Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) — Fitness and Exercise Screening
7-item yes/no screening to identify if a person should seek medical advice before increasing physical activity.
The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) is a concise, 7-item yes/no screening tool designed to quickly identify individuals who may need medical advice before beginning or increasing physical activity. This PAR-Q in the Fitness and Exercise category helps you assess exercise safety, uncover potential health risks, and determine whether medical clearance is recommended. Completing the PAR-Q is an important first step for safe exercise programming and injury prevention.
Use this PAR-Q to evaluate your readiness for physical activity, especially if you have existing health concerns such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, dizziness, or bone and joint problems. The questionnaire is widely used by fitness professionals, clinicians, and individuals to support informed decisions about starting a workout plan, rehabilitation, or more vigorous exercise. After answering the seven yes/no questions you will receive clear guidance on next steps and safety recommendations.
Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
This question identifies diagnosed heart conditions that may require physician oversight before exercise.
Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
Chest pain with activity can signal a cardiac issue that needs professional evaluation.
In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were NOT doing physical activity?
Recent unexplained chest pain warrants medical assessment before exercising.
Do you ever lose balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
Dizziness or fainting can indicate cardiovascular or neurological conditions affecting exercise safety.
Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example, back, knee, hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
Existing musculoskeletal issues may require modifications or professional guidance for safe exercise.
Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition?
Certain medications and cardiovascular conditions may influence exercise response and monitoring needs.
Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?
This question captures any other medical or health concerns not listed that could affect exercise readiness.
Related quizzes
Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) — Fitness and Exercise Sitting Habits Test
Multiple-choice time bands across sedentary activities to profile sitting behavior.
Exercise Stages of Change Questionnaire (Physical Activity SOC) — Fitness & Exercise Self-Classification
Categorical self-classification into precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action or maintenance.
Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Categorized Version) — Fitness and Exercise Assessment
Multiple-choice frequency bands for light, moderate and vigorous sessions to classify activity level.
Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) Quiz — Measure Your Confidence to Maintain Fitness
Likert options measuring confidence in maintaining exercise under challenging conditions.
Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2/3) — Exercise Motivation Quiz
Likert-scale assessment of exercise motivation across amotivation to intrinsic regulation.
Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) — Functional Capacity Quiz
Yes/no items about ability to perform daily and recreational activities to estimate functional capacity.