What Is a PAR-Q? (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)

What PAR-Q stands for

PAR-Q stands for Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire. It is a screening form that helps a personal trainer, gym, or coach decide whether a client can begin exercise straight away or needs medical advice first.

Why the PAR-Q is important

A PAR-Q supports duty of care by identifying health risks before exercise starts. It also helps meet the expectations of professional indemnity insurance providers and aligns with CIMSPA standards for pre-exercise screening.

Used correctly, it helps fitness professionals make safe, responsible decisions about exercise prescription without replacing medical advice.

The standard seven PAR-Q questions

The original PAR-Q form asks seven yes/no questions. These are widely used in the UK and internationally.

1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
2. Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
3. In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?
4. Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
5. Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
6. Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition?
7. Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?

PAR-Q vs PAR-Q+

The standard PAR-Q is a brief screening tool. PAR-Q+ expands on the original with follow-up questions that provide more detail when a client answers “yes,” helping professionals decide whether exercise can proceed with modifications or if GP clearance is needed.

Many UK fitness businesses use the original PAR-Q or a local variation, while PAR-Q+ is more common where deeper screening is required. For a side-by-side breakdown, read our PAR-Q vs PAR-Q+ guide.

Who should complete a PAR-Q

Anyone starting a new exercise programme with a personal trainer, gym, or group fitness class should complete a PAR-Q form. It is especially important for clients returning after a break, those with medical conditions, or anyone unsure about their current health status.

How often a PAR-Q should be updated

Best practice is to renew a PAR-Q at least once per year and whenever a client’s health status changes. Many trainers update it at the start of a new training block or after extended time away from exercise. See how often to update a PAR-Q for practical timelines.

Is a PAR-Q a legal requirement?

In the UK, a PAR-Q is not universally required by law. However, it is widely viewed as best practice for pre-exercise screening and is commonly expected by professional indemnity insurance providers and CIMSPA-aligned standards.

Limitations of a PAR-Q

A PAR-Q is a screening tool, not a medical assessment. It relies on self-reported information and does not replace clinical advice. If a client answers “yes” to any PAR-Q questions, the safest next step is to request GP clearance before exercise begins.

Digital PAR-Q forms

Digital PAR-Q forms reduce paperwork, improve record keeping, and make it easier for clients to complete screening on mobile devices. Many fitness businesses now use secure links instead of paper forms to keep records organised.

Simple PAR-Q’s digital PAR-Q platform is designed for fitness professionals who want a clear, professional workflow without adding friction for clients.

Key takeaways

• A PAR-Q form is a standard pre exercise screening questionnaire used by personal trainers and gyms.
• It supports duty of care, client safety, and insurer expectations in the UK.
• The standard PAR-Q has seven questions, with PAR-Q+ offering deeper follow-up screening.
• Renew PAR-Qs annually and when a client’s health changes.