CSEP PAR Q - What is the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire?

What does CSEP PAR-Q stand for?

CSEP PAR-Q stands for the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.

The purpose of the CSEP form is to identify individuals who require further medical evaluation before starting an exercise prescription, such as:

cardio workouts or
weight training like the 3×5 strength training program which is based on the three lifts in the sport of powerlifting:
- squats
- bench press
- deadlifts

Therefore, the CSEP PAR Q serves as an excellent health care screening questionnaire. For example, you must first answer YES to all the questions of the CSEP form before starting an exercise program.

As a result, the PAR-Q is typically used by a qualified exercise professional certified as a personal trainer by organizations such as:

ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) or
ACE (American Council on Exercise)

How to perform a fitness assessment

You can download a free printable CSEP PAR Q questionnaire template here or click on this image of the CSEP PAR Q:

csep par q form physical activity readiness questionnaire — CSEP PAR-Q Form (revised 2002) Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire © CSEP | SCPE

CSEP PAR-Q Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

(A Questionnaire for People Aged 15 to 69)

Regular physical activity is fun and healthy, and increasingly more people are starting to become more active every day. Being more active is very safe for most people. However, some people should check with their doctor before they start 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 CSEP 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: YES or NO.

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 (for example, back, knee, or hip) 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 Answered YES to One or More Questions

Talk with your doctor by phone or in-person BEFORE you start becoming much more physically active. Tell your doctor about the CSEP 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 to your doctor about the kinds of activities you wish to participate in and follow his/her advice.
Find out which community programs are safe and helpful for you.

Fitness testing for Personal Trainers

If You Answered NO to All Questions

If you answered NO honestly to all CSEP PAR-Q questions, you can be reasonably sure that you can:

start becoming more physically active
take part in a fitness assessment – also, it is highly recommended that you have your blood pressure evaluated. If your reading is over 144/94, talk with your doctor before starting an exercise plan.

When to Delay Becoming Much More Active

Even if you answered NO to the entire Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, you should still delay becoming much more active:

if you are not feeling well because of a temporary illness such as a cold or a fever, or
if you are or may be pregnant – talk to your doctor before you start becoming more active.

You can download a free CSEP form PAR Q printable questionnaire template here.