Your safety is our highest priority at Hailey Happens Fitness (HHF).
Strength training can be incredibly supportive for long-term health, confidence, and resilience - but there are times when the safest (and smartest) next step is to get guidance from a qualified medical professional before you start or continue a program.
This article is here to help you make a quick call on whether your question is best answered by your doctor or physical therapist first.
If you’re looking for HHF’s full policy on what we can and can’t advise (and why), read: Safety, Medical Guidelines, and Disclaimers.
A Simple Rule: Doctor First if There’s Pain, Procedures, or a Condition
Before starting or continuing an HHF plan, it’s best to speak with your doctor or physio first if any of the following are true:
1) You have pain or an injury
You have a current injury
You have ongoing pain (even if it comes and goes)
You get pain during or after training that feels sharp, worsening, or unusual
You’re compensating or “working around” something to get through workouts
2) You’ve had (or will have) a procedure
You’ve had recent surgery
You have upcoming surgery
You’re returning to training after a procedure, injection, or period of immobilization
You’ve been given post-op instructions or restrictions (even if you feel “fine”)
3) You have a medical condition or diagnosis that affects training tolerance
You have a chronic medical condition
You have a diagnosis that impacts movement, recovery, balance, strength, bone health, or fatigue
You take medication that affects exercise tolerance or recovery
You’ve been advised in the past to modify activity or avoid certain movements
4) You’re returning after time away for health reasons
You’ve had a health event, flare, or recovery period and are unsure what’s appropriate now
You’re not confident about what’s safe to restart, even if you feel motivated
If any of these apply, getting medical guidance first helps you train with clarity and confidence.
When to Pause and Seek Medical Advice During Training
Even if you’ve started a program, pause and check in with a qualified professional if you notice:
Pain that increases as you warm up or train
Pain that lingers or worsens after sessions
New symptoms you haven’t experienced before
A feeling that something is “not right,” unstable, or unsafe
You’re changing technique significantly to avoid discomfort
Training should feel challenging at times, but it shouldn’t feel risky, sharp, or like you’re pushing through warning signs.
Why This Matters (and Why HHF Can’t Make This Call For You)
HHF can share general education and training principles, but we can’t assess:
your medical history
how you move right now
where you are in the healing or recovery process
what limitations or precautions are appropriate for you
Only your doctor or physical therapist can do that and that level of assessment is what makes training decisions safe when health considerations are involved.
For more detail, read: Safety, Medical Guidelines, and Disclaimers.
What to Ask Your Doctor or Physio
If you’re unsure what to say, here are helpful prompts:
“Am I currently cleared to do strength training?”
“Are there any movements I should avoid right now?”
“What are my limits around load, range of motion, impact, or intensity?”
“Are there any symptoms that would mean I should stop and follow up?”
“How should I progress over the next few weeks/months?”
“Can you recommend appropriate substitutions/modifications for my situation?”
If you’re already following a plan, ask:
“Is this plan appropriate for me as written?”
“If not, what specifically should be adjusted?”
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To make it easy for your clinician to guide you, bring:
the HHF plan name(s) you want to follow (or screenshots of the weekly layout)
a quick note on your current activity level and training history
any questions you have about specific movement patterns (e.g., squats, hinges, pushing/pulling)
They can help you determine:
what works as written
what needs adjusting
how to progress safely and confidently
How to Move Forward Safely With HHF
If you are new to HHF
Download the HHF app
Review the sample plans or join the Fit Happens Membership 10-day trial
Show the plan(s) you’re considering to your medical professional
If you are already using HHF workouts
Show the plan(s) you’re following or considering to your medical professional
Once you’ve been cleared to train without limitations, we’re absolutely here for you.
We can help with:
how HHF plans are structured
navigating the app and program features
choosing between plans once you’re cleared
answering general, non-medical training questions
You’re Doing the Right Thing
If you’re asking whether you should check with a professional first, you’re already making a smart decision.
Your long-term health matters. Your safety matters. Get the green light you need, and when you’re ready, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.