PAR-Q: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, When to consult your physician before exercisePhysical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) PAR-Q is designed to help you help yourself. Many health benefits are associated with yoga and regular exercise, and the completion of this questionnaire is a sensible first step to take if you are planning to increase the amount of physical activity in your life. For most people, physical activity should not pose any problems or hazard. This questionnaire has been designed to identify the small number of adults for whom physical activity might be inappropriate or those who should have medical advice concerning the type of activity most suitable for them. Common sense is your best guide in answering these few questions. Please read the carefully and check YES or NO opposite the question if it applies to you. If yes, please explain. 1. Has your doctor ever said you have heart trouble? 2. Do you frequently have pains in your heart and chest? 3. Do you often feel fain or have spells of severe dizziness? 4. Has a doctor ever said your blood pressure was too high? 5. Has your doctor ever told you that you have a bone or joint problem(s),such as arthritis that has been aggravated by exercise, or might be made worse with exercise? 6. Is there a good physical reason, not mentioned here, why you should not follow an activity program even if you wanted to? 7. Are you over age 60 and not accustomed to vigorous exercise? 8.Do you suffer from any problems of the lower back, i.e., chronic pain, or numbness? 9. Are you currently taking any medications? 10. Do you currently have a disability or a communicable disease? If you answered NO to all questions above, it gives a general indication that you may choose to participate in physical and aerobic fitness activities and/or fitness evaluation testing. The fact that you answered NO to the above questions, is no guarantee that you will have a normal response to exercise. If you answered Yes to any of the above questions, then it is advised that you discuss physical activity with your physician.
Return from Par-Q to yoga poses |
