If you join a gym or start with a personal trainer, you'll usually be asked to fill in a short health questionnaire first. A common one is the PAR-Q, short for Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire. Here's what it is, and why it isn't something to worry about.
What it asks about
The questions are yes or no. They cover things like:
- whether a doctor has said you have a heart condition or high blood pressure
- chest pain, at rest or when you're active
- dizziness, or losing your balance or consciousness
- bone, joint or muscle problems that activity could make worse
- medication for a long-term condition
- anything else that might affect how safely you can exercise
Why trainers ask
A gym instructor or PT is trained to work with healthy adults. The questionnaire helps them spot when something needs a doctor's input first, and when it's outside what they're trained to handle. It protects you, and it protects them.
What happens if you answer yes
A yes doesn't mean you can't exercise. It usually means the trainer will ask you to check with your GP before you start or step up your training. Your GP might give the go-ahead, suggest some limits, or point you to a specialist service.
There's a newer version called the PAR-Q+, which asks follow-up questions so fewer people need to see their GP just to get started.
Be honest on it
It's the same rule as the questionnaire on this site. The only person you can fool is you, and here the stakes are higher than a few extra squats.
Living with a health condition? See the starting point for you, including questions to take to your GP.