Preexercise

Preexercise refers to the period, protocol, or set of preparations undertaken before engaging in physical activity or exercise. It covers planning, screening, warm-up, nutrition, hydration, and equipment readiness. In clinical and sports settings, preexercise aims to reduce the risk of adverse events and to optimize performance and comfort.

In medical contexts, preexercise evaluation or screening assesses an individual's health status and risk before initiating an exercise program or undergoing exercise testing. Screening often includes review of medical history, current symptoms, medications, and prior exercise tolerance. Based on guidelines from professional organizations, individuals can be categorized by risk level (low, moderate, high), which guides the need for medical clearance, supervision, or tailored testing.

In typical fitness or athletic settings, preexercise planning emphasizes a proper warm-up, hydration, comfortable and appropriate clothing, and properly fitted equipment. It may also involve environmental considerations (temperature, humidity), sleep status, and avoidance of factors that could impair safety, such as recent illness or intoxication. For individuals with chronic conditions, prescreening can inform adjustments to intensity, duration, or monitoring during activity.

Preexercise nutrition and supplementation commonly address fueling and hydration. A light meal or snack before exercise may help maintain blood glucose and energy, particularly for longer sessions, while caffeine or other stimulants are considered by some athletes to influence alertness and performance. Advice should account for personal tolerance, timing, and any medical conditions.

In research or clinical exercise testing, preexercise protocols standardize factors such as rest period, recent caffeine or nicotine use, and prior meals to reduce variability. Documentation of prescreening results and recommendations is typical.