PAR-Q & YOU
(Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)
(for people aged 15 to 69)
Regular physical activity is fun and healthy. Though being more active is very safe for most people,
the questions below are designed to assist individual aged 15 to 69 in determining whether they
should see their doctor before increasing physical activity or exercise. Individuals over 69 years of
age, and not used to being active should check with their doctor.
Common sense is your best guide when you answer these questions. Read the questions carefully and answer
each one honestly.
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 a heart condition or that affects your blood pressure?______
Do you know of any other reason why you should not increase your physical activity?___________
IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ONE OR MORE QUESTIONS: Talk with your doctor by phone or in person BEFORE you start becoming more
physically active or BEFORE you have a fitness appraisal. Tell your doctor about
the PAR-Q and which questions you answered yes.
You may be able to do any activity you want as long as you start slowly and
build up gradually or you may need to restrict your activities to those which are
safe for you. Talk with your doctor about the kinds of activities you wish to participate in.
If you answered NO honestly to all PAR-Q questions, you can be reasonably
sure that you can:
Start becoming much more physically active-begin slowly and build up gradually. This is the safest and easiest way to go.
Take part in a fitness evaluation-this is an excellent way to determine your fitness level.
Delay becoming much more active:
If you are not feeling well because of a temporary illness such as a cold or a
fever-wait until you feel
better.
If you are or may be pregnant-talk to your doctor before you start becoming more active.
I have read, understood and completed this questionnaire. Any questions I had were answered to my
full satisfaction.
NAME:______________________________________DATE:___________________________
SIGNATURE:________________________________WITNESS:_______________________
SIGNATURE OF
PARENT
Or GUARDIAN: (for participants under the age of 18)
_____________________________________________________________
Adapted from PAR-Q, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology