How To Use the PARQ Plus

The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PARQ Plus) is a crucial tool for fitness professionals, especially those working with clients who have medical conditions. Unlike the standard PARQ, the PARQ Plus provides a more in-depth risk stratification process, helping trainers determine whether a client is safe to exercise or requires a medical referral.

Watch the video training – How To Use a PARQ Plus

How to use a PARQ Plus

What is the PARQ Plus?

The PARQ Plus is an extended version of the pre-activity readiness questionnaire designed for clients with existing medical conditions. It aims to minimise unnecessary GP referrals while ensuring safety. If a client is generally healthy and can pass a standard PARQ, they don’t need the PARQ Plus. However, if they have a medical condition, the PARQ Plus allows trainers to assess whether they can proceed with exercise or need medical clearance.

Who Should Use the PARQ+?

The PARQ Plus is ideal for:

  • Trainers working with clients who have medical conditions
  • Those pursuing or holding Long-Term Conditions or Exercise Referral qualifications
  • Fitness professionals seeking clarity on when to refer clients to a GP

It’s important to note that the PARQ Plus does not replace the need for proper qualifications. If you are not certified to work with clients with specific conditions, you must refer them to a suitably qualified professional.

How the PARQ Plus Works

The PARQ Plus consists of primary and secondary questions:

  1. Primary Questions: These cover general health concerns such as heart conditions, dizziness, medication use, and musculoskeletal issues. If a client answers “No” to all, they can begin exercising safely. If they answer “Yes” to any, they must proceed to the secondary questions.
  2. Secondary Questions: These assess specific medical conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health issues, and more. They help determine whether the condition is controlled or requires further medical input before starting exercise.

Implementing the PARQ Plus in Your Practice

Since the official PARQ Plus is a non-editable PDF, fitness professionals can use different methods to collect client responses:

  • Print and Complete by Hand – A great option for in-person consultations, especially with older clients who may struggle with technology.
  • Fillable PDF – Convert the document into an interactive form using apps, though this can sometimes lead to technical issues when clients save their responses.
  • Word Document Version – A simple alternative where clients can type their answers and email them back.
  • Online Forms (Recommended) – Using Google Forms, JotForm, or similar platforms allows for streamlined data collection, automatic timestamps, and easy storage. This is ideal for remote coaching or when dealing with multiple clients.

Download the PARQ Plus in PDF (latest version at time of writing -2025)

https://eparmedx.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PARQPlus2025ImageFile.pdf

Why the PARQ Plus Matters

This tool helps fitness professionals make informed decisions about client safety, ensuring that those with medical conditions receive appropriate guidance. By using the PARQ Plus, trainers can confidently determine whether a client is safe to exercise, needs adaptations, or requires a referral.

By integrating the PARQ Plus into your practice, you not only protect your clients but also enhance the professionalism and credibility of your fitness services.

Ready to Get Qualified to work with Health Conditions?

The Long-Term Conditions qualification is a great way to enhance your fitness career, providing you with the tools and knowledge to support clients with complex health conditions. Whether you choose to specialise or simply expand your skill set, this qualification ensures you stay ahead of the curve.

Click the link to enrol today and start your learning journey right away

https://courses.parallelcoaching.co.uk/products/level-3-diploma-in-supporting-clients-with-long-term-conditions

What conditions are included in the Long-Term Conditions Qualification?

Long-term conditions qualification is for FITPROs to work with clients who have chronic health conditions. It covers 27 conditions and teaches pathophysiology, safe exercise, and nutrition recommendations.

The 27 conditions include:

  1. Osteoporosis
  2. Osteoarthritis
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
  4. Low Back Pain
  5. Total Joint Replacement
  6. Cardiovascular Disease and Dyslipidaemia
  7. Hypertension
  8. Heart Disease and complications including Angina
  9. Asthma
  10. C.O.P.D.
  11. Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
  12. Obesity
  13. Mood Disorders
  14. Anxiety & Stress
  15. Schizophrenia
  16. Substance Abuse
  17. Eating Disorders
  18. Dementia
  19. Stroke
  20. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  21. Parkinson’s Disease
  22. Spinal Cord Injuries
  23. Hypo & Hyper-Thyroidism
  24. Connective Tissue Disease
  25. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & ME
  26. Cancer
  27. Fibromyalgia

How to get qualified to Train Clients with Long-Term Conditions?

Become a specialist in offering health-related activity advice and supporting clients that fail a PAR-Q or have Health Conditions.

This is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other FITPROs, expand your knowledge, and confidence, and link up with healthcare professionals.

https://courses.parallelcoaching.co.uk/products/level-3-diploma-in-supporting-clients-with-long-term-conditions

Dedicated to More

Hayley “How To Use the PARQ Plus” Bergman

Parallel Coaching

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More Long-Term Conditions Blogs: HERE
Difference between Exercise Referral and Long Term Conditions: HERE
5 Reasons Every Personal Trainer Should Be Long-Term Conditions Qualified: HERE