Some people should check with their doctor before they start becoming much more physically active.

Answer the seven questions in the box below. Common sense is your best guide when you answer these questions. Please read the questions carefully and answer each one honestly: check YES or NO.

  • 1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
  • 2. Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
  • 3. In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?
  • 4. Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
  • 5. 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?
  • 6. Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition?
  • 7. Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?

  • If you answered NO to all questions

    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 appraisal – this is an excellent way to determine your basic fitness so that you can plan the best way for you to live actively. It is also highly recommended that you have your blood pressure evaluated. If your reading is over 144/94, talk with your doctor before you start becoming much more physically active.

  • If you answered YES to one or more questions

    Talk with your doctor by phone or in person BEFORE you star t 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 which are safe for you. Talk with your doctor about the kinds of activities you wish to par ticipate in and follow his/her advice.
    • Find out which community programs are safe and helpful for you.

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