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Is a PAR-Q a Legal Requirement?

A UK-focused guide to what is (and isn’t) required by law, plus how duty of care and insurance expectations shape best practice for personal trainers.

Short Answer Summary

In the UK, there is generally no single statute that explicitly says every personal trainer must use a PAR-Q. However, pre-exercise screening is widely expected as part of professional practice, duty of care, and insurance requirements.

If you need the fundamentals first, start with what a PAR-Q is.

  • A PAR-Q is not typically a direct legal requirement in itself, but it supports reasonable risk management.
  • Professional bodies and insurers often expect clear screening records.
  • Documented screening can help demonstrate duty of care if a question ever arises.

Is a PAR-Q Required by Law?

For most UK personal trainers, there isn’t a single law that specifically mandates a PAR-Q for every client. The legal position is usually about broader health and safety obligations and the general duty to take reasonable care. That’s why the wording tends to focus on “reasonable precautions” rather than a named form.

In practice, a PAR-Q (or equivalent screening method) is the most common, recognised way to show those precautions are in place. That means it’s often treated as a professional standard, even if it isn’t written into statute.

Legal Duty of Care Explained

Duty of care in the UK generally means taking reasonable steps to keep clients safe during training. That does not require medical diagnosis, but it does mean collecting enough information to spot potential risks and respond appropriately.

A PAR-Q helps you document those steps. If a client discloses a condition, you can refer them to a GP or adapt their programme. This is about safe practice rather than replacing medical advice.

Insurance and Professional Expectations

Many UK insurers and professional bodies (such as CIMSPA or similar organisations) typically expect evidence of pre-exercise screening. Requirements can vary by provider, but a completed PAR-Q is a common way to demonstrate compliance and good record-keeping.

If you want more context on how PAR-Qs fit into UK personal training standards, see our guide for personal trainers.

What Happens If You Don’t Use a PAR-Q?

Not using a PAR-Q doesn’t automatically mean you’re breaking the law, but it can make it harder to show that you took reasonable steps to screen a client. If a dispute or insurance query comes up, the absence of documented screening may complicate matters.

A simple screening process helps demonstrate a consistent approach to safety and supports a stronger professional audit trail. That is why many clinics compare digital PAR-Q forms with paper files for documentation clarity.

Best Practice for Fitness Professionals

  • Use a PAR-Q (or equivalent) at onboarding and refresh it when a client’s health status changes.
  • Escalate “yes” answers to appropriate medical clearance and document the outcome.
  • Keep clear records so you can demonstrate professional standards and client safety.

If you’re new to PAR-Qs, start with our plain-English overview above before building out your compliance workflow.

Key Takeaways

  • A PAR-Q is usually not a named legal requirement in the UK, but it is widely treated as best practice.
  • Duty of care focuses on reasonable precautions, and screening is an easy way to evidence that.
  • Insurance and professional standards often expect documented screening for clients.

If you’d like a calm, professional way to keep screening records organised, Simple PAR-Q can help — without adding friction for you or your clients.