Medical disclaimer

Last updated: October 29, 2026

Before you start

Talk to a doctor or another qualified clinician before beginning or substantially changing an exercise or nutrition programme, particularly if any of the following apply:

• You have a heart, lung, metabolic or blood pressure condition, or a family history of early cardiac disease.
• You are pregnant, recently post-partum, or trying to conceive.
• You are recovering from injury, illness or surgery, or you take medication that affects heart rate, balance, blood sugar or hydration.
• You have an eating disorder or a history of one. Our nutrition articles are not written for that context.
• You are over 65 and new to structured exercise, or under 18.

Stop and seek help

Stop exercising and get medical attention for chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting or near-fainting, an irregular heartbeat, sudden severe headache, numbness, or pain that is sharp rather than muscular. Call your local emergency number if symptoms are severe or do not settle.

Individual variation

Loads, paces, set counts and protein figures in our articles are general starting points for a general reader. They are not prescriptions, and they may be wrong for you. Adjust them, or have someone qualified adjust them with you.

No professional relationship

Reading this site, subscribing to the newsletter or emailing us does not create a doctor-patient, dietitian-client or coach-athlete relationship. We cannot and do not give individual medical, rehabilitation or dietary advice by email.

Accuracy

We aim to reflect current evidence and to say when it is uncertain. Science moves, and older articles may not reflect the latest position. If you spot an error, write to [email protected] and we will correct it with a dated note.