(A Questionnaire for People Aged 15 to 69)

 

Regular physical activity is fun and healthy, and more people are becoming more active every day.  Being more active is very safe for most people.  However, some people should check with their doctor before becoming much more physically active.

If you are planning to become much more physically active than you are now, start by answering the seven questions in the box below.  If you are between the ages of 15 and 69, the PAR-Q will tell you if you should check with your doctor before you start.  If you are over 69 years of age, and you are not used to being very active, check with your doctor.

Common sense is your best guide when you answer these questions.  Please read the questions carefully and answer each one honestly: check if you can answer YES to any of these questions.

If you answered YES to one or more questions, talk with your doctor by phone or in person BEFORE you start becoming much 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 that are safe for you.  Talk with your doctor about the kinds of activities you wish to participate in and follow his/her advice.

 

If you answered NO honestly to all questions, you can be reasonably sure that you can:

·         Start becoming much more physically active - begin slowly & build up gradually.  This is the safest & easiest way to go.

·         Take part in a fitness appraisal - this is an excellent way to determine your basic fitness so that you can plan the best way for you to live actively.

 

Even if you answered no to all questions, you should 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.

 

 

Informed Use of the PAR-Q: The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, Health Canada, and their agents assume no liability for persons who undertake physical activity.  If in doubt after completing this questionnaire, consult your doctor prior to physical activity.