When to stop exercising

Knowing when to stop matters as much as knowing how to start. These are the signs the British Heart Foundation says mean stop, and what it advises next.

Stop if you notice any of these

The British Heart Foundation tells people to stop exercising if they experience any of the following:

Chest pain
Palpitations
Dizziness
Light-headedness

If the signs do not go away

Stop means stop. Do not try to finish the movement or the session you were on.

Chest pain or chest discomfort is the exception to waiting: the American Heart Association says not to wait, and to call your emergency number right away, even if you are not sure it is a heart attack.

For the other signs, if they do not go away quickly with rest, the British Heart Foundation advises seeking urgent medical advice.

Slowing down is different

Not every hard moment means stop. The British Heart Foundation advises slowing down if you feel overly breathless or tired, and coming to a pause if you need to. Once you feel recovered, restart at a slower pace.

It also suggests starting and finishing each session at a slower pace, so your body can prepare and recover. The level to aim for is one where your breathing is faster but you can still talk and carry on comfortably.

Where Vaskuna shows these signs

Vaskuna shows its When to stop page before each of your first three sessions, where you cannot miss it. During any session, the page is one tap away on the session screen, and you can pause or end the session at any time.

Before your first session, the app also asks five safety questions. If you answer yes to any of them, it asks you to check with your doctor before starting, and builds a plan only once you confirm your doctor has said you can exercise.

Vaskuna is a general wellness app and does not give medical advice. If you are unsure whether new exercise is right for you, speak to your doctor before you start.

Questions

What should I do if I feel dizzy while exercising?

Stop. Dizziness and light-headedness are among the signs the British Heart Foundation says mean stop exercising. If it does not go away quickly with rest, seek urgent medical advice.

Is feeling tired a reason to stop?

The British Heart Foundation says feeling overly breathless or tired is a reason to slow down, and to pause if you need to. Once you feel recovered, restart at a slower pace. Chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or light-headedness are different: those mean stop.

Should I speak to a doctor before I start?

If you are unsure whether new exercise is right for you, yes. Vaskuna also asks five safety questions before your first session, and asks you to check with your doctor if you answer yes to any of them, except being unwell today, when it asks you to rest and come back.

Sources

British Heart Foundation. Exercising with a heart condition: finding a safe level for you. Heart Matters. Read it
American Heart Association. Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Last reviewed 12 December 2024. Read it