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11NEWS CORNER%u201cSubmissions of articles to News Corner with up to 500 words are always welcome. Options of College Souvenirs or Gift vouchers will be given as a token of appreciation for good works if the articles are selected for publication. Email: FPLinks@hkcfp.org.hk%u201dAs discussed in prior related topics in The FP Links, wearable devices for heart rate monitoring can provide realtime feedback, alerting to overexertion. Prior to initiating any exercise regimen, a pre-participation screening (PPS) by a family physician or physiotherapist is advisable, especially for those with significant risk factors such as BMI %u226530, familial cardiac history, or taking chronic medications.1Guidelines also suggested progression should follow the %u201810% rule%u2019: weekly increments in intensity, duration, or frequency limited to no more than 10% of the prior week%u2019s level.1 This fosters cardiovascular and muscular adaptation, mitigating overuse injuries. It is also worthwhile to explore our patients%u2019 ideas whilst helping them to plan their lifestyle. Misconceptions abound, such as exercising through fever to %u2018sweat it out%u2019%u2014a dangerous practice that aggravates dehydration, elevates core temperature, and risks complications like myocarditis.6 Recovery demands full resolution of fever (typically 2%u20135 days) before resuming activity.The interplay between exercise and sleep also merits attention. Low-to-moderate-intensity pursuits like yoga or stretching near bedtime can promote relaxation and improve sleep onset.7 However, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) within 90 minutes of sleep may elevate body temperature and sympathetic activity, hindering rest.8 Individual variability necessitates personalised advice; family physicians can help patients experiment safely.Some safety advice to consider%u2026Consider that safety is paramount, there are certainly much we can advice our patients concerning safety awareness in unmanned gyms. Upon entry, patients should assess lighting, equipment integrity, and floor hazards. A 5%u201310-minute dynamic warm-up%u2014such as incorporating arm circles, leg swings, and light jogging%u2014prepares the body by raising temperature and enhancing joint mobility.1 Hydration every 15%u201320 minutes prevents dehydration, particularly in Hong Kong%u2019s humid climate. Solo exercisers should eschew high-risk lifts like heavy bench presses or squats, opting for machines with built-in safeguards instead.1Emergency preparedness is critical. Informing family of one%u2019s location and expected return time, wearing medical alert bracelets, and carrying a mobile phone facilitate rapid response. Symptoms such as chest tightness, dyspnoea, dizziness, or visual disturbances demand immediate cessation and rest; whilst persistent issues require emergency medical attentions.1 On the other hand, gym operators bear responsibility too: provisioning automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and clear emergency protocols enhances user safety.Besides the risk discussed above, we should also appreciate the beauty of exercising. Healthy adults benefit from mindful practices. Besides the indoor gym environment, early outdoor exercise, blending with natural light and fresh air, can regulate circadian In Hong Kong%u2019s context, where space constraints and work demands fuel 24-hour gym popularity, cultural shifts towards wellness must prioritise evidence-based safety. Ultimately, exercise%u2019s therapeutic value%u2014reducing chronic disease burden and enhancing quality of life%u2014hinges on informed, cautious engagement.SummaryThe ubiquity of 24-hour gymnasiums in Hong Kong offers unparalleled access to fitness but demands vigilance against off-peak risks. Physiological circadian influences and chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease amplify hazards in early or late sessions. Family physicians should advocate pre-exercise screenings, gradual progression, and environmental safety measures. By tailoring advice to individual profiles and debunking myths, we empower patients to harness exercise%u2019s benefits safely. Prioritising evidence-based strategies ensures physical activity fosters health, not harm, aligning with global guidelines for sustainable wellness.Reference:1.American College of Sports Medicine. (2021). ACSM%u2019s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.2.World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/97892400151283.Gabriel, B.M., Zierath, J.R. Circadian rhythms and exercise %u2014 re-setting the clock in metabolic disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 15, 197%u2013206 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-018-0150-x4.Teo W, Newton MJ, McGuigan MR. Circadian rhythms in exercise performance: implications for hormonal and muscular adaptation. J Sports Sci Med. 2011 Dec 1;10(4):600-6. PMID: 24149547; PMCID: PMC3761508.5.Shen B, Ma C, Wu G, Liu H, Chen L and Yang G (2023) Effects of exercise on circadian rhythms in humans. Front. Pharmacol. 14:1282357. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.12823576.Ruuskanen O, Valtonen M, Waris M, Luoto R, Heinonen OJ. Sport and exercise during viral acute respiratory illness-Time to revisit. J Sport Health Sci. 2024 Sep;13(5):663-665. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.12.002. Epub 2023 Dec 9. PMID: 38072364; PMCID: PMC11282332.7.Korkutata, A., Korkutata, M. & Lazarus, M. The impact of exercise on sleep and sleep disorders. npj Biol Timing Sleep 2, 5 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44323-024-00018-w8.Fei LL, Zhao SX, Chen YF, Hao CF, Xin YJ. Exercise and sleep health in college students: Efficacy, mechanisms, and implications for practice. World J Psychiatry. 2025 Oct 19;15(10):108884. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i10.108884. PMID: 41112608; PMCID: PMC12531955.rhythms, optimise melatonin secretion, and elevate sleep quality. Family physicians play a pivotal role in educating on these nuances, integrating exercise prescriptions into holistic care plans. Regular follow-ups allow monitoring adherence and adjusting for evolving health status.