Starting the Year with New Goals: A Laboratory Check-Up Before Exercising in Limón

Importance of a check-up before exercising

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set positive goals. In the province of Limón, many people decide to start or resume physical activity such as walking, going to the gym, swimming, running, playing football, or simply moving more to improve their health.
However, before increasing physical demands, there is one essential step that is often overlooked: getting a preventive laboratory check-up.

At Laboratorio Clínico Bioclinic, with locations in Limón Centro and Puerto Viejo, we promote preventive health as the foundation for safe and sustainable physical activity.

Why Is a Check-Up Important Before Exercising?

Physical activity is one of the best habits we can adopt, but it also places greater demands on the body.

When you exercise:

• Energy expenditure increases.
• The cardiovascular system works harder.
• Muscles are subjected to greater effort.
• Fluids and electrolytes are lost through sweat, especially in Limón’s hot and humid climate.

If there are pre-existing imbalances—such as anemia, altered glucose levels, hydration issues, or changes in kidney function—the risk of extreme fatigue, dizziness, cramps, or injuries increases significantly.

A pre-exercise check-up allows you to understand your body’s overall nutritional and physical condition, detect potential risks early, and adapt the intensity of exercise safely and responsibly.

Exercise, Climate, and the Local Reality in Limón

In our province, many physical activities take place outdoors. Heat, humidity, and constant sweating cause the body to lose water and essential minerals more quickly. In addition, not everyone has the same eating habits, rest patterns, or work schedules.

For this reason, starting the year with a laboratory check-up is a smart decision—not only for people who are beginning a new routine, but also for those returning to exercise after a long period of inactivity.

From the perspective of a servicio de salud puerto viejo, prevention and proper guidance are essential to avoid health issues that can be easily prevented with timely evaluation.

Key Parameters to Evaluate Before Starting Training

Glucose

Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. Measuring it helps identify:

• Low blood sugar episodes that can cause weakness or dizziness during exercise.
• Alterations compatible with prediabetes or diabetes.
• Metabolic changes that directly affect physical performance.

This test is especially important for people who train on an empty stomach, change their diet, or aim to lose weight.

Lipid Profile

The lipid profile measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides—key indicators of cardiovascular health.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve these values, but knowing your starting point helps define the safest type and intensity of activity, particularly for people with a family history of heart disease.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The complete blood count is one of the most valuable tests before starting physical activity. It provides essential information about:

• Anemia, a common cause of fatigue and poor exercise tolerance.
• Signs of infection or inflammation.
• Alterations in white blood cells or platelets.

Many people attribute tiredness solely to being “out of shape,” when in reality there may be an underlying condition that a CBC can easily detect.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are essential for muscle contraction and nerve function. In warm climates like Limón, maintaining proper balance is crucial.

Imbalances may lead to muscle cramps, weakness, early fatigue, or general discomfort during training.

CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase)

CPK is a marker associated with muscle stress or damage. It is useful for evaluating how muscles respond to physical exertion.

This test is particularly relevant for people returning to intense workouts after a long break. To obtain reliable results, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise one or two days before the blood test.

Kidney Function

Kidney function is commonly evaluated through tests such as creatinine and related parameters. The kidneys play a critical role in regulating fluids, electrolytes, and waste elimination.

Intense exercise combined with dehydration, frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs, or unsupervised supplements can affect kidney health. Monitoring this function is essential, especially for people training in hot and humid conditions.

Urinalysis

A general urine test is a simple but very valuable complement to the overall check-up. It provides information about:

• Hydration status.
• Possible urinary tract infections.
• Alterations that may require further medical evaluation.

Although simple, this test offers important clues about overall health.

Prevention: The Key to Avoiding Injuries and Abandoning Goals

Starting an exercise routine without knowing your body’s current condition increases the risk of pushing beyond safe limits. This not only raises the likelihood of injury, but also leads to frustration and abandonment of health goals.

A preventive laboratory check-up allows you to:

• Adjust training intensity appropriately.
• Improve nutrition and hydration planning.
• Identify conditions that require medical follow-up.
• Train with greater confidence and peace of mind.

From the experience of Laboratorio Clínico Bioclinic, this preventive approach is a fundamental part of a comprehensive health strategy and of a true servicio de salud puerto viejo focused on community well-being.

Practical Recommendations Before Taking Your Tests

To ensure accurate and useful results, it is important to:

• Follow fasting instructions if required for certain tests.
• Avoid intense physical activity before sample collection.
• Maintain normal hydration.
• Inform laboratory staff about medications or supplements you are taking.
• Mention recent symptoms such as fever, infections, or digestive issues.

Starting the Year with Information and Confidence

Starting the year with information and prevention is the best way to protect your health. At Laboratorio Clínico Bioclinic, we are proud to support our community as part of a comprehensive servicio de salud puerto viejo and Limón Centro.

A laboratory check-up is not a barrier—it is a tool that helps you move forward safely, prevent health risks, and build sustainable habits over time.

At Laboratorio Clínico Bioclinic, in Limón Centro and Puerto Viejo, we are committed to providing close, professional care to the local community, supporting preventive health and helping people start the year with confidence, knowledge, and well-being.