A client assessment form serves three critical purposes. First, it identifies medical conditions and contraindications that affect exercise prescription — this protects both the client and the trainer. Second, it establishes baseline measurements for tracking progress. Third, the consent and liability section provides legal protection.
The PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) is the industry standard pre-exercise screening tool. It identifies clients who should seek medical clearance before beginning an exercise programme. The 7 PAR-Q questions included in this form are the standard questions recommended by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
Is a consent form legally required for personal training?
Legal requirements vary by country. In the UK, a signed consent form is strongly recommended by organisations like CIMSPA and UK Coaching. In the US, liability waivers are standard practice and provide significant legal protection. In all jurisdictions, having clients complete a PAR-Q and sign consent demonstrates professional due diligence.
Should I do the assessment before or after the first session?
Before. Complete the form before any physical activity begins. This is not just best practice — it is essential for your liability protection. If a client has a medical event during their first session and you did not complete a PAR-Q, you may face significant legal consequences.
How often should I re-assess clients?
The PAR-Q questions should be re-asked every 12 months or whenever the client reports a change in health status. Measurements (weight, body fat, circumferences) should be re-taken every 4-6 weeks for tracking progress. Full goal-setting conversations every 12 weeks help maintain client motivation and programme direction.