The PAR-Q Form: How Personal Trainers Should Use the PAR-Q+

Every new client should be screened before their first session, in person or online. The PAR-Q+ is a widely used starting point for that screening, and the official form can be downloaded and photocopied. This guide explains how it works and what it doesn't cover.

A note first. This is not medical or legal advice. The PAR-Q+ helps decide who needs advice before becoming more active; it does not diagnose anything. Check what your insurer and any certifying body require for screening.

What is the PAR-Q+?

The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone, or PAR-Q+, is published by the PAR-Q+ Collaboration (eparmedx.com). In its own words, the questionnaire "will tell you whether it is necessary for you to seek further advice from your doctor OR a qualified exercise professional before becoming more physically active."

The current version is the 2025 form, available as a fillable PDF (download the official PAR-Q+) and as an online questionnaire on the same site.

The seven PAR-Q+ questions

Page 1 asks seven yes or no general health questions. In summary, they cover:

• Whether a doctor has said the person has a heart condition or high blood pressure.
• Chest pain at rest, in daily activities or during physical activity.
• Losing balance from dizziness, or losing consciousness, in the last 12 months.
• Any other diagnosed chronic medical condition.
• Prescribed medications for a chronic condition.
• A current, or recent, bone, joint or soft tissue problem that more activity could make worse.
• Whether a doctor has said they should only do medically supervised activity.

Summarized from the PAR-Q+ 2025 form. Use the official form, not this list.

What the answers mean

No to all seven

The form says the person is cleared for physical activity and signs the participant declaration; pages 2 and 3 are not needed. It still advises starting slowly and building up gradually, and that anyone over 45 who isn't used to vigorous exercise should consult a qualified exercise professional before exercising at that intensity.

Yes to any of them

The person completes pages 2 and 3, follow-up questions about specific conditions: arthritis, osteoporosis or back problems, cancer, heart conditions, high blood pressure, metabolic conditions, mental health conditions, respiratory conditions, spinal cord injury, stroke, and other conditions.

Yes to a follow-up question

The form says to seek further information before becoming more active, by completing the online ePARmed-X+ or visiting a qualified exercise professional. As a trainer, don't start the program until that step is done and you have whatever clearance it calls for.

Delay becoming more active

The form also lists reasons to wait: a temporary illness such as a cold or fever, pregnancy (talk to a health care practitioner or complete the ePARmed-X+ first), and any change in health.

Rules for using the form

• Use the whole form, unchanged. The PAR-Q+ says you are encouraged to photocopy it, but you must use the entire questionnaire and no changes are permitted. Don't retype it into your own form.
• Valid for 12 months at most. The declaration says the clearance lasts a maximum of 12 months and becomes invalid if the person's condition changes.
• Minors need a signature. Anyone under the legal age of consent needs a parent, guardian or care provider to sign as well.
• Keep it confidential. The declaration notes that the fitness center may keep a copy and will keep it confidential under applicable law.

What else belongs in a client intake

The PAR-Q+ screens for health risk. It doesn't tell you how to coach the person. A full intake also asks:

• Goals: what they want, by when, and why it matters to them.
• Training history: experience, current routine, equipment and days available.
• Injuries and limitations beyond the screening questions.
• Nutrition: current eating, preferences, allergies and foods they won't eat.
• Lifestyle: sleep, work schedule, stress and activity outside training.
• Starting measurements and photos. See how to take progress photos.
• Agreement: your terms, cancellation policy and consent. See personal trainer contracts.

Screening online clients

Online clients need the same screening, delivered differently. A simple process: send the official PAR-Q+ PDF, have the client complete and sign it, and keep the returned copy with their records. Ask your other intake questions in a separate onboarding form, so the PAR-Q+ stays unchanged.

In CoachPilot, an onboarding questionnaire is assigned automatically when you add a client and is waiting for them when they set up the app, so goals, history and preferences arrive before you write the first plan. Documents such as the signed PAR-Q+ can be shared in the client conversation, attached to that client.

The short version

The PAR-Q+ is a seven-question health screening you can download and photocopy. No to all seven means cleared; a yes leads to follow-up questions and, if needed, further advice before training. Use the official form unchanged, redo it at least every 12 months, and pair it with an intake that covers goals, history, nutrition and lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

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