The purpose of a physical exam is for a doctor to determine how healthy you are and to check for common or chronic health issues. To do this, the doctor will generally: • Ask you about your health history and recent test results • Check your blood pressure and heart rate to make sure they're normal • Visually examine you and check your body health, reflexes, motor functions, and speech • Check your heart, lungs, throat, ears, nose, and skin for any issues • Consider any areas of concern like a family history of heart problems • Provide a blood test or another test if you need one Depending on the particular type of physical you need, the doctor might also check for other things like your running ability or for any signs of cancer. Typically, the exam is really simple and easy! Also, you'll have the opportunity to bring up other health matters with the doctor, so be sure to take advantage of this.