asymptomatic lifestyle diseases is vital, as it allows timely interventions and helps prevent long-term complications.
A local fitness coach interviewed by South First echoed this view, noting that health screenings help trainers tailor exercise plans safely while addressing nutrition. The coach advised members to consult doctors and monitor their health before ramping up workout intensity.
Dr. Praneeth confirmed that most trainers recommend regular health check-ups and often advise members on medical assessments.
Safety Procedures Lag in Top Fitness Centers
South First visited five popular gyms in Bangalore—Cult Fit (Whitefield), Gold’s Gym (Whitefield), Barbell Cartel (Whitefield), Cyborg Fitness (Whitefield), and Iconic Fitness (Indiranagar)—to assess their health screening policies.
While many emphasize training guidance and nutrition, only a few require formal medical exams before workouts. Cult Fit and Gold’s Gym suggest new members undergo screenings such as BMI measurement, ECG, and blood pressure tests, but these are not mandatory.
Divya, a 40-year-old architect and Cult Fit member since 2018, said, “They ask about injuries and health conditions and recommend check-ups, but it’s not compulsory.”
Barbell Cartel and Cyborg Fitness do not perform formal screenings but encourage medical consultations. Iconic Fitness stands out as the only gym among those surveyed that requires basic medical clearance before allowing high-intensity exercise.
Wearable Devices Offer Guidance but Not Diagnosis
Increasingly, fitness enthusiasts use smartwatches and wearables to track heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. However, Dr. Praneeth cautions that while these tools provide useful information, they cannot diagnose heart disease.
“Normal readings don’t guarantee the absence of disease, and minor fluctuations shouldn’t cause undue alarm,” he said. Accurate diagnosis requires medical tests like ECG or stress tests, and high-risk individuals may need advanced imaging such as cardiac CT angiography.
He also warned about pre-exercise supplements, whose ingredients vary widely. Excess intake of certain proteins, fats, or minerals may not be safe for everyone. “Being asymptomatic doesn’t mean there are no underlying issues,” Dr. Praneeth advised, recommending consultation with nutritionists or cardiologists before supplement use.
Lifestyle Changes Are Essential for Health
Many health problems can be controlled or reversed through lifestyle modifications. Dr. Praneeth stressed the importance of stress management, balanced diet, and regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises. He also highlighted the need to monitor salt and fluid intake under medical supervision.
“These changes require a long-term commitment rather than short-term efforts to achieve significant health benefits,” he said.
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