What is a PAR-Q Form

Exercise, Health Assessments

What is a PAR-Q & why should you complete one?

When you join a gym or before you start a new fitness programme with a Personal Trainer you will be asked to complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire or PAR-Q form. It has 7 questions when help work out your readiness for exercising. We all know exercise is good for your, but if you have an injury or illness then a personalise and often clinical approach is best.

The PAR-Q questions are:

  • Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
  • Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
  • In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?
  • Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
  • Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
  • Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition?
  • Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?
If you answer yes to any of the above, then a chat with your doctor is recommended before you start exercising again.

What other information do you think would be useful?

When you are in your fifties, it can feel like you have quite a list of ailments or niggles. But it is worthwhile writing down what you can remember, even if it feels insignificant.
  • Any broken bones
  • Osteoporosis (noting DEXA results)
  • Surgeries
  • Physiotherapy
  • Past injuries still niggling
  • Medication that affects exercise
  • Stress Levels and Management
 

Fifty Fitness Considerations

  • Depending on your gym, your class instructor may not see your completed PAR-Q form. If you have anything you think your instructor should be aware of, please let them know.
  • Funny story, when I cover Pilates classes I have had participants get quite annoyed as they told me their history the last time, I covered (months previously) and expected me to remember them. Please be realistic and be prudent when it comes to your health and exercise experience.

Why should you complete a PAR-Q form

  • PAR-Q form are helpful for your exercise coach to help provide you with a safe and effective workout. Which is personalised for you
  • It is also a way for you to keep track of your health. If you complete them annually it will give you complete health history record to refer back to if required.
Samantha Valand is a Pilates teacher, Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer turned online Coach. Who helps over fifties women fall in love with exercising again after the menopause. You can find some inspiration over on the blog.  Over on my YouTube channel, you can find my Intuitive Exercise Energy Readings. A tool I created to help build intuition and the mind-body connection when you start to exercise again after the menopause. Sign up for my free monthly newsletter to help you live healthy ever after