PAR-Q explained: screening new clients safely

Every new client arrives with a history you don't know yet. Some of it will never be relevant to the work you do together. Some of it will matter a great deal. The PAR-Q is the tool that helps you tell the difference.

If you're already using it consistently, this is a reminder of what good practice looks like. If you're not using it — or using it inconsistently — this is the case for making it non-negotiable.

What the PAR-Q actually is

The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire is a short self-screening tool used across the fitness industry to identify clients who may need medical clearance before beginning an exercise programme. It asks a series of yes/no questions covering:

• Heart conditions and chest pain
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Bone or joint problems that could be aggravated by exercise
• Blood pressure and heart medication
• Any other reason a doctor has advised against physical activity

A "yes" to any question doesn't necessarily mean you can't train that client. It means you need more information before you do — typically a GP clearance letter or a more detailed health consultation.

When to use it

With every new client, before the first training session. Not after a few sessions once you've built rapport, and not just with clients who "look like" they might have health issues. You can't assess cardiovascular risk, medication interactions, or musculoskeletal history by appearance.

It's also worth revisiting the PAR-Q when a client's circumstances change — if they've had surgery, a significant illness, or a pregnancy since their last assessment. Some trainers build in an annual review as standard.

What to do with a "yes"

A positive response is a checkpoint, not a dead end. Explain calmly to the client that before you begin, you'd like them to get a brief note from their GP confirming they're clear to exercise. Many GPs are familiar with this request and can turn it around quickly.

In the meantime, you may be able to begin with very light, low-risk activity depending on the nature of the flagged condition and your own competency level. If you're in any doubt, err on the side of caution and wait for clearance. Document whatever decision you make and why.

The documentation side of things

A completed PAR-Q is a professional record. It shows that you followed due diligence before putting a client through physical stress. Keep it alongside your other client paperwork — signed agreement, goal-setting notes, programme plans.

If a client ever claims they were trained unsafely, or if an injury occurs and questions arise, your documentation tells the story of the decisions you made and why. A signed PAR-Q, dated and retained, is a significant part of that picture.

Don't rely on digital records that could be lost if a platform closes or a device breaks. Keep copies — whether that's a secure cloud folder, a printed file, or both.

A quick note on PAR-Q+ and updated versions

The original PAR-Q has been updated in recent years to the PAR-Q+, which is more comprehensive and better suited to older or higher-risk populations. If you work with a broad range of clients — particularly those over 45, those with chronic conditions, or those returning to exercise after a long break — it's worth familiarising yourself with the extended version.

Whichever version you use, the principle is the same: screen before you train, document what you find, and act on the results.

Templates as a starting point

PAR-Q templates designed for personal trainers give you a professionally formatted, ready-to-use document. They're not a substitute for your professional training or for any clinical advice a client's GP provides — they're a practical tool that makes consistent screening easier. Combined with a clear client agreement and good record-keeping habits, they support the kind of professional practice that protects both you and the people you work with.

Professional PT documents and client agreements — from £29/yr.